Patrick Wilson has had a long career on stage and in film and TV, but he’s not exactly the first name that comes to mind with Hollywood muscle. That’s just what’s onscreen, though. He did venture into the deep with a superhero transformation, bulking up for his role as Orm in both Aquaman films — and he’s actually a certified fitness fanatic who has done lots of CrossFit and, more recently, Hyrox. Most recently, the 53-year-old went viral for his sweaty, shirtless workout scene in Apple TV’s newest psychological thriller, Cape Fear.
Wilson made it clear there were no special camera tricks or fake weights involved in the clip. All of the sweat and grit was real, drawing on Wilson’s deep well of fitness experience to put his impressive power clean form on screen.
Over the years, Wilson has adapted his training to focus on longevity and injury prevention. The focus shifted from running marathons and high-intensity workouts to Hyrox and other exercises such as RDLs, rowing, and pushups — all of it accumulating into that explosive power clean moment.
“I did turn it into a workout because that was the goal,” Wilson explains. “I didn’t want to have to act. I just wanted to pick something I could do 15 times.” He estimates the weight was around 115 pounds. Speaking with MH Fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., Wilson delves into how that Cape Fear scene came together, how he trained to look like a “linebacker version” of himself for Aquaman, and how he’s customized his fitness plan as he’s gotten older — proving that smart, consistent training can deliver serious results well into your fifties.
