FINE FIENNES

‘Conclave’ Actor’s Ripped Body Sparks Internet Debate

The actor’s photo had social media fans questioning whether the photo is genuine.

A photo of actor Ralph Fiennes taken during his training for his film The Return has sent tongues wagging on X, The Daily Mail reported. Coming on the heels of Fiennes’ most recent role as a Catholic cardinal in the Oscar-nominated film Conclave, the photo was a departure from how fans have seen the actor in recent months. "You prepping for a boxing match with @jakepaul?” one commentator quipped. Another added, “‘Conclave 2, payback time’ Debt collected. Justice served.” Several questioned whether the photo was genuine while others suggested that Fienne’s body could be the result of steroids. “Steroids are awesome, aren’t they? Sorry about the testicular shrinkage, but at your age the might be a bonus,” a commentator wrote. Yet Fiennes’ physique is the effect of his turn as the hero Odysseus in the film The Return, which is heading to cinemas in the United Kingdom after its December 2024 release in the United States. And according to social media comments, Fienne’s body could be the film’s breakout star. “Wow. Well done sir. We call that SWOLL! 🫡” wrote another commentator under his post.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this post mistakenly said that Ralph Fiennes had shared the images. A fan account shared the images.