Marvel fans defend Kumail Nanjiani after star is subjected to ‘racist body shaming’

Marvel fans have come out in their droves support Kumail Nanjiani after he was body-shamed by online trolls for getting into shape for his forthcoming role in The Eternals.

42-year-old Nanjiani, who is best known for his comedy roles in films like The Big Sick, will play Kingo in Marvel’s forthcoming space opera extravaganza that is due for a release in November.

Over the New Year period, Nanjiani shared a picture of himself on Instagram eating a cake and wishing everyone a 'Happy New Year’. Although he had a jumper on his arms were noticeably bigger, a clear sign that he has been hitting the gym to get the right look for the superhero role. 

Nanjiani had posted several pictures of himself during December and his impressive new muscles but for some reason, a debate about his new physique has only just erupted on social media with some onlookers baselessly accusing him of using steroids.

However, those accusations have since been branded as racist by fans of the star and Marvel movies, who have pointed out that the likes of Chris Evans, Chris Pratt and Chris Hemsworth, as well as numerous other actors not called Chris, have gotten into similar shape for their respective Marvel characters and received nothing but praise.

As it turns out this was far from the first time that Nanjiani has publicly shown his new body shape. Way back in December 2019, he posted a topless picture on Instagram, saying that he “never thought I’d be one of those people who would post a thirsty shirtless, but I’ve worked way too hard for way too long so here we are.”

At the time, his trainer Grant Roberts spoke to The Hollywood Reporter and revealed that Nanjiani trained for four to five days a week, even twice a day at times. 

“We sent him away in peak physical condition, but he’s had to maintain that. I give him kudos for being able to do that, especially when he was working,” Roberts added.

More: The microaggressions against the BIPOC community you might not even realize you're doing