**Brandon Sklenar Talks Openly About Body Image Struggles Ahead of New Film**
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Brandon Sklenar, the 36-year-old actor known for his candid discussions surrounding self-image and body dysmorphia, has revealed insights into his personal journey during a recent interview. As he promotes his latest film, *Iron Jane*, which explores the world of bodybuilding alongside co-star Eiza González, Sklenar delves into the challenges he has faced regarding his body image.
In conversation with *The Hollywood Reporter*, published on November 10, Sklenar described how his struggles with self-image have persisted throughout his life. The film sees him portraying a coach who guides an emerging female bodybuilder, played by González. This narrative speaks directly to Sklenar’s experiences, as he reflects on the significant influence of societal expectations within the fitness world.
Sklenar shared that his background in a gym environment—having worked at one in northern New Jersey during his teenage years—gave him a unique perspective on the complex issues raised in *Iron Jane*. He emphasised the importance of addressing topics such as body image and dysmorphia, especially as they relate to the pervasive influence of social media and fitness influencers. “This is something I’ve struggled with, so we really wanted to translate that,” he noted, highlighting his collaboration with the film’s writer-director, Lissette Feliciano, to represent his character’s internal struggles authentically.
Recalling his own childhood experiences, Sklenar disclosed that body image issues have been a part of his life from a young age. “I was a little kid—short, chunky. I swam in a T-shirt and got made fun of. Then I had a growth spurt and became really lanky, and I got made fun of for that,” he said. His obsession with fitness began as a way to combat the teasing, transforming into a fixation that warped his self-perception—a theme that resonates throughout the film.
Coping with these feelings has been a continuous journey for Sklenar. “It’s very much an ongoing process. Therapy helps for sure,” he stated. Despite his physical transformation into a fit adult, he admitted to often feeling like the “12-year-old chunky kid” trapped in a cycle of insecurity, stating that the feeling of inadequacy is a hard habit to break.
*Iron Jane* tells a compelling story about identity and self-worth, particularly within the realm of competitive bodybuilding. The synopsis reveals that as González’s character rises in the ranks, her understanding of reality becomes increasingly distorted, leading to a crisis regarding her identity. Sklenar’s character, the supportive coach, grapples with his own issues, creating a complex relationship between the duo as they navigate the competitive landscape.
He also shared concerns about specific scenes in the film that required him to be vulnerable. “I felt so nervous when I had to film a scene that required my whole body to appear ‘fully on display’,” he confessed. Sklenar acknowledged the challenges posed by confronting his insecurities in front of the camera, but also expressed admiration for González. He noted the weight of her performance, stating, “If I feel this way, I can’t imagine how she feels,” as her character’s physique is a focal point throughout the film.
In addition to *Iron Jane*, Sklenar has continued evolving as an actor. He mentioned that he recently ‘got massive’ in preparation for another upcoming film titled *F.A.S.T.*, set to release in 2027. His commitment to diverse roles highlights his versatility as an actor and his determination to confront personal challenges through his work.
As *Iron Jane* prepares for its release, the conversation surrounding body image remains crucial. Sklenar’s unflinching openness about his experiences speaks to a larger societal issue, emphasising the need for ongoing discussions in an increasingly image-driven world.
While *Iron Jane* does not yet have a confirmed release date, audiences can anticipate seeing Sklenar next in *The Rescue*, scheduled for theatrical release on January 29. His willingness to share his journey allows viewers to engage with serious themes in a unique, relatable context, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about body positivity and mental health in the entertainment industry.
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