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When I tell you to imagine a "Marvel body," what do you think I mean? Most likely you're thinking of ripped biceps, a pack that's at least six, and an ass that could be America's own. Yes, you can imagine that actors starring as marvel heroes have some pretty intense workout regiments, but at New York Comic Con 2024, we learned that there' at least one exception. That is, David Harbour as Red Guardian.

Let me explain: Harbour wasn't actually at NYCC promoting a Marvel project, but was attending as a panelist for the tenth anniversary of Josh Horowitz's Happy Sad Confused podcast. The first of five celebrity guests, Harbour got to talk about his role as Sheriff Jim Hopper on Stranger Things, Eric Frankenstein in the DCU's Creature Commandos, and eventually, the Red Guardian.

"You know, you do a Marvel movie" he said of his experience in the role, "and the first thing everybody does on a Marvel set... there's a guy down in Atlanta who's the trainer for everybody Marvel. So everybody's like, [lowers voice],'Alright, we're gonna train.' Everyone starts training and lifting. You lift weights, right? But then [the filmmakers] are always like, 'except David.'"

In case you aren't aware, Red Guardian is actually Alexei Shostakov, the USSR's answer to Captain America. He first appeared in 2021's Black Widow, and will return to the big screen next year with Marvel's Thunderbolts*. And if Harbour is to be believed, he'll be sporting the same red outfit (which host Horowitz described as "not leaving much to the imagination") and Alexei's signature dad bod.

"You can lift weights," David said his superiors told him, "We're fine with that, but please don't lose that adorable dad belly."

Hold for applause.

Harbour continued, laughing, "I was like, 'Guys, you've given me all the tools to get in shape.' And now they're saying [lowers voice again] 'Don't use them.' It's kind of the dream, I don't know."

Thunderbolts* (and David Harbour's adorable dad belly) hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Relive New York Comic Con 2024 with Popverse's all-star crew of writers, editors, and video producers right here.