Scottish actor GERARD BUTLER was determined to get in shape for his new movie role as a Spartan king, after having his size criticised on by complete strangers.
The 36-year-old - who plays KING LEONIDAS in the film epic 300, based on FRANK MILLER's graphic novel - took the statements to heart and set upon a strict fitness regime to get back into shape.
The TOMB RAIDER: THE CRADLE OF LIFE star says, "I had just come from Italy and three different people who I had never met before had commented on me being fat. I had made a promise to myself that I would make this the film of my life, so I went a little crazy.
"The boot camp for the movie was very intense but I had already been training for three months before that." Despite his preparation for the role, Butler admits the tough workout programme still took its toll.
He says, "Afterwards I had tendonitis in almost every part of my body. I had a bad injury in my forearm which still comes up if I go to the gym.
"I had a rotator cuff injury and I pulled my hip flexer. Then there was a lot of whacks. Whenever you're doing a lot of sword fighting you're always getting whacked in the head or punched."