Tahar Rahim's Transformation for 'Prisoner': A 20 kg Weight Gain Journey
Tahar Rahim underwent a dramatic physical transformation for his role as Tibor Stone in 'Prisoner,' gaining 20 kg in two months after losing weight for 'Alpha.'
To embody the role of the hitman Tibor Stone in the action series "Prisoner," Tahar Rahim underwent a significant physical transformation. This shift came immediately after filming "Alpha," in which he portrayed a character with a gaunt physique, leading him to lose around 20 kilograms.
"Prisoner," which premiered on Canal+ on July 13, showcases Rahim in a new light, requiring him to regain his athletic build. He had a tight two-month window to prepare for the role, during which he committed to the gym between four to five times a week, spending 1.5 to 2 hours per session. Rahim stated, "I went back to the gym to achieve the physical form that the character demands."
Beyond just weightlifting, Rahim focused on enhancing his overall physicality. He trained for explosiveness, speed, and flexibility, emphasizing the need to reestablish coordination after spending months in a lighter body. "When you’re in a body that’s 20 kg lighter for 4-5 months, it can take a toll. The body gets used to moving differently," he explained.
Strategic Weight Gain
Rahim's weight gain was not a haphazard process; he worked closely with a nutritionist to ensure that he regained weight in a healthy and muscular way. "The body is waiting, it wants to be fed. I could have gained weight in an unhealthy manner, but I needed to be muscular and athletic, not overly so. The nutritionist was precise about this," he noted.
This physical challenge aligns with a deliberate shift in Rahim's career trajectory. Having previously starred in demanding dramas like "Le Serpent" on Netflix, he expressed a desire to explore the action thriller genre. "I wanted to delve into a genre I hadn’t yet explored, which is action thriller," he shared.
In his pursuit of authenticity, Rahim prepared for the role of Tibor Stone, a formidable sociopath, with the assistance of a psychologist friend. He aimed to ground his portrayal in truth and realism, stating, "I wanted to start from a basis of truth and reality."
Interview conducted by Emilie Semiramoth on May 5, 2026.
