In a revealing “Actors on Actors” chat, Daredevil’s Charlie Cox and Agatha All Along star Joe Locke dive into their contrasting journeys within the Marvel Universe—covering everything from physical transformations for iconic roles to the struggle against early career typecasting.
Cox’s Daredevil Transformation
Cox, who returned as Matt Murdock in Daredevil: Born Again, reflected on how physically demanding the role became. From weighing about 160 pounds, he bulked up significantly—embracing weightlifting, protein shakes, and a strict workout routine to suit his superhero comeback.
The training has “literally transformed” his body, he shared, underscoring the drastic difference from his earlier Netflix incarnation.
Locke Wants to Escape the “Twink” Box
Meanwhile, Joe Locke, known for Agatha All Along and Heartstopper, revealed his frustration with being repeatedly cast in the same “skinny gay twink” roles—an archetype he excels at, but now wishes to evolve beyond.
He’s actively tried to gain weight to expand his casting range, though ironically the industry still saw him fitting that mold. Locke admires actors like Colman Domingo, whose careers thrive on diverse roles not limited by sexual orientation.
Veteran Meets Rising Star
Cox offered mentorship, noting the industry often casts actors based on their earliest roles. He emphasized that as Locke builds his career, broader opportunities will arise—just as Cox himself moved into a physically demanding, nuanced superhero role over years.
“When you first start…you get cast very close to who you are,” Cox said, adding, “As you work more…and you want to do different characters,” doors open.
Final Take from ScoopCast
This conversation reveals both the physical rigors and emotional weight of forging a Marvel career. Cox’s body transformation underscores the extremes of superhero prep, while Locke’s challenge highlights an industry still wrestling with typecasting. Their dialogue is a masterclass in self-awareness, ambition, and evolution—on-screen and off.
