In the flesh: Ray Winstone's natural physique on the football pitch and in cult film 'Sexy Beast'The actor, best known for his no-nonsense hardman roles has been given a digitally-created six-pack for his role as warrior Beowulf in the self-titled adult fantasy film.
The actor is barely recognisable in stills from the adult fantasy film in which he co-stars alongside Angelina Jolie, and Sir Anthony Hopkins who plays King Hrothgar.
Action man: Ray Winstone with his digitally enhanced body as warrior BeowulfWinstone has been given a virtual Hollywood makeover, losing his beer belly, to remake his portly British frame into that of a comic book superhero with the help of skilled digital imaging.
Described as "'Lord of the Rings' meets '300', the long-awaited adaption of the the oldest story in the English language, "Beowulf" is described by the Los Angeles times as a "hyper violent and highly sexualized tale".
The warrior Beowulf (Ray Winstone) must slay the monster Grendel (Crispin Glover). Later, Grendel's mother (Jolie) seduces Beowulf so that she can produce a replacement heir that will allow her to re-establish her dominion over the kingdom.
Winstone has become a fixture in Hollywood since his breakthrough role in Gary Oldman's Nil By Mouth. And is currently filming the fourth installment of the Indiana Jones series with Harrison Ford.
Die-hard fans of the comic book genre will get a sneak peak at the 3-D digital version of the film at a comic convention, Comic-Con, in San Diego tonight.
