SINGAPORE — Desmond Tan is giving fans a striking look at just how far he went to transform himself for his latest movie role — gaining 10kg before shedding the weight and returning to his familiar toned physique.
The 40-year-old Singaporean actor documented the dramatic transformation in a recent Instagram video, showing his journey from his usual athletic build to a fuller physique and eventually back to his defined, six-pack physique.
The transformation was undertaken for Pace, an upcoming Singapore film in which Tan plays Malcolm, a middle-aged former drug addict who takes up long-distance running after rehabilitation as he attempts to rebuild his life.
‘I stopped recognising the person in the mirror’
In an Instagram post shared on Aug. 30, Tan showed photos from the weight-gain phase of his preparation.
The accompanying message described how the transformation affected his perception of himself, noting that this was only one stage of the physical change he underwent for the film.
For someone known for maintaining a highly athletic physique, the change was significant.
Tan previously revealed that he had gained 10kg specifically for the role, reaching a weight he said he had never reached before.
He had also spoken about the psychological challenge of suddenly looking very different from his usual image. During a press conference for Pace, he admitted feeling self-conscious about the weight gain and experiencing mild panic when speaking to the media.
From ‘pudgy’ to six-pack again
The production was filmed in three blocks between November 2025 and March 2026.
During that period, Tan first built up his weight for Malcolm’s appearance before cutting down again toward the end of production. AsiaOne reported that he worked with a dietitian and trainer during the process.
Other Singapore media outlets had previously reported on the physical demands of the transformation.
CNA Lifestyle reported in November 2025 that Tan had gained more than 10kg and said that even walking could leave him breathless. He also stressed that he was not promoting extreme weight gain or loss, saying his goal was to achieve the physique required for the role safely.
Mothership similarly reported that the additional weight caused him to overheat and sweat more easily and left him feeling breathless.
The Straits Times reported that Tan’s transformation involved gaining at least 10kg to portray Malcolm, describing the contrast between his former athletic appearance and the heavier physique required for the character.
Why he deliberately changed his appearance
Tan said Malcolm could not simply look like a traditionally handsome leading man, so he drew inspiration from ordinary men he observed around Singapore.
He recalled going to the Central Business District with a cup of coffee and people-watching, noticing the physiques of men over 40. He then used those observations to make Malcolm’s appearance more believable.
The result was a character who looked considerably different from the actor’s familiar public image.
After completing the required scenes, Tan began cutting the weight and eventually returned to a visibly leaner physique.
His latest video captures that journey in reverse — from the heavier Malcolm to the toned actor audiences are more accustomed to seeing.
As Tan put it in the caption accompanying the video: the body changed for the role, and the role changed the body.
Fans impressed by the transformation
The transformation has attracted plenty of attention online, with netizens praising Tan for the dedication required to alter his physique so substantially for a role.
Local singer-songwriter Derrick Hoh was among those inspired by Tan’s transformation, sharing his own attempt to follow in the actor’s footsteps.
Pace is directed by Jonathan Choo and also stars veteran actor Zhu Houren, his son Joel Choo, and content creator Simonboy.
The film is scheduled to open in Singapore cinemas on Oct. 8, 2026.
Editorial fact-check
For accuracy, I would not describe this as an “extreme diet” or claim Tan lost a specific number of kilograms unless a reliable source explicitly confirms it. The available reporting confirms the 10kg gain and subsequent weight loss, but does not establish an exact amount lost. AsiaOne also reports that he worked with a dietitian and trainer during the process.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D
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