There is no denying that Zack Snyder’s stunning visuals and the Scottish actor Gerard Butler’s chiseled looks turned 300 into one of the surprise hits of 2007. However, looking back at Snyder’s first comic-book movie, Butler revealed how his dedication and painful training for the film took a toll on him.

Gerard Butler

Gerard Butler

Reminiscing fondly on his breakout role, Gerard Butler recalled his first interaction with the director and how they bonded before engaging in the film. Interestingly, the actor then recalled spending six hours a day in training, which ended up ruining his body.

Gerard Butler’s Interaction And Bonding With Zack Snyder 

Getting his first breakout role in the American epic period action film, 300, the Scottish actor Gerard Butler got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with Zack Snyder.

"In some ways I was ruining my body": Gerard Butler Went Through 6 Hours of Painful Training Everyday For His God Like Physique in Zack Snyder's Movie

Playing the role of King Leonidas, who led 300 Spartans into battle against the Persian God-King Xerxes, Butler delivered a phenomenal performance that garnered a positive response from the audience and critics.

Gerard Butler

Butler recalled bonding instantly with Zack Snyder

However, his work experience was beyond comparison, as the actor mentioned developing a great bond with the filmmaker, way before delving into the project.

“I met him for coffee in the valley,” Butler recalled about meeting Snyder. Reminiscing his first interaction with the director to discuss playing King Leonidas, the actor mentioned bonding with Snyder, instantly.

Gerard Butler in Zack Snyder's 300

Gerard Butler in Zack Snyder’s 300

“I came in like a force of nature, but I was met with an equal force of nature, and the two of us came together like a whirlwind,” Gerard Butler shared. Marching back and forth outside the Starbucks, the actor recalled demonstrating “the Spartan walk” to the director. And that’s how the duo bonded, “and Zack’s jumping up and down and going, ‘Yeah! That’s awesome!’ We bonded from the start.”

Gerard Butler’s Grueling Training For 300 Ruined His Body

Nonetheless, while reflecting upon his first encounter with the director, Gerard Butler then recalled the grueling training that helped him achieve the chiseled look for 300.

Discussing how far he went to get the perfect physique and appearance, the actor mentioned working out for 6 hours a day. “That was the best shape I have ever been in in my life” the actor stated.

Gerard Butler as Leonidas 1 in a still from 300: Rise of An Empire

Gerard Butler‘s chiseled physique in 300

Breaking down his training method, the actor claimed to do two hours of CrossFit-style training, two hours of bodybuilding, and two hours of fight choreography.

Gerard Butler then mentioned the impact of his grueling training on his body. “In some ways I was ruining my body, but I was looking amazing doing it.” the actor shared.

Gerard Butler

Butler mentioned almost ruining his body with intense training

But in the end, all of their dedication paid off, when Zack Snyder‘s 300, became a surprise hit. Although Butler, “remember going, ‘Oh my God. This movie’s going to suck,’”, the director proved his vision and shocked the audience with his first comic-book movie.

“When I first saw the final product…It was like, ‘Look at what Zack did!’ I can’t speak highly enough about him.” Butler shared.

Eventually, the movie excelled at the box office and made $456M against its $65M budget. 300 even earned massive respect and appreciation from moviegoers and Snyder fans.