Jodie Foster is known for her dedication to her craft, and her preparation for roles is no exception. For the 2023 sports drama Nyad, in which she played Bonnie Stoll, the coach and longtime friend of marathon swimmer Diana Nyad, Foster underwent intense physical training to embody her character convincingly.
To prepare for the physically demanding role, Foster trained rigorously with her trainer every day. Her workout regimen included heavy weightlifting and kettlebell training to develop strength, as well as a series of 100 abdominal, shoulder, and arm exercises daily. These exercises were crucial in helping her build endurance and maintain the physicality required for the role.
One of the most challenging aspects of her training was performing military-style chin-ups and pull-ups, which strengthened her upper body. These exercises were essential since her character needed to demonstrate the stamina and resilience of a coach supporting an athlete in extreme conditions. Foster also incorporated two-hour power walks into her routine to boost her endurance, ensuring she had the stamina required for the role’s physically intense scenes.
This disciplined training program allowed Foster to perform most of her own stunts in the film, enhancing the authenticity of her performance. Her commitment to physical preparation reflects her dedication to storytelling and her willingness to push herself beyond her comfort zone.
Foster’s hard work paid off, as her performance in Nyad was widely praised. Her ability to bring depth to the role, combined with her physical transformation, demonstrated once again why she remains one of Hollywood’s most respected and talented actresses.