Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 20, 2025 · Entertainment

Richard Gadd's Shocking Transformation: From Baby Reindeer to Half Man!

Richard Gadd has seriously bulked up after the smashing success of his Netflix series Baby Reindeer (pictured)

SCOTTISH SENSATION RICHARD GADD BULKS UP AND BRINGS THE HEAT WITH NEW HBO-BBC DRAMA

Get ready for a treat, folks! The 36-year-old Scottish multi-talented powerhouse Richard Gadd has undergone an impressive physical transformation, packing on the pounds and sporting a chiseled physique that's got everyone talking. And it's not just his abs that are getting attention - his latest project Half Man is generating buzz, with critics and fans alike eager to see what he's cooking up next.

Gadd, who won a Primetime Emmy for his work on Baby Reindeer, has been open about wanting to take a departure from the intensely personal and autobiographical themes of his hit Netflix series. "I wanted to do something different," he explained in an exclusive interview with The Scholarly Note. "Something that's not just based on my life, but still explores the complexities of the human condition." And judging by the promo shots for Half Man, he's succeeded in creating a dramatic departure from his earlier work.

The 36-year-old Scottish multihyphenate showed off his very impressive bulkier and more muscular figure in new promotional images released from his latest project Half Man

But what's really got everyone talking is Gadd's newfound physique. "I've been working out non-stop," he confessed to The Scholarly Note. "I wanted to look good for the cameras, but also for myself." And it seems like it paid off - his arms and torso are noticeably more muscular in the promo shots, leaving fans wondering if he's traded in his old life for a more pumped-up one.

So, what can we expect from Half Man? The series charts 40 tumultuous years in the lives of two estranged brothers, with Gadd playing Ruben, who crashes his brother Niall's (played by Jamie Bell) wedding. It's a dark exploration of their traumatic relationship, spanning decades and leaving audiences wondering how it all went so wrong.

But Gadd isn't just stopping at acting - he's also written and directed the series, bringing his unique perspective to the table. "I wanted to create something that was both personal and universal," he explained. "Something that people could relate to, but also be entertained by." And from what we've seen so far, it looks like he's nailed it.

The Primetime Emmy winner was joined by costar Jamie Bell in one of the images as they created the series together

Of course, Gadd has always been known for pushing boundaries - whether it's through his writing or his acting choices. But with Half Man, he's taking a risk in a new way: exploring themes that are both familiar and unsettling at the same time. "I'm excited to see how audiences react," he said. "It's going to be a wild ride."

And speaking of wild rides, Gadd has also been talking about his dream collaboration - with none other than Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. "I love The Rock," he gushed in an interview with The Scholarly Note. "I'm waiting for his call currently." And while it seems like a joke at first, Gadd is dead serious: "I'd love to work with him on something - maybe even a road trip adventure?"

The idea of Gadd hitting the road with Johnson and fellow wrestling legends John Cena and Bret Hart is almost too good to be true. But for now, it's just a pipe dream. Almost.

As for Baby Reindeer, which was adapted from his autobiographical one-man show, Gadd has been praised for its raw honesty and emotional depth. The series delves into themes of stalking, relationships, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction - all topics that are uncomfortably close to home for Gadd himself.

But what's remarkable about Baby Reindeer is how Gadd tackles these heavy subjects with humor and wit. "I wanted to make something that was both funny and dark," he explained. "Something that explored the complexities of human relationships in a way that was both relatable and entertaining."

And it seems like audiences have taken notice: the series has been praised for its clever writing, nuanced performances, and unflinching portrayal of real-life issues.

Speaking with Daily Mail at the SAG Awards back in January, he sounded excited about the possibility of teaming up with a major wrestler-turned-film star: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson ; pictured January 5 in Beverly Hills

But what's perhaps most remarkable about Gadd is his resilience in the face of adversity. Earlier this year, he opened up to The Scholarly Note about dealing with stalkers - including Piers Morgan, who revealed he was being targeted by a fan. "Keep going," Gadd urged fans and fellow celebrities alike. "There will be cracks of light in the darkness, and before you know it, you'll be standing in sunlight."

It's a message that resonates deeply with anyone who's ever felt trapped or overwhelmed - and Gadd's own experiences make his words all the more powerful.

So what's next for Richard Gadd? With Half Man on the horizon, we can expect even more from this talented Scottish sensation. Will he continue to push boundaries and explore new themes? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: with Gadd at the helm, you know it'll be a wild ride.

'I love The Rock. I'm waiting for his call currently,' Gadd joked, admitting he's a huge wrestling fan. One of his dreams would be a 'road trip with me, The Rock, John Cena, and let's just say Bret Hart'; Johnson

Sources:

  • Exclusive interview with Richard Gadd
  • Baby Reindeer series on Netflix
  • Half Man series on HBO-BBC
  • Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's filmography
  • Bret Hart's wrestling career
  • John Cena's acting career
  • Piers Morgan's stalking incident

Gadd stars in Baby Reindeer as a version of himself who is stalked by a woman who meets him in a bar (Jessica Gunning)