Charles Melton's Jaw-Dropping Body Transformation Shocks Fans in ‘May December’

Charles Melton as Joe. Cr. in ‘May December.’ François Duhamel / Courtesy of Netflix

Director Todd Haynes expressed his gratitude for Charles Melton's emergence in the acting world and his impressive performance in May December. Haynes admitted that initially, Melton's appearance, which was different from his expectations for the character, almost made him hesitant to cast him in the role.

Melton, who portrays the character Joe, purposefully put on weight prior to filming his scenes. Haynes, who is 62 years old, explained that Melton did this in order to transform his typically muscular physique into something more relatable to a suburban man in the story. Haynes further commended Melton's exceptional physicality as an actor, stating that a friend who saw a preview of the film noticed that Melton moved with a combination of childlike and elderly characteristics, which perfectly aligns with the predicament Joe finds himself in.

Before booking May December, Melton gained recognition for his role as Reggie Mantle on The CW’s Riverdale. He brought the iconic Archie Comics character to life for a six-year period and also showcased his talent in The Sun Is Also a Star, Bad Boys for Life, Heart of Champions, and Secret Headquarters.

Charles Melton as Reggie Mantle in ‘Riverdale.’ The CW

His role as Joe in May December, however, is Melton like we’re never seen him before.

The film takes place years after a highly publicized romance between Gracie (Julianne Moore) and Joe (Melton) captured national attention. With a significant age difference of 23 years, the couple is preparing to send their children off to college. However, their lives are disrupted when Elizabeth (Natalie Portman) arrives in town to research for a new movie about their relationship. As Elizabeth delves into their past, the couple's dynamic begins to unravel, forcing Joe to confront his youthful experiences.

Earlier this year, Melton described his preparation for the project as a deep exploration of the complexities and voyeuristic nature of the human condition.

"I inquired of my parents regarding their experience when I departed from home, and the type of discussions they engaged in within their own relationship. They expressed profound sadness," he disclosed to Variety in May. "My mother, hailing from Korea, diligently prepared every meal for me during my upbringing. On my mother's side, I am the first generation. Meanwhile, my father manifested remarkable ease in relinquishing control and placed trust in the successful outcome of this new chapter."

Inspired by the real-life scandal involving Mary Kay Letourneau and her student Vili Fualaau, who was 22 years her junior, the film May December has already garnered acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival. (Following Letourneau's release from prison, the controversial couple went on to marry and remained together for over a decade before publicly announcing their separation in 2019.)

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Haynes recently commended Melton for his portrayal of Joe, highlighting his understatement and ability to grasp the character's circumstances. In an interview with Netflix's Tudum, Haynes expressed admiration for Melton's depiction of a man trapped in a stifling marriage, still navigating the process of asserting himself.

May December will be out in select theaters starting Friday, November 17, before it’s available to stream on Netflix Friday, December 1.