Action star Lewis Tan, known for his role as Cole Young in Mortal Kombat II, continues to train rigorously in martial arts, while balancing a unique diet and lifestyle. Tan, aged 39, was training with co-star Max Huang before a recent interview. "I rushed home, toweled off, and here I am," he said. The film, released on Friday, features Tan reprising his role as an MMA fighter defending Earthrealm against Outworld.
Training and Choreography
Tan's approach to training is consistent and demanding, maintaining a year-round regimen to stay prepared. "I have been training martial arts for 20-plus years," Tan said, noting that continuity helps avoid the rush of last-minute preparations typical in the industry. Even during non-action film projects, Tan remains committed to training. "Even when I did a rom-com with Emma Roberts, I was still training," he shared.
Collaborative Fight Scenes
On set, Tan often collaborates with stunt professionals, many of whom he knows personally. "There is a collaborative process," he explained. For Mortal Kombat II, the action team was given more creative control, elevating the film's fight sequences. "We learned from the first movie and made corrections in the second," Tan added, promising a more comprehensive storytelling approach in the choreography.
Diet and Physical Regimen
Tan's diet is as disciplined as his training, with a focus on lean proteins like elk and wild-caught salmon. "The food I make is more for fuel," he stated, emphasizing natural and unprocessed foods. His exercise routine includes martial arts practice four days a week, complemented by weight training and high-repetition workouts. Cardio is less favored, with Tan preferring rowing and inclined walking over treadmill sprints.
Philosophy and Lifestyle
Having grown up with a stunt coordinator father, Tan was immersed in the world of martial arts from a young age. His early experiences included jumping off roofs in talent shows and participating in competitive kickboxing and Muay Thai matches. Despite his intense training, Tan remains grounded, focusing on mental preparation and avoiding unnecessary conflict. "Most fighters are very calm people," he noted, highlighting the confidence that comes from martial arts training.
Source: https://www.gq.com/story/real-life-diet-lewis-tan-mortal-kombat-ii
