LOS ANGELES, July 4 — Alexander Skarsgard was certainly not monkeying around when he was preparing for this role as the king of the jungle in Tarzan.

Skarsgard had to get into serious shape to play the part and maintain his eight pack abs, so he was eating more than just bananas for sure. In a recent interview with Mr. Porter, Skarsgard revealed that he had to eat 7,000 calories a day.

In order to get his body in perfect shape for the part, Skarsgard began an intense diet and exercise programme three months prior to filming. Aside from the strict diet, he also lifted heavy weights with a routine that would begin at 4:30am in the morning.

Skarsgard maintained a diet free of sugar, gluten, wheat, dairy, and alcohol. He would also eat six small meals daily and work out twice a day.

Co-star Margo Robbie also revealed to Entertainment Weekly that Skarsgard would get her to describe what she ate over the weekend. "I remember the day that he was allowed an apple, and he kissed the apple,” said Robbie. "It hit me how deprived you are if you’re that excited to see a piece of fruit.”  

Needless to say once filming was over, Skarsgard went on a feeding frenzy. "I spent four days just in bed, being fed by Dad.

"He cooked these pastas with rich sauces and bone marrow and fried mozzarella and tons of beer and wine. It was the most incredible weekend of my life.”