Alex Pettyfer Gained 27 Pounds For 'Magic Mike'

Alex Pettyfer, 22, the British star who made a name for himself in such films as I Am Number Four with Dianna Agron (to whom he was briefly engaged) and Beastly with Vanessa Hudgens, recently revealed that he experienced a bit of a weight fluctuation in preparation for his role as newbie stripper Adam in Magic Mike, costarring Matthew McConaughey and Channing Tatum.

After he was asked to "put on a bit of weight" for Magic Mike, according to Us Weekly, Pettyfer went above and beyond. "I started off at 169 lbs. and went up to 196 lbs. They told me I was too big, so in the end I had to take it back down to 185 lbs."

Though Pettyfer considers himself "very ambitious," having already started his own production company and dreaming of directing, he admits that his exercise routines presented a challenge. "It was hard," Pettyfer said, "particularly at the start, and I still remember not wanting to be in the gym. That's why I don't want to train at the moment."

Pettyfer is engaged to Riley Keough, 23, the American actress and model who is the granddaughter of Elvis Presley and the daughter of Lisa Marie Presley with Danny Keough.

Magic Mike is currently out in theaters.

For more on Magic Mike and Alex Pettyfer:

Alex Pettyfer Misses Fire At His Home While Attending 'Beastly' Premiere

Alex Pettyfer Upset Over 'Misunderstood' Interview Rant

'Glee's Dianna Agron And Alex Pettyfer Engaged

Alex Pettyfer And Dianna Agron Split

Alex Pettyfer To Play Stripper Based On Channing Tatum

Alex Pettyfer, 'Beastly'

Alex Pettyfer Insults L.A. Women

'I Am Number Four' Hits Theaters — Alex Pettyfer Hits Big Time

Channing Tatum Gives MTV A Sneak Peek Of His Stripper Movie 'Magic Mike'

WATCH: Channing Tatum Shirtless In New 'Magic Mike' Trailer