Model and actor Chase Mattson has become one of vertical media’s most sought after actors, so when the star was asked to chop it up with the superstars of WWE for ReelShort’s Agent of Shadows, he went all-in, gaining respect for these larger-than-life talents in the process, and telling M&F that he prepares himself for any challenge through serious training and a dedicated attitude to nutrition.
In today’s world, vertical media makes sense. As younger people shun the traditional television and scroll away on social media, the premise of shooting shows vertically allows for seamless viewing on phones. Still, with vertical micro-dramas offering free episodes before a pay wall hides the ending, the pressure to perform to the best of his abilities, for every second, is not lost on Chase Mattson, who was recently named People magazine’s Sexiest ReelShort Star. He’s also become one of the genre’s most able actors.
Mattson’s latest project is titled Agent of Shadows, and is a collaboration between ReelShort and WWE, featuring grapplers such as Drew McIntyre, Booker T, Jacob Fatu, and Nikkita Lyons. And, while Mattson, himself was a highly active athlete in his youth, the 6’3” star was in awe of the likes of McIntyre, who is 6’5.” “I was told that Drew was a big guy and I was like, ‘okay cool, I’m a big guy,’ and then he came on set and this dude is a giant, man!” Fortunately, the star says that he and McIntyre became fast friends.”
Chase Mattson Follows a Superhero’s Workout to Stay Shredded
Among Mattson’s preferred workouts is the “Cindy” workout, a CrossFit circuit that Tom Holland has employed to stay in Spider-Man shape. To try it, you’ll perform 5 pullups, 10 pushups, and 15 air squats, then repeat for as many rounds as you can. “I was like, that seems too easy but the first time, I got to round eight, and I was gassed,” shares Mattson. Now, the actor has reached a peak of 16 rounds and is even pushing himself further by squatting with 40-pound dumbbells.
Chase Mattson’s Embraces His Hectic Family Life to Stay Fit
With four kids (and two dogs), Mattson balances family life by embracing the chaos, but with the actor eating five meals per day, you better not touch his bison! Mattson explains that as a model, he simply wasn’t eating enough, but after seeking advice on nutrition, he now tracks his macros, and that means carbs are back in. The star explains that at home, he has his own cupboard for food, meaning that he can stick to his plan in order to stay screen ready.
“We have cabinets in our house, but I have one that us dedicated just for me,” explains Mattson of how he is able to stay focused and avoid the sweet temptations that may be lurking in other areas of the kitchen. The star makes smart swaps, like almonds instead of candy, and eats a large number of blueberries for the effects on muscle recovery. His commitment has certainly paid off, and the actor now weighs in at a lean and muscular 215 pounds as opposed to the 185-pound frame from his modeling days.
Still, when it comes to working out, Mattson often makes it a family affair and shares the fun side of fitness with outdoor jogs and calisthenics, which are great for young bodies.
Not only does he have to stay ripped for the next project, and that could mean just 24-hours’ notice for a shirtless scene, but during the shoot for Agent of Shadows, things got seriously physical. One scene even called for Mattson to mix it up with WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, while filming in the blazing heat of the desert.
“Physically, I was doing all the WWE stunts on the ground,” he explains, noting that his whole body was sore “for days” afterwards.
Mattson went above and beyond with the promotion of this vertical micro-drama too, enrolling at WWE’s Performance Center and stepping inside the ring for real.
“They hit me with a chair, a real chair,” says the actor, reflecting on the surreal nature of his job. “It’s harder than it looks.”
With all of the major streaming platforms now developing, or already offering vertical media, Mattson finds himself as one of the most experienced performers in this area, but as we conclude our conversation, the much sought after star is readying for a flight that will see him working on a regular, horizontal project. Still, in true secret agent style, he can’t tell us anything about it.
“I always stay ready, so I don’t have to get ready,” he signs off.
