Forget busting a gut in the gym, there's another route to becoming a 'sexy beast' - just ask Ray Winstone.

The actor, best known for his no-nonsense hardman roles, has been given a digitally-created six-pack for his role as warrior Beowulf in the self-titled adult fantasy film.

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In the flesh: Ray Winstone's natural physique on the football pitch and in cult film 'Sexy Beast'

Action man: Ray Winstone with his digitally enhanced body as warrior Beowulf

The actor is barely recognisable in stills from the adult fantasy film in which he co-stars alongside Angelina Jolie, and Sir Anthony Hopkins who plays King Hrothgar.

Winstone has been given a virtual Hollywood makeover, losing his beer belly, to remake his portly British frame into that of a comic book superhero with the help of skilled digital imaging.

Described as "'Lord of the Rings' meets '300', the long-awaited adaption of the the oldest story in the English language, "Beowulf" is described by the Los Angeles times as a "hyper violent and highly sexualized tale".

The warrior Beowulf (Ray Winstone) must slay the monster Grendel (Crispin Glover). Later, Grendel's mother (Jolie) seduces Beowulf so that she can produce a replacement heir that will allow her to re-establish her dominion over the kingdom.

Winstone has become a fixture in Hollywood since his breakthrough role in Gary Oldman's Nil By Mouth. And is currently filming the fourth installment of the Indiana Jones series with Harrison Ford.

Die-hard fans of the comic book genre will get a sneak peak at the 3-D digital version of the film at a comic convention, Comic-Con, in San Diego tonight.