(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Michael Cera vowed never to exercise “ever again” after he was made to get in shape for his new movie.

The actor plays the title character in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, which is about a boy who has to fight off his new girlfriend’s seven ex-boyfriends to win her heart and is based on the classic comic. Michael is renowned for his small stature, but had to work out before shooting began because his character is involved in lots of action sequences. He was trained by people who work with Jackie Chan, and found it tough.

“Fitness is not a huge part of my life,” he explained. “It felt good. The trainer knew how to make my heart explode. But as soon as we stopped filming I vowed never to do anything physical ever again.”

Michael has appeared in movies including Superbad and Juno, and has developed a cult following. He attended the recent Comic-Con event in San Diego, and decided he wanted to see what it was like to be one of the crowd. He wore a gorilla mask to hide his face, but was amazed when he was recognised anyway.

“It was getting hot, but I got a T-shirt made and all the other stuff at the event," he explained to British newspaper The Guardian. "I stood in line for about an hour, talking. Some people told me they knew who I was. I don't know how, they said they recognised my hands!" (C) Cover Media