Making a superhero flick -- particularly when you're playing the lead character -- can be a grueling experience, and that's something Brie Larson learned while prepping to portray Captain Marvel in the upcoming standalone MCU film. But according to the actress, all of that hard work paid off, in the form of both literal and figurative strength.

While attending the Crystal + Lucy Awards in Los Angeles on Wednesday, where she was accepting the Crystal Award for Excellence in Film, Larson spoke with Variety about her extensive "Captain Marvel" training. That nine-month stretch of prep before production led her to be able to execute up to 215 lbs in deadlifts and 400 lbs in hip thrusts.

"I will say that I learned that I'm much stronger than I realize in playing her," the actress told the trade. " ... [B]eing able to lift weight like that really changed my perspective and understanding of myself. ... Going through a movie that requires so much and takes this long, I'm realizing I'm way stronger than I knew."

While Larson added that she didn't enter the movie making process with the sole intention of inspiring others -- and isn't necessarily expecting that from "Captain Marvel" -- she's optimistic that filmgoers will be similarly moved by Carol Danvers.

"I've learned a lot about myself and I feel super inspired by her," the actress told Variety. "It's only my hope that it'll be that for others."

We're already pretty impressed by Larson's dedication to the role, so we can only imagine that her onscreen work will be equally as affecting and what she's done off screen. We'll find out when "Captain Marvel" hits theaters on March 8, 2019.

[via: Variety]