She transformed. 

Rebel Wilson, who played a character named “Fat Amy” in the “Pitch Perfect” movies, made headlines for undergoing a weight loss journey in 2020. 

The actress shared that losing weight in 2020 surprisingly enhanced her versatility in acting, despite having the same set of skills. She mentioned this while promoting her upcoming movie “Juliet & Romeo,” set to be released in theaters on May 9.

The Australian actress, 45, is “playing against type” in her new role, she said. 

Previously, she often played comic relief parts, and now she’s playing a Shakespearean mother. 

This movie is a musical adaptation of the well-known Shakespearean tale, with Wilson portraying the character of Lady Capulet. Other cast members include Jason Isaacs from “The White Lotus” as Lord Montague, Clara Rugaard as Juliet, and Jamie Ward as Romeo. The role of The Friar is played by Sir Derek Jacobi.

Wilson expressed how her appearance in mainstream Hollywood comedies may not have prepared audiences for her portrayal of Lady Capulet. Becoming a new mother around the time she was offered the role, Wilson saw Lady Capulet as an iconic Shakespearean mother usually depicted in a villainous light, although she aimed to infuse the character with more empathy in her performance.

“I think people see you differently [after weight loss] and can imagine you more easily in different roles,” she added of her physical change. “So I think that probably had the biggest effect.”

Wilson lost around 80 pounds in 2020, which she called her “year of health” challenge.

“It’s interesting, was there some people in the business that called me back that didn’t call me back when I was very overweight? I mean, maybe it’s just the intention of losing weight that came with it,” she went on. “Or, you read some psychological studies that say you’re more visible than to some people.”

Five years after her transformation, the way people treat her now has “mellowed out a bit.”

“I think people treat me pretty much the same now,” she noted. “Sometimes I’m a healthier version, and other times I’m still struggling [with] emotional eating and stuff. I try to stay more on the healthy side.” 

The “Isn’t It Romantic” star, meanwhile, doesn’t think she would have taken the role as Juliet’s mom in “Juliet & Romeo” if she herself hadn’t become a mother. 

The “Bridesmaids” actress welcomed daughter Royce via surrogacy in 2022. 

She went on to tie the knot with girlfriend Ramona Agruma in Sept. 2024. 

“I don’t put myself first. By being an actor, being a performer, as part of your job, you’re a bit self-absorbed. You just have to go the opposite once you have a child,” she explained. “I can’t just leave the house. I’ve got to be always thinking about my daughter and what’s good for her. And I think that’s changed me in a really positive way.”