Model and actor Chase Mattson has rapidly established himself as one of vertical media’s most sought-after talents. When the rising star was recently approached to trade blows with the larger-than-life superstars of WWE for ReelShort’s high-stakes action micro-drama Agent of Shadows, he went all-in. The intense production gave Mattson a newfound respect for the physical demands of professional wrestling, while also reinforcing the rigorous training regime and dedicated approach to nutrition that he relies on to stay perpetually screen-ready.
In today’s digital entertainment landscape, the rise of vertical media reflects a fundamental shift in viewing habits. As younger audiences increasingly migrate away from traditional television in favor of scrolling through social media on their mobile devices, the premise of producing scripted shows in a vertical format ensures a seamless, full-screen viewing experience. Yet, the unique constraints and pressures of vertical micro-dramas—which typically offer free introductory episodes before a paywall hides the resolution—mean that the pressure to deliver a captivating performance in every single second is immense.
This high-pressure environment is entirely familiar to Mattson, who was recently named People magazine’s Sexiest ReelShort Star and has steadily evolved into one of the genre’s most reliable and versatile leading actors. His latest high-profile project, Agent of Shadows, is a major crossover collaboration between ReelShort and WWE, featuring an intimidating lineup of professional grapplers, including Drew McIntyre, Booker T, Jacob Fatu, and Nikkita Lyons. Even though Mattson was a remarkably active athlete during his own youth, the 6-foot-3 actor found himself genuinely awestruck when sharing space with talent like McIntyre, who stands a towering 6-foot-5.
Reflecting on his first encounter with the wrestling superstar, Mattson admits he initially misjudged the scale of his co-star. "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, any initial intimidation quickly evaporated, with the actor noting that he and McIntyre established a fast friendship on set as they navigated the grueling physical demands of the shoot.
Chase Mattson Follows a Superhero’s Workout to Stay Shredded
Maintaining the physical conditioning required to anchor an action-heavy drama demands a strict and effective fitness routine. Among Mattson’s preferred conditioning tools is the "Cindy" workout, a demanding CrossFit circuit that celebrity trainer-backed methods have popularized among actors like Tom Holland to maintain a lean, agile physique reminiscent of Spider-Man. The circuit requires participants to perform a continuous sequence of five pull-ups, ten push-ups, and fifteen air squats, repeating the cycle for as many rounds as possible within a given time frame.
When Mattson first encountered the routine, he underestimated its difficulty. "I was like, that seems too easy, but the first time, I got to round eight, and I was gassed," he shares. Through consistent effort, the actor has drastically improved his stamina and strength, reaching a peak of sixteen completed rounds. To continually challenge his body and prevent plateaus, he has even intensified the routine by incorporating forty-pound dumbbells into his air squats.
Chase Mattson Embraces His Hectic Family Life to Stay Fit
Balancing a demanding acting and modeling career with a bustling household is no small feat. As a father of four children alongside two dogs, Mattson manages the daily domestic whirlwind by embracing the chaos rather than fighting it. Fueling a body that requires constant physical upkeep while navigating family life means prioritizing nutrition, which, for Mattson, comes down to strict macronutrient tracking and defending his personal food supplies—famously joking that nobody better touch his bison.
Mattson explains that earlier in his career as a traditional fashion model, he simply was not eating enough calories to sustain true muscle growth or optimal energy levels. After seeking professional guidance on sports nutrition, he overhauled his dietary habits, bringing complex carbohydrates back into his daily routine. To maintain his strict eating plan amidst a busy family kitchen, the actor relies on dedicated storage boundaries. "We have cabinets in our house, but I have one that is dedicated just for me," Mattson explains, noting how this simple strategy helps him stay focused and avoid the sweet temptations that might otherwise derail his progress.
By making smart dietary substitutions—such as swapping out sugary snacks for almonds and consuming generous portions of blueberries to support muscular recovery—Mattson has successfully transformed his physique. The actor now maintains a lean, powerful frame weighing in at a muscular 215 pounds, a notable and deliberate increase from the lighter 185-pound build he carried during his traditional modeling days.
Despite the strict discipline required for his profession, fitness often becomes a family affair in the Mattson household. The actor regularly shares the more playful, accessible side of health and wellness with his children by incorporating outdoor jogs and bodyweight calisthenics into their daily routines, setting a healthy example for young bodies.
Maintaining this level of physical readiness is essential, as the nature of modern acting often leaves little room for hesitation. Mattson frequently faces situations where he receives as little as twenty-four hours of notice before stepping in front of the camera for a demanding shirtless scene. However, the physical stakes during the production of Agent of Shadows extended far beyond standard aesthetic requirements, testing his endurance in punishing outdoor conditions.
While filming out in the blazing heat of the desert, the production called for intense, unyielding physicality. In one particularly demanding sequence, Mattson was required to mix it up directly with WWE Hall of Famer Booker T. "Physically, I was doing all the WWE stunts on the ground," he explains, adding that the blunt-force reality of the choreography left his entire body aching and sore for days after the cameras stopped rolling.
Determined to fully commit to the project and understand the world of professional wrestling from the inside out, Mattson went above and beyond standard promotional duties. He enrolled at WWE’s official Performance Center and actually stepped inside a professional wrestling ring to experience the discipline firsthand.
Reflecting on the surreal and humbling nature of the experience, Mattson recalls the authentic impact of taking a blow inside the squared circle. "They hit me with a chair, a real chair," the actor says. "It’s harder than it looks."
As major streaming entertainment platforms increasingly invest in the production and distribution of vertical media, Mattson finds himself positioned at the forefront of the genre as one of its most experienced and sought-after performers. Yet, true to the dynamic nature of the entertainment industry, the versatile actor is already preparing for his next international flight to tackle a more traditional, horizontal television or film project. True to the clandestine spirit of his latest action-oriented role, however, details regarding the upcoming project remain strictly under wraps.
"I always stay ready, so I don’t have to get ready," Mattson concludes.
Agent of Shadows is currently streaming on ReelShort.
