He's a Hollywood heartthrob, known for his charming ways and classic Texan good looks.

But Matthew McConaughey has utterly transformed himself for his latest role as Kenny Wells, a struggling businessman.

In the first look at pictures of the Oscar winner on set in New York, he is seen sporting an uncharacteristically plump waistline.

FIRST LOOK: Matthew McConaughey shaves his head and is transformed with prosthetics and a fat suit on Gold set in New York on Sunday

Quite the contrast: The method actor looked convincing as he filmed a scene with co-star Bryce Dallas Howard, who was wearing a gold dress

Not himself: In the first look at pictures of the Oscar winner on set in New York, he is seen sporting an uncharacteristically plump waistline

The beer belly is not the only change, with McConaughey making use of prosthetics with a beaky nose and protruding teeth.

Indeed at one point an assistant can be seen adjusting the 45-year-old's false teeth, reaching uip as he waits patiently between takes

With his head shaved to create a balding appearance, and the rest of his hair worn in greasy ringlets, the father-of-three couldn't look less like his handsome self.

No heartthrob: The beer belly is not the only change, with McConaughey obviously making use of prosthetics and sporting a balding head, beaky nose and protruding teeth

Looking good: Howard was dressed in a gold 80s-style dress that perfectly showed off her figure.

The scene, on a New York street, saw McConaughey dressed in a cheap and unflattering grey suit, with an eye-catching purple silk tie.

His co-star Bryce Dallas Howard was more becomingly in a gold 80s-style dress that perfectly showed off her figure.

As the cameras rolled she climbed out of her limo, only to be greeted with a kiss by an overly enthusiastic McConaughey.

The typically-trim method actor seems at home in his new get-up, having deliberately put on weight in preparation for the movie.

Part of the act? The star was seen lighting up while on set

Method actor: The typically-trim method actor seems at home in his new get-up, having deliberately put on weight in preparation for the movie

The film sees him play a modern-day prospector, working with a luckless geologist played by Venezuelan actor Edgar Ramirez.

The two head to the uncharted jungles of Indonesia, where they embark on a hunt for gold.

Gold is directed by Stephen Gaghan and is slated for a fall 2016 release.

Spot the difference: McConaughey transformed himself for the role; he is seen, right, last year

Lovely metals: Gold is directed by Stephen Gaghan and is slated for a fall 2016 release