Long before influencing became an industry, there was Zyzz.

Shooting to meteoric fame after documenting his transformation from awkward teenager to sculpted, hyper-confident internet persona, Aziz "Zyzz" Shavershian is widely regarded as one of the first people to create a viral online presence.

What followed was the creation of a cultural movement that continues to resonate today, inspiring millions of young men online to pursue the lean, muscular physique he famously described as "aesthetic".

While many young men continue to see him as a source of inspiration, Zyzz also came to represent a culture of relentless self-optimisation, one that remains a powerful – and at times harmful – force within today's internet culture, reflected in recent movements such as looksmaxxing.

For many young men, the gap between their own bodies and the online ideal can become a source of shame, anxiety and insecurity.

Poster Boy: Becoming Zyzz is a cautionary tale exploring these pressures through Zyzz's own story, including how his sense of self-worth became closely tied to his appearance.

Premiering on the 15th anniversary of his death, the documentary explores the rise, impact and enduring mythology of Zyzz.

The documentary features never-before-seen archival material, private footage and testimony from those closest to him, including his brother, Said Shavershian, who offers an intimate perspective on Aziz's life and now carries his legacy into a new era.

For the first time, the film also revisits the final chapter of Zyzz's life with care and nuance, offering a clear-eyed account of what happened through the voices of those who knew him best, while placing his story within a broader reflection on what young men are searching for within these online movements.

In doing so, the documentary asks questions about identity, masculinity, self-worth and the pursuit of perfection, while pointing to the urgent need for safer online environments and stronger support systems that help young men thrive without compromising their health, relationships or the way they view and treat others.

The film was directed by award-winning filmmaker Selina Miles and produced by Tom Blackwell for Olympia Pictures, alongside Gal Greenspan, Anu Hasbold and Claire Perkins of MOFA.

The Stan Original Documentary Revealed - Poster Boy: Becoming Zyzz premieres August 5, only on Stan.