Acting is all about the art of becoming someone else, and it gets even more fascinating when actors undergo mind-boggling physical transformations to bring a character to life. Some actors go to great lengths to change their body weight, but for most, the magic happens with the help of makeup and prosthetics.
Thanks to incredible advancements in prosthetics technology, it’s now common to see actors in movies completely disguised as their characters. With layers of latex and skillful makeup, they can become someone entirely different. The best part? Even subtle changes can have a massive impact on the way they look. It’s like watching a magician perform tricks right before our eyes!
Now, imagine how mind-blowing it is when makeup and hairstyling can turn an actor into a whole new person. The progress in makeup techniques is so remarkable that anyone can take on any role. One moment, they’re a repulsive villain with a twisted face, and the next, they’re completely unrecognizable as they transform into a completely different individual. It’s like watching a shape-shifter in action!
Are you ready to dive into the world of movie magic? Let’s take a closer look at some incredible actors who have completely disappeared behind the masks of villains, all thanks to the wonders of makeup and prosthetics. Get ready to be amazed!
1. Gary Oldman As Mason Verger In ‘Hannibal’
Gary Oldman’s appearance in the 2001 film Hannibal is truly hard to stomach, thanks to the incredible prosthetics used. Throughout his career, Oldman has transformed himself in various ways, such as sporting long dreadlocks and a scarred face in True Romance. However, his portrayal of Mason Verger in Hannibal takes it to a whole new level.
Mason Verger is a bitter adversary of the cannibalistic doctor, Hannibal Lecter. After a brutal encounter with Lecter leaves Verger horribly disfigured, he becomes obsessed with seeking revenge. This role required Oldman to undergo extensive makeup and prosthetic work, surpassing any previous transformation he had experienced.
Some actors may shy away from roles that require such extensive physical alterations. However, Oldman’s dedication to his craft is evident. In his portrayal of Winston Churchill in The Darkest Hour, he spent over 200 hours in the makeup chair. This commitment paid off when he received an Oscar for his outstanding performance. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that Mason Verger remains Oldman’s most astonishing and unrecognizable on-screen appearance to date.
2. Idris Elba As Krall In ‘Star Trek: Beyond’
Star Trek, in all its iterations, showcases a diverse array of alien species portrayed by talented actors through elaborate makeup and prosthetics. Idris Elba, a renowned actor, recently took on the role of Krall in Star Trek: Beyond. Krall is a human character who relies on harvesting blood from aliens to prolong his own life. Consequently, Elba’s handsome face is concealed beneath a striking blue scaly skin, skillfully crafted by the film’s makeup designer, Joel Harlow.
Harlow found inspiration in underwater creatures and lizards while designing the unique blend of alien characteristics that define Krall’s appearance. The result is an intricate and captivating transformation that almost renders Elba unrecognizable under the detailed effects.
Since the film’s release, fans have playfully questioned why the filmmakers would mask the face of one of Hollywood’s most attractive actors. Even Zachary Quinto, a star of Star Trek, couldn’t offer an explanation to this lighthearted inquiry.
3. Colin Farrell As The Penguin In ‘The Batman’
Actors often face the daunting task of spending long hours in a makeup chair before shooting, which can be exhausting. However, when the end result is as impressive as Colin Farrell’s transformation in Matt Reeves’s The Batman, all the effort becomes worthwhile. Playing the role of Oswald Cobblepot or The Penguin, one of Batman’s most iconic adversaries, Farrell underwent three hours of makeup preparation before each shoot. This process turned him from a charming heartthrob into a scarred mobster.
In an interesting twist, Farrell even tested the impact of his full Penguin makeup by visiting a Starbucks, just to see if anyone would recognize him. Surprisingly, no one did, adding to the success of his incredible transformation.
Yet, Reeves had concerns about the makeup potentially overshadowing Farrell’s powerful facial expressions. Even after a screen test, the director felt the need to discuss possible changes with the talented makeup artist Michael Marino. However, those worries quickly dissipated when Reeves witnessed the imposing effect of Farrell fully embodied as the Penguin.
4. Tilda Swinton As Helena Markos In ‘Suspiria’
Luca Guadagnino’s 2018 remake of Suspiria took inspiration from the original 1977 film but also introduced some changes to give the horror classic a fresh twist. One notable change was the portrayal of the witch Helena Markos, whose disgusting appearance was amplified to captivate audiences.
To bring Markos to life, Tilda Swinton underwent a remarkable transformation. Wearing an extensive amount of latex prosthetics, Swinton’s tall and slender figure was completely distorted into a repulsive, disease-ridden mass of flesh. The result is so grotesque that it becomes difficult to imagine that this character was once human. Makeup artist Mark Coulier revealed that Guadagnino drew inspiration from David Cronenberg’s body horror style, particularly his practical effects in films like The Fly.
In addition to her portrayal of Markos, Swinton also takes on the roles of dance instructor Madame Blanc, which closely resembles her normal appearance, and Dr. Klemperer, an elderly man requiring heavy makeup. Swinton’s willingness to undergo multiple intense makeup processes for a single film only enhances her breathtakingly eerie performances.
5. Bill Skarsgård As Pennywise In ‘It’
The Skarsgård brothers are often considered a good-looking group of actor siblings, much like the Hemsworths or the Wilsons. However, it becomes a bit harder to make those comparisons when one of them plays such a disturbing-looking character. In the recent film It, Alexander Skarsgård portrays the demonic clown Pennywise, who is truly the stuff nightmares are made of. Skarsgård’s portrayal is undeniably capable of giving kids nightmares, just as intended. In fact, Skarsgård even mentioned in an interview with Interview magazine that some child extras on set were physically shaking with fear upon seeing him in character for the first time.
It is based on Stephen King’s book of the same name and tells the story of a group of friends being hunted by a child-eating clown that resurfaces in their small town every 27 years. Portraying an inhuman monster poses a natural challenge, but according to the film’s director, Andy Muschietti, Skarsgård brought a child-like energy to the character that made his Pennywise stand out from other interpretations of the villain. Of course, a big part of Pennywise’s ability to inspire fear comes from his horrifying appearance, including his large forehead, jagged shark-like teeth, peculiar red hair, piercing yellow eyes, and clown makeup. Skarsgård would spend over two hours each day applying the makeup, giving him plenty of time to delve into the background and character work for this complex villain.
6. Vincent D’Onofrio As Edgar In ‘Men in Black’
Nine hours is a pretty long time to do anything, especially sitting still while a crew slathers horrifying makeup on your face. But somehow, Vincent D’Onofrio managed to endure it all during the filming of Men in Black. And let me tell you, the time and effort put into his look is seriously impressive.
In the movie, D’Onofrio plays the character of Edgar the Bug, an alien who cleverly disguises himself as a dead human body. And let me just say, the makeup job on him is next-level. He sports a droopy face and all sorts of wounds scattered across his skin. As the film goes on, his decomposing body starts to deteriorate, all the while keeping the cockroach-like alien bug hidden inside.
Now, the scene where Edgar finally sheds his rotting disguise, peeling off his decaying flesh, is truly a cinematic marvel. And you know what made it all possible? The amazing makeup and practical effects design. In fact, the makeup artists Rick Baker and David LeRoy Anderson won an Oscar for their work on the film’s makeup. And the transformation of Edgar is a major part of their well-deserved achievement.
7. John Leguizamo As Violator The Clown In ‘Spawn’
John Leguizamo is known for his striking appearance and his ability to deliver great villainous performances. In Spawn, however, he takes it to a whole new level as Violator, a demonic clown who introduces the protagonist to his new life in Hell. To bring this creepy character to life, Leguizamo had to go through the grueling process of applying heavy makeup and prosthetics, as well as wearing a fat suit.
The application of the makeup was no easy task, and Leguizamo has spoken about how it made him never want to do anything like it again. Despite the discomfort, his performance and appearance as Violator are undeniably one of the strongest and most memorable parts of the movie. Leguizamo’s dedication to the role even led him to eat maggots for authenticity. The makeup, however, remains a crucial element in creating the unsettling presence of the clown.
In short, John Leguizamo’s portrayal of Violator in Spawn showcases his talent for playing villains, and his commitment to the character is evident in the heavy makeup and prosthetics he endured. While the process may have been grueling, it ultimately contributed to the success of his memorable and unsettling performance.
8. Christopher Meloni As Freakshow In ‘Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle’
Christopher Meloni, best known for his role as Detective Elliot Stabler on Law & Order: SVU, made a memorable appearance in the first Harold & Kumar film. Even dedicated fans might have missed him, as he completely transformed into his character, Freakshow, with an elaborate costume. Sporting a balding head, disgusting boils, warts, cysts, and a large prosthetic nose, Meloni truly embodied the essence of Freakshow.
In the movie, Freakshow encounters Harold and Kumar on a fateful night when they are desperately in need of a ride. The three of them embark on an awkward journey back to Freakshow’s cabin. To their surprise, they discover that Freakshow has a remarkably beautiful wife, who begins to seduce the two leads. It initially seems like a great opportunity, until Freakshow joins in by revealing even more repulsive boils in areas that are far from appealing.
What is even more astonishing than Meloni’s repulsive appearance in the film is the fact that only two years later, in 2006, he was featured in People Magazine’s “Sexiest Men Alive” issue. It’s a testament to Meloni’s natural charm and talent that he was able to overcome the lasting impression of his Freakshow character.
9. Oscar Isaac As Apocalypse In ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’
Transforming into a mutant supervillain isn’t exactly a walk in the park, just ask Oscar Isaac. The actor, who played Apocalypse in X-Men: Apocalypse, had to endure a whole lot of discomfort. From head to toe, Isaac was covered in suits, cooling mechanisms, prosthetics, and makeup. And let’s not forget about the weight of it all – a whopping 40 pounds!
To make matters worse, the head and neck prosthetics severely limited Isaac’s mobility. It was a struggle for him to see properly, which definitely affected his performance. In an interview with GQ, Isaac confessed, “I couldn’t really move my head, and my field of vision was greatly compromised.”
But that’s not all. The materials used for Isaac’s suit were incredibly noisy and squeaky. So much so that all of his lines had to be re-recorded later because they were barely audible beneath the noise of his costume. Imagine the frustration of having to redo all your lines!
It’s no wonder that Isaac hasn’t taken on a role requiring extensive makeup and prosthetics since then. After hearing about the challenges he faced on X-Men: Apocalypse, it’s easy to understand why.
10. Karen Gillan As Nebula In ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’
Karen Gillan demonstrated her dedication to portraying Nebula in Guardians of the Galaxy by shaving her head, a necessary step for the prosthetics required for her character’s head and body. Nebula, a humanoid with blue skin and the adopted daughter of Thanos, possesses a unique combination of natural and mechanical features with robotic elements throughout her body. Initially, Nebula serves as a captivating antagonist, bearing little resemblance to the stunning Scottish actress.
It’s possible that Gillan may not have agreed to the project if she had known she would continue to play Nebula in several more Marvel films. Nonetheless, the makeup teams have gained valuable experience throughout the process. Initially, it took over three hours to apply Nebula’s makeup. However, by the time Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was released in 2023, the transformation could be accomplished in just an hour and fifteen minutes. Moreover, the designers found a way to create Nebula’s bald head without requiring Gillan to shave her own hair. This undoubtedly makes it easier for her to pursue other acting roles in between her Marvel commitments.
11. Stellan Skarsgård As Baron Harkonnen In ‘Dune’
Stellan Skarsgård takes on the role of the repulsive Baron Vladimir Harkonnen in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, making him one of the most despicable villains on this list. This film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s beloved science fiction novels brings a new level of disgust to the character, surpassing the 1984 version. Back then, moviegoers might have been repulsed by the Baron’s facial boils, but they had no idea how much more intense it could become.
Skarsgård’s commitment to portraying the greedy leader of the Harkonnen family is undeniable. Spending a grueling eight hours a day in the makeup room was necessary to achieve the grotesque look. In an interview with The Daily Beast, he revealed that despite his character’s limited screen time, his presence would be felt by the audience. And he was absolutely right. Each of the Baron’s few scenes leaves a lasting impression, especially when he starts levitating, creating an unsettling and almost unbearable atmosphere.
