The process of makeup transformation takes a considerable amount of time and is not an easy task. Many famous actors have embraced the challenge of embodying iconic characters, repeatedly immersing themselves in their roles throughout the filming process to deliver the best possible images.
Nicolas Cage as the Mummy in Renfield
Nicolas Cage transforms into a terrifying mummy in the upcoming 2023 film Renfield, where he brings a more modern interpretation of the classic mummy tale. The actor’s transformation includes heavy makeup, elongated nails, and a wild hairstyle. His character essentially serves as Dracula’s henchman, showcasing a unique and vibrant life.
Focusing on the character, Nicolas spent time studying previous actors who portrayed this role and sought to create a new persona that reflects his own style. He concentrated on giving Dracula a different demeanor and voice.
Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull in Roald Dahl’s Matilda
Emma Thompson plays the villainous Miss Trunchbull in the new film Roald Dahl: Matilda the Musical, based on Roald Dahl’s classic novel. The actress had to undergo significant makeup transformations throughout the filming process. Emma had to endure early morning calls, starting at 5 AM, to accommodate the six-person team dedicated to her makeup.
Doug Jones in Pan’s Labyrinth
Doug Jones is a talented actor known for his incredible transformations under heavy makeup. He played two monstrous characters in Pan’s Labyrinth: the Faun who has goat legs and the terrifying Pale Man who consumes children. The actor spent five hours in makeup for each character, with the prosthetics being hot, uncomfortable, and requiring no bathroom breaks during filming.
In response to the question of not using VFX technology for creating monsters, Doug stated, “I think audiences want to see the actor perform, even if the character is a monster. They still want to find a way to convey the humanity of that monster.”
Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth in Mary Queen of Scots
In her role as Queen Elizabeth, Margot Robbie had to endure various facial enhancements and heavy makeup. This character also required the actress to wear a corset, which added to the overall transformation. Even in scenes where she was not in heavy makeup, the intricacies of her look had to remain intact and as natural as possible.
Colin Farrell as The Penguin in The Batman
Colin Farrell underwent a remarkable transformation to portray the villain Penguin. The actor spent four hours each day to achieve the Penguin’s distinctive look, with the makeup process taking an additional two hours afterward. This transformation was so effective that his son did not recognize him, and he enjoyed the playful nature of the character.
David Harbour as Hellboy
To portray the iconic character Hellboy, David Harbour underwent a strict training regimen and intense dietary restrictions. The training sessions spanned over ten weeks, focusing on building strength and endurance. The actor wanted audiences to feel the powerful presence of Hellboy while staying true to the character’s comic book origins.
To maintain the integrity of the character, the production relied less on CGI and more on practical makeup effects. “We tried to use as much practical makeup as possible. At the same time, CGI helped enhance what was already created, making it even more perfect,” the director stated.
Jim Carrey in How the Grinch Stole Christmas
To play the Grinch in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Jim Carrey endured a grueling eight-hour makeup process to transform into his character. The production even had to consult CIA experts to help him manage the discomfort during the application process.
Jim Carrey shared the challenges he faced while portraying this character: “I couldn’t see, breathe, or touch my face. But more than anything, the sheer weight made me feel as if I had a vice grip on my head.” After three months of filming and training, he finally developed the resilience to move effectively within the constraints of the costume.
Meryl Streep in Into the Woods
Meryl Streep transforms into the Witch with a striking and menacing makeup design. The actress sports gray hair and a haunting appearance that leaves audiences startled, making her nearly unrecognizable.
Warwick Davis in Harry Potter
Warwick Davis played three different characters in the Harry Potter series. Initially, he was cast as Filius Flitwick, the Charms professor, in the first two films. Later, he took on the role of the goblin Griphook, which became increasingly significant as the series progressed.
As Griphook’s role grew, Davis was specifically brought in to replace Verne Troyer, who had previously portrayed the character.
Benicio Del Toro in The Wolfman
The character played by Benicio Del Toro in The Wolfman was developed with much more complexity than previous werewolf adaptations. The film required the use of advanced makeup techniques and impressive effects that highlighted the character’s distinctive traits.
Anne Hathaway in The Witches
When Anne Hathaway joined The Witches, she initially aimed for a sympathetic character but ultimately decided to portray the main antagonist. To become the witch, she underwent a continuous five-hour makeup process.
The actress had to sit still while complex wires were used to elevate her character’s features, ultimately resulting in a terrifying appearance with elongated limbs, sharp teeth, and a menacing demeanor.
