17 Movie Stars Who Excel at Transformation and We’re Not Even Sure They’re the Same People

Jessica Wilson
Jun 22, 2023
Jun 22, 2023

Hollywood is home to some of the most talented actors in the world. Many of these actors are so skilled at their craft that they are able to transform themselves into completely different characters, without us even realizing it.

For example, Charlize Theron has shown her range, playing a serial killer in “Monster” and an imperious queen in “Snow White and the Huntsman.” Charlize Theron is among many others who have demonstrated their ability to totally immerse themselves into each role they take on.

Whether it's through physical transformations, like gaining or losing weight, or through subtle changes to their mannerisms or speaking style, these actors are able to disappear into their roles. It's a testament to their talent and dedication to their craft that we can watch them on screen and forget that we're watching an actor at all.

#1. Catherine O’Hara

Source: Twentieth Century Fox

The impressive Delia in Beetlejuice, a forgetful mom in Home Alone, and a judge in A Series of Unfortunate Events.

#2. Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Source: Universal Pictures

A young musician in the biopic Nowhere Boy, Count Vronsky in Anna Karenina, and an unscrupulous villain in Nocturnal animals.

#3. Matt Smith

Source: Home Box Office (HBO)

Vampire Milo in Morbius, and Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon.

#4. Minnie Driver

Source: Warner Bros.

The love interest of the main character in Good Will Hunting, and the arrogant diva in The Phantom of the Opera.

#5. Richard Roxburgh

Source: Twentieth Century Fox

The Duke in Moulin Rouge!, Dracula in Van Helsing, and Sherlock Holmes in The Hound of the Baskervilles.

#6. Jason Isaacs

Source: Warner Bros.

A modest priest in The Last Don II, a villain in the Harry Potter films, and Emperor Peter I in The Great.

#7. Annabelle Wallis

Source: Showtime Networks

Jane Seymour in The Tudors, and a young wife in Annabelle.

#8. Rupert Friend

Source: Universal Pictures

Ladies’ man Mr. Wickham in Pride & Prejudice, a villain in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, and the eccentric boss in A Simple Favor.

#9. Bryce Dallas Howard

Source: Columbia Pictures

Mary Jane’s rival in Spider-Man 3, a rude housewife in The Help, and the angry vampire in a Twilight film.

#10. Tom Felton

Source: Warner Bros.

A rich Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter, Viscount Trencavel in the mini-series, Labyrinth, and a monster in A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting.

#11. Matthew Macfadyen

Source: Universal Pictures

An eligible bachelor in Pride & Prejudice, and the spectacular Oblonsky in Anna Karenina.

#12. Zoe Saldaña

Source: Paramount Pictures

Britney Spears’ character’s friend in the romantic comedy, Crossroads, an alien in Avatar, and a future mom in the horror mini-series, Rosemary’s Baby.