Movie magic isn’t just a saying, it’s a real thing!
Actors indeed get to portray all sorts of characters. So, it is no wonder they underwent a number of physical transformations. Through mediums like costumes, CGI, special effects makeup, or prosthetics, our favorite actors and actresses have overcome their own physical limitations to become the character that we know and love.
Look at them shining on the screen, most of the viewers are blissfully unaware of what they have had to endure for their roles, from hot and stuffy costumes to countless hours of being fussed over in a makeup chair. Of course, to create outstanding makeup, makeup artists make a huge effort that makes viewers remember it for a long time.
If you're curious about the process that actors experienced, keep scrolling down to see.
#1 Idris Elba in "Star Trek Beyond"
Source: Paramount Pictures
In “Star Trek Beyond”, Idris Elba appeared as Krall, which is blue and covered in think reptilian ridges. The actor shared that the makeup process took about three hours, with his days starting around 4:15 a.m.
#2 Ralph Fiennes in the “Harry Potter” franchise
Source: WARNER BROTHERS STUDIOS / EVERETT COLLECTION
Two-time Oscar nominee Fiennes became wizarding villain Voldemort in “Harry Potter”. The look was a combination of detailed white makeup, eyebrow blockers, and fake teeth, which took about two hours, and digital removal of his nose to complete the Dark Lord's snakelike appearance. The actor hated the makeup process so much that he’d consider leaving the movie if it required ample time in the makeup chair.
#3 Heath Ledger in "The Dark Knight"
Source: WARNER BROTHERS STUDIOS / EVERETT COLLECTION
The appearance of Joker (played by Heath Ledger) in 2008’s “The Dark Knight” left a great impression on viewers’ minds. The aesthetic was simple but deeply impactful: blotchy white face paint, smudgy black shadow around the eyes, and smeared red lipstick painted over fake silicone scars, a process that took about two hours from start to finish each day. The look was topped off with limp green locks, giving the overall effect of a “ragged clown”.
#4 Rebecca Romijn in the early X-Men franchise
Source: TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX / EVERETT COLLECTION
In the 2000 X-Men reboot, Rebecca Romijn embodied the shape-shifter villain formerly, Raven. She appeared in blue for the majority of the whole movie. And of course, it required a huge effort. Mystique’s look is an all-blue nude illusion, with scales covering her private parts. The makeup process took about 8 or 9 hours.
#5 Oscar Isaac in “X-Men: Apocalypse”
Source: COURTESY OF TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX
Oscar Isaac played the titular villain, the world’s first mutant, who is hellbent on controlling the world. The intense role requires an equally intense aesthetic. Issac not only put on a 40-pound suit and thick platform boots but was covered in prosthetics and blue makeup that totally transformed every inch of his face.
#6 Zoe Saldana in “Guardians of the Galaxy”
Source: WALT Disney STUDIOS MOTION PICTURES
The emerald green Gamora, known as the deadliest woman in the whole galaxy, in 2014’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” was played by Zoe Saldana. The actress spent about 3 hours putting on prosthetics and being covered head to toe in green paint.
#7 Johnny Depp in “Alice in Wonderland”
Source: WALT DISNEY STUDIOS MOTION PICTURES / EVERETT COLLECTION
The high-paid actor is seemingly unrecognizable in “Alice in Wonderland” as The Made Hatter. Depp blanched his face in white makeup, then dramatized the look with pink under-eye circles, white eyelashes, a curly red wig, and a curious gap between his front teeth.
#8 Eric Bana in “Star Trek”
Source: PARAMOUNT / EVERETT COLLECTION
Eric Bana underwent a dramatic makeup process when taking on the role of Romulan Nero in “Star Trek”. The process involved a bald cap, prosthetics, pointy ears and brows, and thick black facial markings.
#9 Helena Bonham Carter in “Planet of the Apes”
Source: TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX
Helena Bonham Carter took on the role of a chimpanzee named Ari in “Planet of the Apes”. The makeup process was cumbersome and crippling that took about 5 hours and required everything from makeup to fake teeth and fake ears.
#10 Michael Keaton in “Beetlejuice”
Source: EVERETT COLLECTION
The legendary makeup artist Ve Neil created the look of Beetlejuice (played by Michael Keaton) in the movie of the same name. The actor’s look had a garish undead quality, created with white face paint, heavy black shadow, a filthy set of teeth, and a splayed green wig. Thanks to his look, Neill received her first Oscar.
#11 Ron Perlman in “Hellboy”
Source: COLUMBIA/EVERETT COLLECTION
Ron Perlman starred as a demon superhero named Hellboy in the eponymous 2004 superhero film directed by Guillermo Del Toro. Because of the character, he had to sit in the makeup chair for nearly four hours a day. Numerous foam prosthetic pieces were added to his face and chest. The makeup process was repeated 85 more times throughout filming.