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When you think of jaw-dropping movie magic, epic costumes, and dazzling effects come to mind. But what about the artists behind the scenes, the unsung heroes armed with brushes, latex, and a whole lot of imagination? Welcome to the world of special FX makeup, where the impossible becomes reality. And what better time to celebrate them than on International Makeup Artist Day!
Today, we spotlight seven unforgettable film transformations that show how much movie magic happens before the cameras even roll.
The Horrid Orc Grishnakh — "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" (2002)
© Zuma Press/The Grosby GroupShot in the breathtaking landscapes of Queenstown, New Zealand, Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy redefined fantasy on screen. But the real magic is the creature designs that filled Middle-earth. Take Grishnakh, the grotesque Orc played by Stephen Ure. Layer upon layer of prosthetics, intricate paintwork, and hours in the chair brought this snarling villain to life. The work of Weta Workshop's FX team here was at the next level.
Davy Jones' Crew — "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" (2000)
© Zuma Press/The Grosby GroupGore Verbinski's swashbuckling sequel wowed audiences with its eerie sea creatures. The cursed crew of Davy Jones looked like they walked straight out of an ocean nightmare, with barnacle-crusted faces, slimy tentacles, and fishy appendages galore. While much of Davy Jones himself was CGI, many of the crew transformations were real-world prosthetic artistry at its finest. A triumph of blending makeup and visual effects.
Brad Pitt's Aging in Reverse — "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (2008)
© Zuma Press/The Grosby GroupHow do you turn one of Hollywood's most handsome stars into an older man and then age him backward? Enter David Fincher's groundbreaking drama. Brad Pitt's journey through time relied heavily on advanced prosthetic makeup and digital compositing. But don't be fooled; before the pixels, the artistry of makeup created much of the magic. Aging and de-aging makeup is one of the toughest FX challenges, and this film nailed it.
Wasteland Warriors — "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015)
© Zuma Press/The Grosby GroupGeorge Miller's post-apocalyptic masterpiece didn't skimp on grit. Thanks to stellar makeup work, Nicholas Hoult and Tom Hardy led a wild cast of war-painted, scarred, and branded characters. The War Boys' chalky skin, Immortan Joe's grotesque mask, and Furiosa's oil-smeared face were all the work of brilliant makeup designers who gave Fury Road its unforgettable, raw look.
Pennywise the Clown — "It" (2017)
© The Grosby GroupFew characters haunt the imagination like Pennywise, and in Andy Muschietti's "It," the iconic clown gets a terrifying makeover. The FX makeup perfectly blended the vintage clown aesthetic with modern nightmare fuel, from the cracked white face to those glowing, sinister eyes. Bill Skarsgård's chilling performance wouldn't be the same without the transformative makeup that made kids and adults fear red balloons.
The Baron — "Dune: Part Two" (2024)
© Zuma Press/The Grosby GroupDenis Villeneuve's stunning epic brought Frank Herbert's universe to life in a big way. One standout transformation was Stellan Skarsgård as the monstrous Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. Cloaked in folds of grotesque prosthetics, sweat, and menace, this was a character you couldn't look away from. The hours in the makeup chair paid off, and the Baron looked every bit the bloated, corrupted villain fans hoped for.
Eddie Murphy's Wild Transformation — "Norbit" (2007)
© Zuma Press/The Grosby GroupWhen it comes to comedic FX makeup, few actors go further than Eddie Murphy. In "Norbit," Murphy transformed into multiple characters — including Mr. Wong and the unforgettable Rasputia. The movie's over-the-top humor relied on equally over-the-top makeup, turning Murphy into an entirely new person (or three). It's a showcase of prosthetic versatility and comedic timing.
In Celebration of Makeup Magic
These seven unforgettable films prove just how crucial makeup artists are to storytelling. They craft the characters we love (and fear), help actors slip into entirely new skins, and push the limits of imagination. On this Day of the Makeup Artist, let's give a standing ovation to the creative geniuses behind the brush.
