Actors go through a lot to get into character, especially when it comes to big transformations for movies or shows. Take Sofia Vergara, for instance. You probably know her best as Gloria Pritchett from Modern Family, but now she’s diving into a whole new role in a Netflix series called Griselda.
In an interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show, the actress spilled the beans on just how much work went into her transformation. She revealed,
“It was hours. It was a wig! It was a lot! They did a lot for me. It was teeth, it was wig, it was nose, it was plastic from here to here.”
Eric Newman, the co-creator of the show, also confirmed (according to The Hollywood Reporter) that it took “three hours” of prep time before Sofia Vergara could even step in front of the camera. And they had to tweak her look a few times to get it just right.
But here’s the thing: as tough as the 51-year-old’s transformation was, there are others out there that make hers look like a walk in the park. We’re talking about the five transformations that are even more grueling than what Vergara went through.
1. Christian Bale’s Portrayal Of Dick Cheney
Christian Bale’s portrayal of Dick Cheney in Vice was no walk in the park. Known for his dedication, Bale went all out for the role, packing on 40 pounds to transform into the former Vice President. But the real magic happened in the makeup chair.
Bale spent hours each day getting dolled up, with makeup artist Greg Cannom working his Oscar-winning magic to age Bale over 50 years. From cheek enhancements to full-on prosthetics, Bale’s transformation was a sight to behold.
As per Deadline, Cannom even mentioned a day when they did three different looks, totaling “nine hours of just makeup.”
This intense process highlights Bale’s commitment to his craft, showing that some actors will stop at nothing to bring a character to life.
2. Jamie Campbell Bower Portrays Vecna
Jamie Campbell Bower’s makeover into Vecna was no small feat. Barrie Gower, the makeup guru behind the Night King and White Walkers in Game of Thrones, worked his magic on Bower for Season 4 of “Stranger Things, using practical effects makeup.
Bower himself revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that it took a whopping “seven and a half hours is the process of application, and then about an hour to an hour and a half of removal.”
What’s surprising is that Vecna’s eerie look wasn’t achieved with fancy CGI but with good old-fashioned practical effects. On set, the entire Stranger Things crew felt the chilling presence of Vecna, and Bower fully embraced the character’s physicality, making the most of his claw-like fingers and the flexibility of the multi-piece body suit.
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Dave Bautista’s stint as Drax in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has left a big impression on fans worldwide. Playing the tough, straight-talking warrior in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, Bautista brings both laughs and heart to the character.
While CGI is all the rage in superhero flicks, some of the most jaw-dropping transformations happen with good old-fashioned makeup. It took a crew of five makeup artists a whopping five hours every day to turn Bautista into Drax, using 18 different prosthetic pieces.
As per Business Insider, according to special makeup effects designer David White, getting Drax’s look just right was a real marathon for the team. He explained,
“Drax started as a five-hour makeup, and slowly the time began to fall away, as expected. A makeup that extensive is a real slog for the team as it’s so complex.”
Whether he’s cracking jokes or duking it out in a battle scene, Bautista’s portrayal of Drax is unforgettable. It cemented his status as one of the MCU’s standout stars.
Griselda Blanco’s Son Saying Netflix Made Her Mom Ugly Despite Sofia Vergara Playing Her Draws Wild Fan Reactions4. Jim Carrey Portrays The Grinch
Jim Carrey’s time as the Grinch in How the Grinch Stole Christmas was no cakewalk. He had to go through a whopping 92 makeup sessions, spending hours every day getting into character.
Carrey didn’t hold back when describing the ordeal on The Graham Norton Show saying it felt like being “buried alive” each day. On the first day alone, he endured 8 hours of makeup to become the Grinch, complete with green yak hair and prosthetics.
Even though the process got smoother over time, Carrey still went through it nearly a hundred times. It was a real challenge that pushed Carrey and his makeup crew to their limits.
5. Jennifer Lawrence And Rebecca Romijn Portray Mystique
Rebecca Romijn and Lawrence faced their struggles as Mystique in the X-Men movies. Romijn, in the early days, had to endure nine-hour makeup sessions, the artist told Looper,
“It was the makeup application. It was no joke! My call time was at midnight to be ready at 9 AM. It was a nine-hour makeup process.”
Lawrence spent a solid eight hours getting into character (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon). Both actresses had to deal with the discomfort of prosthetics and makeup every day on set. Despite the difficulties, they poured their hearts into their roles.
The world of movie makeup isn’t all glitz and glamour. Actors like Carrey, Romijn, Jennifer Lawrence, and others go through grueling processes to bring their characters to life.
