Costumes are part of the cinematic experience. It’s something that the audience often looks forward to. Whether it’s a new fashion statement or an over-the-top face/body design, there’s no denying that costumes and prosthetics combined with outstanding performances are something that makes a film or series shine.
However, successful impressions come at a cost - often a painful one. Imagine being cooped up in a trailer for hours while the technical team put on the costume, shooting for 10-12 hours straight in the scorching heat or having to wear a 20kg full body costume/prosthetics for hours without break. These are some of the examples of just how severe it gets for actors to film with complicated makeovers. Regardless, they leave no stone unturned in providing well-loved performances. Here are some of the actors that had to wear painful prosthetics that may have turned fatal.
6Ryan Reynolds - Deadpool
When it comes toDeadpool, it’s no surprise that fans immediately think of theiconic costume and oxygen-deprived face. While it may not look like a lot of work to get this look done, it required a shocking eight hours to get done. Similar to how it went for Jennifer Lawrence,Ryan Reynoldsalso wasn’t able to properly sit or walk during the break between takes. He had to rip off the prosthetics each day. It’s stated that Reynolds' body was so muscular that the costume was too tight for him, and it made him comfortable to move. He couldn’t even go to the bathroom without struggling. However, despite all that, he did end up keeping the Deadpool costume after the shoot was over.
5Zoe Saldaña - Gamora
Unlike her previous role as Neytiri,Zoe Saldañahad to wear a lot of silicone prosthetics, green body paint, and makeup to turn into Gamora. It took her about two-to-three hours just to get into the look and taking it off took up to 45 minutes. In an interview, Saldaña explained that shewouldn’t be upset if she couldn’t play Gamoraanymore. This is because of the frequent trips to the dermatologist due to her skin getting irritated from the body paint and makeup.
Related:Zoe Saldaña Highlights Aspects in Common Between Avatar’s Neytiri and Guardians of the Galaxy’s Gamora
4Angelina Jolie - Maleficent
The Disney villainess, whostole the hearts of millions of fans, had her own fair share of difficulties with the costume. Although it is one of the most popular costumes around, it requiredAngelina Jolieto wear multiple prosthetic pieces. Whether it was to sharpen her cheekbones or her teeth, it took her three hours to get ready. An hour more of removing everything after the shooting was done. Jolie explains, although it made her extremely uncomfortable, she used the prosthetics to her advantage and molded her acting to match the costume.
3Jim Carrey - The Grinch
Famously known as anincredibly versatile actor,Jim Carreytook on theunexpected role of the Grinch, surprising many fans. His goofy but envious Dr. Seuss character gained a cult following from fans. The film became a great success because of him. However, this role came at a cost. Carrey had to sit still for eight hours to get his makeup and costume done. He had to do this everyday for 92 days. It’s no surprise that this took a bad toll on his mental health. Carrey described having claustrophobia from being in the costume. So much so, that the director had to request a CIA operative to come and help Carrey feel better.
Related:Why Jim Carrey Should Return to Dramatic Acting
2Jennifer Lawrence - Mystique
The role which waspreviously playedby Rebecca Romijn, passed ontoJennifer Lawrence. She played the role for the 2011 to 2009 franchise reboot. Such an elaborate design with blue scales and full-eye lenses may look aesthetically pleasing to the camera, but it can also be quite painful and uncomfortable. Not only that, but Lawrence was required to be fully naked for this role for hours. According to Lawrence, it would take a whopping six-to-eight hours just for her to get ready to shoot. It made moving very difficult. The craziest thing is that she had to even straddle a unicycle one time, just to finish the look!
1Stellan Skarsgård - Bill Turner
It would be an understatement to call this costume incredible. From paint and large crystals to elaborate ensembles of jewels applied all over his body, there was no room left for the actor to breathe. Each day,Stellan Skarsgårdhad to spend up to four hours getting into his costume. And then came even more hours of shooting. Due to this, the Swedish actor developed rashes and was limited to shooting only three times a week. However, all his hard work paid off when his character made a splash among the fan base.
