15 times actors completely transformed their appearance to play a villain

Janaki JitchotvisutOct 15, 2020, 20:03 IST

The crew only had two hours in the makeup chair to complete Voldemort's look.Warner Bros. / AP Photo/Stuart Ramson

Some actors completely transform themselves for their roles as terrifying villains.
Due to time constraints, the "Harry Potter" crew had to digitally erase Voldemort's nose.
Motion-capture technology helped bring Gollum to life in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey."

Some of the best villains are the ones with memorable and shocking designs — but it's the actors under the makeup and costumes who bring these haunting characters to life.

Read on for 15 times actors transformed into horrifying movie villains.

Linda Blair played a possessed 12-year-old in "The Exorcist" (1973).

"The Exorcist" marked a turning point for special effects. Warner Bros./YouTube / David Livingston/Getty Images

Some elements of Voldemort's look were digitally added or, like his nose, removed.

The crew only had two hours in the makeup chair to complete Voldemort's look. Warner Bros. / AP Photo/Stuart Ramson

Robert Englund originated the role of Freddy Krueger in "A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984).

Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger in "A Nightmare on Elm Street." New Line Cinema/Frederick M. Brown/GettyImages

Sam Neill's character in "Event Horizon" (1997) gouged his own eyes out.

The inner-eye sockets were designed with cabbage leaves and raw steak. Paramount Pictures/Cole Bennetts/GettyImages

Joaquin Phoenix transformed into the Joker for the namesake film.

Joaquin Phoenix in "Joker." Warner Bros / Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP

There's a real person under the Pinhead makeup — Doug Bradley.

Doug Bradley as Pinhead. Murray Close/Getty Images / George De Sota/Getty Images

Ed Gale added physicality to the terrifying doll, Chucky.

The crew built an oversized set for Ed Gale's scenes. MGM/YouTube / Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Bonnie Aarons played the demonic villain in "The Conjuring 2" (2016) and "The Nun" (2018).

Bonnie Aarons played the demonic nun in two films. Warner Bros/Kevin Winter/GettyImages

Tom Hardy played the Spider-Man villain turned anti-hero.

Tom Hardy said he thinks Venom is the "coolest" looking Marvel character. Sony Pictures/Matt Winkelmeyer/GettyImages

Several actors have played Leatherface, but Gunnar Hansen was the first.

Gunnar Hansen said he had never used a chainsaw before playing the role. New Line Cinema/ROBERT F. BUKATY/ApImages

Nick Castle played Michael Myers in most of "Halloween" (1978), but several other people stepped into the costume.

Nick Castle was one of the actors to play Michael Myers. Anchor Bay / Steve Granitz/Getty Images

Andy Serkis brought Gollum to life with motion-capture technology.

Andy Serkis as Gollum. New Line Cinema / Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

Several actors have played Jason, but none more than Kane Hodder.

Kane Hodder is an established stunt coordinator. Paramount/David Livingston/GettyImages

The Joker isn't the only terrifying clown on this list.

Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise. Warner Bros / Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

As Pale Man in "Pan's Labyrinth" (2006), Doug Jones is exceedingly creepy.

Doug Jones in "Pan's Labyrinth." Warner Bros/Rich Polk/GettyImages

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