Alien Characters in Hollywood: Behind the Scenes

Hollywood has introduced a diverse array of alien characters through various films, showcasing the creative potential of cinema. Here are some insights into the behind-the-scenes efforts of actors who portrayed these extraterrestrial beings and the challenges they faced:

Star Trek: First Contact

• Character: Borg Queen
• Actor: Alice Crede
• Makeup/Costume Challenges:
  • Loss of her hair and elaborate gray body paint.
  • Bodysuit that was difficult to remove, taking 45 minutes to get out of and back into.
  • To minimize breaks, Crede drank less water, making the process strenuous.

Avengers: Infinity War

• Character: Proxima Midnight
• Actor: Carrie Coon
• Makeup/Costume Challenges:
  • Role primarily done using motion capture.
  • Coon had experience with mocap from video games but did not expect film work to be quite different.

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2

• Character: Taser Face
• Actor: Chris Sullivan
• Makeup/Costume Challenges:
  • Initial makeup process took 3.5 hours, reduced to 2.5 hours over time.
  • Entertained by co-star Michael Rooker during long makeup sessions.

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer

• Role: Galactus
• Actor: Ralph Fiennes
• Production Insight:
  • Character achieved with a full costume, not just digital effects.
  • Director Matt Shakman emphasized physical embodiment over digital motion capture.

Prometheus

• Character: The Engineers
• Actor: Ian White
• Makeup/Costume Challenges:
  • Wore a muscle suit and prosthetics.
  • Body painted entirely in white.
  • Already experienced with complicated makeup from previous roles.

Predator (1987)

• Character: The Predator
• Actor: Kevin Peter Hall
• Makeup/Costume Challenges:
  • Known for monster roles.
  • Stood 7'2", suitable for his Predator role.
  • Died in 1991 from AIDS.

Justice League

• Character: Steppenwolf
• Actor: Ciarán Hinds
• Makeup/Costume Challenges:
  • Performed role using motion capture with a skintight suit, described as tight and embarrassing.

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace

• Character: Darth Maul
• Actor: Ray Park
• Makeup/Costume Challenges:
  • Complex water-based and tattoo color makeup.
  • Felt awkward initially but contributed to character portrayal.
• Provided motion capture for the animated series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars."

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2

• Character: Aisha
• Actor: Elizabeth Debicki
• Makeup/Costume Challenges:
  • Required an extensive gold paint application process, eventually achieving a distinctive metallic, yet soft look.

The Fifth Element

• Character: Diva Plava Laguna
• Actor: Maïwenn Le Besco
• Makeup/Costume Challenges:
  • Required extensive makeup and large prosthetic objects.
  • Wore stilts and needed assistance.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

• Character: Boris
• Actor: Jermaine Clement
• Makeup/Costume Challenges:
  • Extensive prosthetics initially took 8 hours to apply, later reduced to 4 hours.
  • Required iterative design to achieve an intimidating look inspired by Charles Manson and 1960s icons.

Green Lantern

• Character: Thanos
• Actor: Damion Poitier
• Makeup/Costume Challenges:
  • Role kept secret until in the makeup chair.
  • Experienced transformation from practical effects to digital rendering.

Overall, the transformation into alien characters for Hollywood films is often a time-consuming process involving extensive makeup, prosthetics, and motion capture. It requires dedication and patience from actors who bring these otherworldly creations to life on screen.