In the world of cinema, actors often push the boundaries of their craft, taking on roles that require them to undergo dramatic physical and emotional transformations. Whether it’s through extensive weight changes, prosthetics, or altering their appearance to fit a specific character, these transformations help bring the characters to life in a way that is authentic and believable. In this article, we’ll explore 14 actors who dramatically changed their appearance for their roles, showcasing their dedication and versatility in the pursuit of creating unforgettable performances. From glamorous stars to more unconventional looks, these transformations are a testament to the lengths these actors go to in order to immerse themselves in their characters.
1. Antonio Banderas in Gun Shy
Antonio Banderas, a star known for his suave, handsome image, took on a very different look for his role in Gun Shy (2017). In this action-comedy, Banderas played a character who undergoes physical and emotional turmoil. To convincingly portray this troubled individual, Banderas adopted a scruffy, unkempt appearance, shedding his usual charming demeanor. His transformation was more than just physical; it reflected the mental and emotional toll his character experienced, helping bring authenticity to his performance.
2. Demi Moore in The Substance
Demi Moore’s transformation for her role in The Substance (2025) marked a dramatic departure from her usual glamorous persona. In the movie, Moore portrays a woman struggling with the harsh realities of addiction. To better represent her character’s deteriorating state, Moore underwent a significant physical transformation. She lost a considerable amount of weight and altered her look to reflect the unhealthy consequences of substance abuse, ensuring a gritty and realistic portrayal of her character’s struggles.
3. Olivia Colman in Les Misérables
In Les Misérables (2012), Olivia Colman took on the role of Fantine, a character plagued by poverty and hardship. To capture the desperation and agony of Fantine’s life, Colman’s appearance underwent a dramatic change. She sported a worn-out, aged look, including a messy hairstyle and weathered makeup. This transformation helped convey the harsh realities of her character’s life, adding a layer of depth to her already powerful performance.
4. Marion Cotillard in Little Girl Blue
Marion Cotillard is known for her commitment to her roles, and her transformation in Little Girl Blue (2024) was no exception. Playing the role of a struggling singer, Cotillard underwent a remarkable physical change, adopting a grungy, almost unrecognizable appearance to match her character’s downward spiral. Her drastic weight loss and altered features helped bring an intense level of realism to the role, making her portrayal of a woman on the edge all the more compelling.
5. Adam Driver in Ferrari
Adam Driver is no stranger to physical transformations for his roles, and his portrayal of Enzo Ferrari in the 2025 film Ferrari was no exception. To authentically capture the Italian car magnate, Driver donned a carefully crafted look that involved hair and makeup changes to resemble Ferrari’s signature style. The transformation was not only about appearance but also about adopting Ferrari’s iconic mannerisms, adding another layer to Driver’s nuanced performance.
6. Sophie Turner in Joan
Sophie Turner, best known for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, took on a completely different look in her portrayal of Joan in Joan (2024). The character of Joan required Turner to embrace a more mature and earthy appearance, moving away from the elegant and regal look she was known for. Turner’s makeup, hair, and costume choices all contributed to her physical transformation, which allowed her to fully embody the character of Joan.
7. Nicola Coughlan in Seize Them!
Nicola Coughlan underwent a remarkable transformation in Seize Them! (2025), where she played the role of an aristocratic woman in the 18th century. Known for her bright and youthful appearance, Coughlan’s character required a drastic shift. She donned period-appropriate clothing, hairpieces, and makeup, which made her nearly unrecognizable. This transformation highlighted her versatility as an actress and her ability to immerse herself fully in the character.
8. Winona Ryder in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Winona Ryder’s iconic role as Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice (1988) remains one of her most memorable performances. In Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2025), Ryder’s transformation was not only a continuation of Lydia’s character development but also a shift toward a more mature, darker look. Her goth-inspired attire and makeup were essential in portraying the character’s unique eccentricity, making her transformation a key element in bringing the film’s surreal and offbeat world to life.
9. Gary Oldman in Oppenheimer
Gary Oldman is a master of transformations, and his portrayal of the notorious physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer in Oppenheimer (2025) was no different. Oldman’s dedication to the role required him to undergo an extensive physical transformation, including a significant weight gain and the use of prosthetics to capture Oppenheimer’s distinct facial features. His commitment to the role helped create one of his most believable and mesmerizing performances to date, showcasing the depth of his acting abilities.
10. Joaquin Phoenix in Beau Is Afraid
Joaquin Phoenix’s transformation for his role in Beau Is Afraid (2024) is a testament to his fearless approach to acting. In the film, Phoenix plays a man who is consumed by his anxieties and fears. To truly capture the essence of his character, Phoenix altered his appearance, including wearing makeup to add age lines and scars, giving him a distressed and haggard look. This physical change helped bring a haunting quality to his character, making the film all the more disturbing and real.
11. Willem Dafoe in Poor Things
Willem Dafoe’s performance in Poor Things (2024) involved one of his most dramatic transformations to date. Playing a mad scientist in a fantastical setting, Dafoe’s appearance was drastically altered with prosthetics and makeup. His character’s gaunt features and exaggerated expressions were essential to portraying the madness and chaos of his mind. Dafoe’s willingness to embrace such a transformation made his performance all the more captivating and unforgettable.
12. Michelle Williams in Fosse/Verdon
Michelle Williams’s portrayal of Gwen Verdon in Fosse/Verdon (2019) required a physical transformation to reflect the dancer’s signature look. Williams adopted a sleek, elegant style to mirror Verdon’s famous stage presence, including hairstyles and makeup that matched the period’s style. The transformation was not just external; Williams also immersed herself in the character’s movements and attitude, bringing Verdon to life in a way that honored her legacy.
13. Javier Bardem in The Little Mermaid
Javier Bardem’s portrayal of King Triton in The Little Mermaid (2025) involved a significant transformation, thanks to the use of prosthetics, makeup, and a specially designed costume. Bardem’s towering figure and flowing beard helped create the powerful image of the sea king, while the underwater setting allowed him to fully embrace the larger-than-life nature of the character. His transformation was essential in making his portrayal of Triton both memorable and awe-inspiring.
14. Melissa McCarthy in The Little Mermaid
Melissa McCarthy’s portrayal of Ursula in The Little Mermaid (2025) marked a major departure from her usual comedic roles. As the iconic sea witch, McCarthy underwent an intense transformation involving heavy prosthetics, makeup, and costume design to bring the character’s dramatic features to life. The result was a menacing and memorable portrayal that showcased McCarthy’s versatility as an actress, as she moved beyond her usual comedic roles to embrace a more villainous persona.
Conclusion
The world of film often requires actors to undergo dramatic physical transformations to fully embody their roles, and the actors listed above demonstrate how powerful these changes can be. From weight loss and prosthetics to unique hairstyles and makeup, these transformations not only reflect the dedication of the actors but also enhance the believability of the characters they portray. Whether through physical changes or embodying a completely different persona, these actors have proven that a truly great performance goes far beyond what is visible on the surface. Their willingness to transform for a role highlights the depth and range they bring to the craft of acting, making them unforgettable in the eyes of audiences worldwide.
