This Is What 16 Masked Marvel Actors Actually Look Like

Marvel’s most iconic heroes and villains have become so popular that The Avengers franchise has shattered box office records and won millions of fans worldwide. To bring these legendary characters to life, our favorite actors undergo hours of makeup and transformation, often becoming almost unrecognizable on screen.

16. Thanos – Josh Brolin

Thanos first appeared in The Avengers (2012), played by stuntman Damion Poitier. However, for the last four films, Josh Brolin took over as Marvel’s ultimate villain. To bring Thanos to life with stunning realism, filmmakers used advanced motion capture technology, which digitally mapped Brolin’s facial expressions and movements to create the character’s imposing and lifelike presence on screen.

15. Ronan the Accuser – Lee Pace

Lee Pace is nearly unrecognizable as Ronan the Accuser in Guardians of the Galaxy. His transformation included a striking blue complexion, intense purple contact lenses, and a dark hood that completely altered his appearance. The elaborate makeup and costume turned the charismatic actor into one of the most intimidating villains in the Marvel universe.

14. Nebula – Karen Gillan

Scottish actress Karen Gillan brought Nebula to life in the Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers films. To transform into Thanos' fierce daughter, she had to shave her head and endure one of the most complex makeup processes in the franchise. It took the crew around four hours to apply her intricate prosthetics and only 30 minutes to remove them—an intense commitment to the role that made her nearly unrecognizable on screen.

13. Johann Schmidt, Red Skull – Hugo Weaving, Ross Marquand

Yes, The Matrix’s Agent Smith, Hugo Weaving, originally portrayed Red Skull in Captain America: The First Avenger. However, in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, the role was taken over by Ross Marquand. Transforming into the menacing, noseless villain was no easy task—both actors had to endure over three hours of makeup and prosthetics to achieve Red Skull’s eerie and skeletal appearance.

12. Martinex – Michael Rosenbaum

Smallville star Michael Rosenbaum played Martinex, one of the Ravagers, in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. His character was brought to life using advanced CGI, allowing the filmmakers to preserve his facial expressions while giving him a crystalline, futuristic appearance. This technology seamlessly blended his performance with the film’s stunning visual effects.

11. Mantis – Pom Klementieff

French actress Pom Klementieff made her Marvel debut in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 as Mantis, the empathic, insect-like alien. To transform into her character, she wore large black contact lenses and had small prosthetic pieces attached to her forehead. Using CGI, these prosthetics were later extended into Mantis' signature antennae, completing her unique and otherworldly appearance.

10. Gamora – Zoe Saldana

In Avatar, Zoe Saldana's transformation into Neytiri was achieved entirely through CGI and motion capture. However, in Guardians of the Galaxy, her role as Gamora required a much more hands-on approach. Professional makeup artists spent around five hours each day applying layers of green body paint and intricate details to bring Thanos' fierce daughter to life, making her one of the most visually striking characters in the Marvel universe.

9. Drax the Destroyer – Dave Bautista

Former wrestler, bodybuilder, and MMA fighter Dave Bautista took on the role of Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy. To achieve his striking look, makeup artists spent hours covering his body with airbrushed gray paint before carefully applying silicone red scars to complete the transformation. The detailed process turned Bautista into the fierce yet lovable intergalactic warrior fans have come to admire.

8. Yondu Udonta – Michael Rooker

Michael Rooker, known for his roles as Merle Dixon in The Walking Dead and Yondu in Guardians of the Galaxy, underwent an extensive transformation to become the blue-skinned Ravager. To bring the Zatoan warrior from Centauri-IV to life, makeup artists applied six layers of vibrant blue makeup, fitted him with uncomfortable fake teeth, and gave him striking red contact lenses. The result was Yondu’s unmistakable and fearsome look, made even more memorable by Rooker’s charismatic performance.

7. Ayesha – Elizabeth Debicki

Australian actress Elizabeth Debicki transformed into Ayesha, the Golden High Priestess of the Sovereign, in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. To achieve her striking, metallic appearance, makeup artists spent hours covering her entire body in shimmering gold paint. She also wore golden contact lenses, completing the regal and otherworldly look of the powerful Sovereign leader.

6. Taserface – Chris Sullivan

American actor and musician Chris Sullivan portrayed the menacing cyborg Taserface in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. His transformation involved hours in the makeup chair, where artists applied layers of purple makeup, fitted him with bright contact lenses, and added fake silver teeth to complete his intimidating, battle-worn look. The result was a striking and unforgettable villain in the Marvel universe.

5. Ultron – James Spader

James Spader brought the menacing Ultron to life in Avengers: Age of Ultron. While the character was entirely created using CGI, Spader played a crucial role in his performance by providing motion capture for Ultron’s movements and facial expressions. His distinct voice and nuanced acting gave the artificial intelligence villain a chilling yet charismatic presence, making him one of the most memorable antagonists in the Marvel universe.

4. Korg – Taika Waititi

New Zealand actor, screenwriter, and comedian Taika Waititi not only directed Thor: Ragnarok but also brought several characters to life using motion capture technology. He played the lovable gladiator Korg, provided movements for the third (right) head of the alien Surtur, and even stood in for Hulk in several scenes. While these characters were entirely CGI, Waititi’s expressive performance and humor made them feel real and unforgettable in the Marvel universe.

3. Corvus Glaive – Michael James Shaw

Michael James Shaw, an actor and writer, appeared in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame as Corvus Glaive, one of Thanos' loyal Black Order generals. While Shaw provided the performance, his character was brought to life primarily through CGI. Motion capture technology allowed the visual effects team to map his movements and expressions, transforming him into the sinister, spear-wielding warrior who fought alongside Thanos in his quest for universal domination.

2. Talos – Ben Mendelsohn

Australian actor Ben Mendelsohn took on the role of Talos, the leader of the Skrulls, in Captain Marvel. To fully transform into the shape-shifting alien, he endured hours of makeup application, wearing an intricate silicone prosthetic on his head, fake pointed ears, and striking contact lenses. The detailed practical effects helped bring Talos to life, making him one of the most memorable characters in the Marvel universe.

1. Vision – Paul Bettany

Paul Bettany was part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe long before he became Vision. He originally voiced J.A.R.V.I.S., Tony Stark’s AI assistant in the Iron Man films and The Avengers. When he transitioned to playing Vision, the transformation was far more complex. His look required over three hours of makeup, including a detailed red mask and silicone prosthetics. To enhance Vision’s appearance, visual effects artists also added digital touches, bringing the android’s sleek and futuristic design to life.

Bonus: The Marvel Universe voices

In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, pop star Miley Cyrus lent her voice to Mainframe, an advanced AI system. Vin Diesel, known for voicing Groot, took his role to another level by saying "I am Groot" in 15 different languages to bring the beloved tree-like character to life worldwide. The quick-witted and charismatic Rocket Raccoon is voiced by Bradley Cooper, adding depth and humor to the character. Meanwhile, in Thor: Ragnarok, the towering Fire Demon Surtur was voiced by Clancy Brown, a legendary voice actor who is also famously known for voicing Mr. Krabs in SpongeBob SquarePants.

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