You'll hardly recognize who's behind these memorable roles. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is the latest movie to showcase a large cast parading around in costume. While the actor who plays Bilbo Baggins Martin Freeman gets away with a pair of prosthetic elf ears, this actor is a tad more challenging to peg as Thranduil. While epic fantasy movies are go-tos for elaborate costumes and make-up, they certainly aren't the only genre to turn some of our favorite celebrities into unrecognizable characters.
Lincoln (2012)
This two-time Academy Award-winning actor got so deep into character, it's rumored he would only respond to "Mr. President" on the movie set. The actor in costume Daniel Day Lewis, play the Roledicaprio urged Daniel day Lewis Lincoln.
Adaptation (2002)
Not only does this actor play a nearly unrecognizable pudgy screenplay writer, he plays two of them: twins Charlie and Donald Kaufman. One of his many action-packed flicks, this is not. The actor in costume Nicolas Cage, financial woes Nicolas cage out tax debt.
The Amazing Spider-man Man (2012)
The costumed role was a big departure for this Welsh actor, who was not exactly known as a villain until he took on the part of The the Lizard in this Marvel blockbuster. The actor in costume Rhys Ifans, Comic-Con Rhys Ifans arrested.
Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)
It's no secret Mike Meyers played the title role of Austin Powers, the overly-confident British spy with bad teeth. But who played Goldmember, the other title role in the final installment of this trilogy? the actor in costume Mike Myers, the works mike myers austin powers 4.
You Don't Mess With the Zohan (2008)
Usually unrecognizable on the big screen anyway, this musician traded in his guitar to play a redneck terrorist in this Adam Sandler film about a special forces agent who fakes his own death so he can become a hairstylist in NYC. The actor in costume is Dave Matthews, Sandler movie Just Go With It.
Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny (2006)
This rocker is completely unrecognizable as Satan, whose tooth was used to make a legendary guitar pick; its powers believed to have created rock gods. But it's his horn that becomes nirvana when Tenacious D turns it into a Bong of Destiny. The actor in costume Dave Grohl, the movie Dave Grohl devil pick of destiny.
Hyde Park on Hudson (2012)
This comedic actor takes a more serious turn as Franklin D. Roosevelt. While critics have mainly panned this movie, it's this funnyman's electrifying portrayal of the former president that has won critical praise ,— even the word Oscar has been bandied about. If he won, it'd be a Cinderella story outta nowhere. The actor in costume Bill Murray, classic films bill murray ghostbusters sequel.
The Machinist (2004)
It's not so much that this actor was in costume, as much as he was in need of a burger after shedding more than 60 pounds to play an industrial worker who has a year-long bout of insomnia. The actor in costume Christian Bale, cast on his arm christian bale cast on arm.
Sin City (2005)
Years of botched plastic surgery made the prosthetics in this film almost unnecessary for this actor's role as Marv, a man framed for the murder of his one-night-stand before he goes on a ...... murder spree. Guess looks can kill. The actor in costume Mickey Rourke, his surgeries mickey rourke before surgery.
The Princess Bride (1987)
It's a classic fairytale in the theme of a rom-com that remains an American treasure after 25 years. But the real miracle is Miracle Max, the last miracle worker in town played by a heavily made-up comedian. The actor in costume Billy Crystal, billy crystal sandy victims.
Just Friends (2005)
No other single piece of clothing can dramatically change an actor's look quite like a fat suit. It's what this actor wore in the romantic comedy that featured him as the loveable chubster part of an unrequited love equation. It's a huge (no pun intended) departure from his suit of armor in "Green Lantern." The actor in costume Ryan Reynolds, ryan reynolds blake lively married.
Hitchcock (2012)
Who better to play one of the greatest directors than one of the greatest living actors of our time? For his biopic role as Alfred Hitchcock, this actor nailed the jowls, the receding hairline and the stoic demeanor. The two also share the same first name: Sir. The actor in costume Sir Anthony Hopkins, Anthony Hopkins Hitchcock trailer.
The Lovely Bones (2009)
The fictional storyline was already terrifying, but this actor, in his pedophile garb, added that extra kick of creepy as George Harvey — a serial killer who abducts young girls near their school. His believable portrayal earned him a Golden Globe nod. Not too shabby, unlike Harvey's hair and wardrobe. Can someone get this guy a comb? the actor in costume Stanley Tucci, Stanley Tucci marries felicity blunt.
The Iron Lady (2011)
This Oscar-winning actress, who has thwarted the siren call of plastic surgery, used an impressive set of silicone (and wigs) to turn her into Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher; a role that earned her her a 17th Academy Award nomination. The actor in costume Meryl Streep.
X-Men (2000)
It takes a former fashion model to play the role of Mystique, who is basically a painted naked body with some strategically placed prosthetics. It's unclear if anyone would even recognize her if she left off the face make-up. The actor in costume Rebecca Romijn.
Monster (2003)
This actress is another former fashion model, but this time, her costume in question was not that of a sexy superhero beast; it's that of a prostitute-turned-serial killer. Glamorous not in the least bit, but the role did earn her a Best Actress Oscar. The actor in costume Charlize Theron.
