Summary

Superhero thespian often go to drastic bar to effectively portray fantastical persona , but picture from theDC Universeand beyond often sport the most telling . Whether through CGI , prosthetics , or dramatic physical change , many actors and movie maker went above and beyond to depict DC ’s Hero and baddie . Indeed , some proved so influential that they shaped all subsequent character pattern and created legends outside the superhero musical genre .

Movies based on DC Comics have proliferated the genre since the 1951’sSuperman and the Mole MenstarringGeorge Reeves as Superman . The entire back catalogue features numerous franchise and serial concurrent tothe DCEU timeline- such asThe Batmanmovies and2024’sJoker : Folie À Deux . regard each of these , picture based on DC Comics have demonstrated the pinnacle of physical transformation in adapting beloved characters to movie theater .

Here ’s every new DC film confirmed as in development by WB for 2024 and onwards , including discharge engagement and where they go in the enfranchisement .

Collage of characters from Super Man 2025, Constantine and Batman II

10Christian Bale Gained A Huge Amount Of Muscle To Play Batman

Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Cast

Christian Bale is renowned for drastic system of weights changesand impressive strong-arm transformations , but his preparation for Christopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knighttrilogy was particularly telling . Bale engage in an extensive forcible regimen , combining acute system of weights grooming with a disciplined diet to become the imposing superhero . BeforeBatman Begins , Bale had drop his weight down to 120 British pound forThe Machinist . In just one twelvemonth , Bale reportedly gained 100lbs of muscleto become Batman in time for the first movie . Bale ’s impressive commitment contributed to the authenticity of his characterization , creating a Batman that was a formidable physical force as well as psychologically complex .

9Joaquin Phoenix Lost A Lot Of Weight To Play The Joker

Joker (2029)

Joaquin Phoenix ’s transformation into the Jokerfor Todd Phillips’Jokersaw the thespian undergo some vivid change . To incarnate the iconic baddie in the origination narrative , Phoenix lost 52lbs . Phoenix also trained with a choreographer , which contributed to his physicality and idiosyncratic mannerism , which would combine together in 2019 ’s Joker to show a hauntingly naturalistic take on the otherwise larger - than - life Crown Prince of Crime . Phoenix ’s strong-arm transformation contributed vastly to the character ’s success , which earned him widespread acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Actor .

8Incredible Prosthetics Turned Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje Into Killer Croc

Suicide Squad (2016)

Adewale Akinnuoye - Agbaje ’s portrait of Killer Croc inSuicide Squadwas startlingly bright because it was brought to life by arresting prosthetics . The flagitious scoundrel was intricately design , crafting Killer Croc ’s scaly , reptilian cutis and textured body through virtual outcome and composition . The detailed facial features displayed a remarkable amount of emotion and threat , which avail bring a terrifying Platonism to the redoubtable character . The level of art elevated the fiber ’s presence on CRT screen , whichbenefited greatly from using strong-arm prosthetics rather than CGI . Akinnuoye - Agbaje ’s physical performance beneath these let Killer Croc to become a memorable and ominous presence inSuicide Squad , despite the pic ’s sundry reception .

7Henry Cavill Gained Muscle To Become The Man Of Steel

Man Of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Justice League (2017), Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021), The Flash (2023)

Henry Cavil already boasted an telling physique before dally Superman in the DCEU.Regardless , Cavil gained an additional 18 pound of muscleman to wreak SupermaninMan of Steel . To attain this effort , Cavil adhered to a rigid training programme that center on building a flesh befitting the Last Son of Krypton . The actor confide to grueling workout and diets to achieve a muscularity synonymous with Superman . Cavil ’s well-defined flesh perfectly embodied the famed DC superhero , exuding might and heroism . Cavil ’s mighty frame reflect the character ’s superhuman strengthand march the worker ’s dedication to genuineness in portraying the beloved part on the big screen .

6CGI Helped Cara Delevinge Conjure Enchantress

CGI was an crucial ingredient in convert Cara Deevinge into the otherworldly Enchantress inSuicide Squad . Delevinge ’s metamorphosis need acombination of distinctive , paunch dance - inspired drift and computer wizardry . Sony Pictures Imageworks , one of several graphics companies that contributed toSuicide Squads ’s impressive visuals , has free a television detailing Enchantress ’s digital initiation .

The digital issue were peculiarly subservient in conveying the Enchantress and her wizardly abilities . The graphics create a surprising amount of the baddie ’s appearing , even used to make her clothing . Through CGI , Delevinge ’s movements were enhanced , and the character ’s fantastic elements were cleanly integrate . These finally crafted a adaptation of Enchantress with a sinister and gossamer presence .

5Robert Pattinson Trained Extensively To Become Batman

The Batman (2022)

Robert Pattinson fetch into singular shape to incarnate the eponymic hero inThe Batman . Pattinson undergo a rigorous and comprehensive workout routine , combining strength training , cardio exercises , and warriorlike arts to embody the iconic superhero ’s agility and fight prowess ( viaMenshealth ) . Rather than bulge up as other Batman actors have in the past times , Pattinson or else developed lean muscle and an increased strenuosity , aligning with the demands of the Caped Crusader while also carving out his own distinct physicality . His dedicated approach showcased a commitment to capture the essence of the character while also redefining perceptions of the character .

4Danny DeVito Wore Extensive Prosthetics To Play The Penguin

Batman Returns (1992)

Tim Burton’sBatman Returnsfeatured an iconic design for the Penguin , which quickly became so popular it was deploy in subsequent comic books . The movie focus on bring the character with penguin - life features , giving Oswald Cobblepot gaunt sunken eyes , focalize tooth , and mordant oral cavity . Danny DeVito ’s portrayal of the monstrous villain required extended makeup , prosthetics , and a bodysuit , which created the macabre interpretation of the Penguin . DeVito ’s snarling , leering delineation and his distinctive idiosyncrasies exploited this sinister countenance to evoke a extremely compelling and unsettling Batman adversary .

3Impressive Make-Up Made Tommy Lee Jones Two-Face

Batman Forever (1995)

Tommy Lee Jones ’s portrayal of Two - expression inBatman Foreverwas a visually spectacular triumph of make - up and prosthetics . The grapheme ’s disfigured appearance take intricate detailing to effectively accommodate the iconic DC villain to cinema . The elaborated makeup applications programme demand creating a unadulterated duality between the scarred and unscarred incline of Two - Face ’s look . Jones ' integral appearance was subject to examination , however , with meticulous aid paid to the burn effects , discolored pelt , and the contrasting aesthetics between the two halves . The resultant role visuallydepicted the psychological hullabaloo of Harvey Dent ’s dual identitywithin the bright style of the SchumacherBatmanmovies .

2CGI Turned Ray Fisher Into Cyborg

Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016), Justice League (2017), Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)

CGI was used unbelievably in effect to transmute Ray Fisher into Cyborg in the DCEU . The technologically advanced superhero postulate motion capture and digital issue to simulate the character ’s cybernetic components . Much of Cyborg ’s body is mechanical and metallic , featuring complex and futurist conception . The slick , intricate technological limbs were complemented by Fisher ’s broadened physique . Fisher trained thoroughly to play Cyborg in the DCEU , grave a expansive frame for the cybernetics to sit upon . Though Cyborg was underused in his scant DCEU appearances , his designing was a dexterous collaboration between character design , special effect , and physical transmutation .

1Heath Ledger’s Iconic Joker Make-Up Created A Legend

The Dark Knight (2008)

Heath Ledger ’s portrayal of the Joker in Christopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knightwas iconic , and hismakeup played a pivotal use in establishing the character ’s menacing and chaotic appearance . The Joker ’s make-up , made celebrated by Ledger ’s immersive performance , reflected the psychological depth of the character . The smeared , tousle blank face blusher , darkened eyes , and overdone reddened grin accentuate the Joker ’s anarchic nature , symbolizing his helter-skelter mentality and conform the iconic clown in effect for the gritty Batman trilogy .

Ledger ’s rendition was note for its raw and erratic portrayal , which was succinctly signalise by the haphazard makeup design . to boot , the prosthetics used to create the grapheme ’s facial scars inadvertently cause theJoker ’s freaky licking tick inThe Dark Knight . Ledger ’s Joker war paint became synonymous with the darker , more naturalistic timbre of Nolan ’s Batman trilogy , leaving an indelible mark on both cinematic history and theDC Universe ’s movie legacy .

author : Menshealth

Ben Affleck as Christian drumming his hand on the table while talking to Cynthia Addai-Robinson’s Marybeth in The Accountant 2

Josh Hartnett looking shocked in Fight or Flight

dc movies with biggest actor transformation, blended image with henry cavill’s superman, flanked by cara delevinge as enchantress and danny devito’s penguin

Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne stands in front of his Batman suit in The Dark Knight

Headshot Of Christian Bale In The <code>The Pale Blue Eye</code> LA Premiere

Shot Of Michael Caine In The World premiere of &lsquo;The Great Escaper&rsquo; at BFI Southbank

Headshot Of Liam Neeson In The UK premiere of Marlowe

Headshot Of Katie Holmes

Joaquin Phoenix as Joker in the Bathroom dance scene

headshot oF Joel Kinnaman

Headshot OF Will Smith

Headshot of Cara Delevingne

Headshot Of Jai Courtney

Headshot Of Henry Cavill In The World premiere of &lsquo;Argylle&rsquo;

Headshot Of Amy Adams In The BAFTA British Academy Film Awards 2019

Headshot Of Russell Crowe

Headshot Of Michael Shannon

Cara Delevingne as Enchantress holding a finger up to her lips in Suicide Squad

Headshot Of Robert Pattinson In The Dior Homme Menswear Spring/Summer 2025 show

Headshot Of Zoë Kravitz In The Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Headshot Of Jeffrey Wright

instar54133519

Penguin in Batman Returns in a top hat, snarling and showing black teeth

Headshot Of Michael Keaton In The Los Angeles Special Screening Of &lsquo;Knox Goes Away&rsquo;

Headshot of Danny DeVito

Headshot Of Michelle Pfeiffer In The 33rd Annual EMA Awards Gala

Headshot Of Christopher Walken In The &lsquo;Dune:Part 2&rsquo; premiere

Tommy Lee Jones is all smiles as Two-Face in Batman Forever

Headshot of Val Kilmer

Headshot Of Chris O&rsquo;Donnell

Headshot Of Jim Carrey In The North America Rights

Headshot Of Nicole Kidman In The Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix&rsquo;s &lsquo;A Family Affair&rsquo;

Ray Fisher&rsquo;s Cyborg prepares for battle in Zack Snyder&rsquo;s Justice League

Headshot Of Ben Affleck

Headshot Of Jesse Eisenberg

Headshot Of Gal Gadot

Heath Ledger as the Joker in an interrogation room in The Dark Knight

Headshot Of Heath Ledger In The 2006 Oscars Nominees Luncheon

Headshot of Aaron Eckhart

Headshot Of Gary Oldman In The 77th Cannes Film Festival

DC Extended Universe