David White, the prosthetic makeup effects designer for Robert Eggers’ horror film “Nosferatu,” revealed the secrets behind Bill Skarsgård’s chilling transformation into Count Orlok. From the development of the look to the inspirations that haunted him, White shared exclusive insights into creating one of cinema’s most iconic villains.
The journey to develop Orlok’s look began nearly a year ago, with White working closely with Eggers to create a life cast of Skarsgård at home. The design process spanned three months, with White and his team assembling a crew to refine the concept. They drew inspiration from various sources, including Max Schreck’s 1922 portrayal of Nosferatu and natural history texts.
To achieve the desired effect, Orlok’s prosthetic makeup had to work on multiple levels, with only one sculptural look. This presented several challenges, particularly in maintaining age ambiguity while conveying decay and nobility. White employed a sparse approach with minimal wrinkles and eye bags to create an ageless appearance.
One of the most striking aspects of Orlok’s design is his mustache and forelock, which Eggers wanted to incorporate due to their significance in traditional noble attire. The full-body prosthetic consisted of 62 pieces, while the head and face alone required nine separate units.
For the final shot of Orlok lying dead on Ellen, White consulted reference images of ancient corpses, including a 5,300-year-old iceman found in the Alps. They used this as inspiration to enhance the withering moment between life and death, blending it seamlessly into the VFX-enhanced scene.
The level of detail in creating Count Orlok’s transformation is a testament to White’s skill and dedication. His insights provide a deeper understanding of the film’s production process and the creative choices behind one of cinema’s most iconic villains.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/artisans/news/bill-skarsgard-nosferatu-transformation-makeup-mustache-count-orlok-1236249285