Behind the scenes hair and makeup for Spider-Man: Brand New Day

The Art of the Look: How One Sketchbook Defined Spider-Man’s New Era

Every cinematic universe demands a vision, and for the highly anticipated “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” the visual identity was crafted by a dedicated artist named Alessandro Bertolazzi. Far from simply applying makeup, Bertolazzi uses a deeply personal method—a 250-page sketchbook filled with hand-painted visions—to translate the complex tapestry of superheroes and villains onto the screen.

This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about philosophy. Before stepping onto the set, Bertolazzi engages in extensive conversations with the actors, aiming to understand the essence of each character before executing the design. The theme for this new installment was deliberately grounded, a wish championed by director Destin Daniel Cretton. “I don’t want to say dirty, but real and grounded,” he shared, setting a tone that prioritized authenticity over spectacle.

This dedication to realism extended across the board. While major stars like Zendaya and Tom Holland had dedicated teams for their looks, Bertolazzi meticulously mapped out the details for every character, ensuring they felt rooted in reality. He took inspiration from a diverse pool of real-world style, considering figures ranging from Emma Chamberlain and Gigi Hadid to Billie Eilish to find that perfect balance between edgy and luminous for his designs.

Redefining Power: The Look of Jean Grey

One of the most fascinating transformations involves Sadie Sink as Jean Grey. While the character’s backstory is complex, the visual execution leaned into a modern, youthful energy. Bertolazzi assigned concepts like New York Girl, Edgy Girl, and Dangerous to the role. Sink captured this vision effortlessly, sporting Jean Grey’s signature red hair in messy layers with minimal makeup, emphasizing a character still navigating the depths of her powers.

Natural Realism for Everyday Heroes

The pursuit of realism extended even to the supporting cast. For Ned, played by Jacob Batalon, Bertolazzi insisted on natural-looking hair that reflected Ned’s status as a post-college grad living in New York City. He sought to avoid stiff, artificial wigs, ensuring that the look felt genuine to the character’s contemporary life.

The focus on realism was even more pronounced with Frank Castle, or The Punisher. Rather than relying on heavy prosthetics—a technique Bertolazzi found limiting—he employed a specialized skin illustrator color palette to paint in the scars. This approach allowed for deeply textured, realistic facial marks that appeared organic and earned, reflecting a character forged by experience rather than elaborate costume work.

The Antagonists and Their Shadows

The visual narrative wasn’t limited to the main cast; it extended to the film’s antagonists. The formidable group known as The Hand received stunning costuming that whispered of history and power. Bertolazzi infused these designs with literary references, writing notes like “Eastern Civilization” and referencing the concept of “The Mask as Protection of Intimate Space.”

One member of this shadowy crew, Snow, was designed with a flowing, braided ponytail, a winged cat-eye, and a warrior’s headband, reflecting the cunning nature of a mythical figure. Even for seemingly minor characters like Michael Mando’s Scorpion and Marvin Jones III’s Tombstone, Bertolazzi carefully balanced artistic liberty with preserving the actors’ core essence.

Ultimately, Bertolazzi’s work demonstrates that true visual storytelling happens in the details. By treating each character as a living entity to be explored through art, he ensured that the costumes, makeup, and hair were not just surface decorations, but integral parts of the grounded, real world that Spider-Man inhabits.

By Jackson Turner