‘Halloween’: The Fascinating History of Michael Myers’ Legendary Mask
The Halloween franchise has always had one of the most iconic slashers with Michael Myers. The white latex mask with light brown hair has taken on various appearances over the series. Horror movie fans tend to prefer the look of some masks over others. Halloween Kills is now officially in theaters, which continues to expand upon Myers’ story. Here’s the captivating history of Myers’ mask.
1978’s ‘Halloween’ has the classic mask
The mask’s history begins with the 1975 William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk mask that was purchased for a few dollars. Producer Tommy Lee Wallace removed the eyebrows and sideburns but liked the mask’s emotionless appearance.
Myers steals the mask from Nichol’s Hardware Store after he escaped from Smith’s Grove Sanitarium.
‘Halloween II’ shows the return of Michael Myers’ mask
The exact same mask was used in 1981’s Halloween II. However, natural wear and poor storage conditions caused the mask to look different in the sequel. Myers actor Nick Castle kept the mask in his back pocket during filming and co-writer and producer Debra Hill kept the mask under her bed for years.
Dick Warlock starred as Myers in Halloween II. The mask fit his head differently, which caused it to take on a differing shape. The producers expected this to be the final installment, so they allowed Warlock to keep the costume. He ultimately sold the costume and props to a haunted house owner.
‘Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers’
Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers had to create a brand new mask from scratch. It was intended to look like the original mask. However, franchise fans have mocked the mask for its brightness and slightly “shocked” expression. Some others like the cheap, store-bought mask look.
Myers steals this mask from Vincent Drug Store.
‘Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers’
Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers introduces an entirely new look for Myers. It’s more expressive than its predecessor, but it has a goofy look that turned a lot of fans off.
Myers takes the mask that’s hanging on the shack wall of a local hermit. It’s hinted that it’s supposed to be the same mask from Halloween 4, although that’s clearly not the case in reality. The producers intended to use the same mask, but Wilbur didn’t return as Myers. Don Shanks ended up taking on the role, so they needed to design a mask that would fit him.
Actor Donald Pleasence gave Shanks a fractured septum from a wooden plank. A new nose was grafted to fit Shanks’ bandaged nose, which is visible throughout the movie.
‘Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers’
Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers never shows how Myers gets his mask. Horror fans were generally pleased with the improvements made on this particular mask. However, others thought that it was a bit too rough around the edges. The hair is much messier and the skin has a rougher texture.
The masks were improperly stored. As a result, all but two of the masks used were destroyed.
‘Halloween H20: 20 Years Later’
Halloween H20: 20 Years Later sees the introduction of using CGI enhancements on the mask. Four masks are used during the filming. However, the main one being used is meant to resemble the one seen in Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers.
‘Halloween: Resurrection’
The mask used in Halloween: Resurrection is divisive. Some fans consider it the best mask of the sequels, while others say it’s one of the worst. It’s meant to look very similar to the 1978 mask, but it has much more emotion.
Rob Zombie’s ‘Halloween’
Rob Zombie’s Halloween introduces the mask at the beginning of the movie. Myers’ sister Judith’s boyfriend, Steve, brings it over to their house. Myers reclaims the mask from under the floorboards, which explains why it’s so worn and dirty. It has a cracked appearance throughout the movie.
Rob Zombie’s ‘Halloween II’
Rob Zombie’s Halloween II used the same mask as its predecessor. However, it has more wear, cracks, and blood on it. Much of Myers’ face and beard are visible through the missing portion of the mask. It gives a much more grotesque look, although many fans don’t like seeing Myers’ face.
2018’s ‘Halloween’
2018’s Halloween is meant to be a direct sequel to 1978’s Halloween. It’s intended to be the same mask, but it has withered and cracked while it has sat in archival evidence for 40 years. The mask successfully pulls off the same iconic look from the original movie.
‘Halloween Kills’
Halloween Kills picks up right after 2018’s Halloween concludes. Myers has been left in Laure Strode’s basement. The mask remains the same, but it now has burn marks after the previous movie’s intense climax that left the home in flames.
Halloween Ends is the final installment of David Gordon Green’s trilogy. Stay tuned to see how the mask looks in the next entry.
