 |
| Did Taron Egerton Really Shave His Head for Netflix’s Apex? The Wild Truth Behind Ben’s Teeth and Bald Transformation. (Credits: Netflix) |
Taron Egerton did not just turn up to Netflix’s Apex and call it acting. For his chilling role as Ben, the forest-dwelling hunter who turns survival into sport, the actor reportedly shaved his head for real and likely used prosthetic teeth to complete one of his most unsettling screen transformations yet. No fancy vanity here, just full commitment, a razor, and apparently a willingness to look deeply alarming on camera.
Directed by Baltasar Kormákur, Apex follows Sasha, played by Charlize Theron, a skilled climber trying to rebuild her life after trauma. Her journey takes her to Australia’s Wandarra National Park, where a kayaking challenge quickly turns into something far darker.
Enter Ben, a trucker who seems odd at first, then gradually reveals himself as the sort of man you would absolutely avoid if he offered directions.
What makes Ben so effective is that he looks wrong in all the right ways. Egerton’s shaved head strips away any trace of polish and leaves behind a raw, unpredictable figure. It gives the character a feral edge, as if shampoo and social manners were abandoned years ago.
The actor even admitted he enjoyed not having to worry about his hair each day, which may be the first cheerful quote ever linked to playing a nightmare fuel villain.
The bald transformation also made practical sense. Ben lives in mud, water, dirt and chaos, so a perfectly styled haircut would have looked more suspicious than the character himself.
In a role built around stalking through the wilderness, the shaved head adds realism and makes Ben feel like part of the landscape. A very disturbing part of the landscape, but still.
This was not Egerton’s first dramatic physical switch-up either. He previously shaved his head for She Rides Shotgun, where he also bulked up and changed his look entirely.
In Rocketman, he relied on prosthetics and costume work to portray Elton John. The man clearly treats transformation as a hobby at this point.
Then there are the teeth, arguably the most memorable and deeply unpleasant surprise in Apex. Midway through the film, viewers discover Ben’s normal-looking dentures hide sharp fang-like teeth underneath.
ICYMI: Where Was Apex Filmed?
It is the kind of reveal that makes audiences instinctively sit back from the screen. While production details have not been officially confirmed, the look was almost certainly achieved through a mix of dental prosthetics and visual effects.
Creating serrated teeth that still allow an actor to speak, snarl and deliver lines naturally is no small task.
Similar custom work has been used in vampire films and creature features, where actors often need specially fitted dental pieces that alter speech and facial movement. In Egerton’s case, the result feels grimly believable, which is perhaps the most offensive part of it.
Fans and netizens have had mixed but lively reactions online. Some praised Egerton’s fearless commitment, calling Ben one of his boldest performances to date. OL
Others admitted the teeth reveal genuinely caught them off guard and said the actor was “too convincing” for comfort. A few viewers joked that they would never trust a bald trucker in the woods again, which feels unfair to many innocent bald truckers.
Critics have also pointed to how Apex uses physical transformation to support character psychology rather than just shock value.
Ben’s appearance is not random weirdness thrown in for attention. Every visual detail, from the shaved scalp to the hidden fangs, reinforces his predator mindset. It is sinister design with purpose, which is rarer than it should be.
For Taron Egerton, the role proves once again that he is far more than a polished leading man. He is willing to look strange, unsettling and frankly dreadful if the story needs it. That kind of risk often separates stars from serious actors.
So yes, Taron Egerton really appears to have shaved his head for Apex, and the terrifying teeth were likely built through prosthetics with some digital finishing touches. Either way, the result is unforgettable. Did Ben’s look make the film better, or was it a bit too much nightmare fuel?