Red Skull’s ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ Cameo Was Completely CGI

Red Skull’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Avengers: Infinity War was entirely created using CGI.

In 2011, Captain America: The First Avenger brought Red Skull to life using actor Hugo Weaving in make-up and prosthetics. There was certainly some digital work done in post-production to remove the nose and make other touch-ups but it’s mostly a practical effect. Red Skull finally made his return to the MCU in Avengers: Infinity War but the film brought him to life in a very different way.

Hugo Weaving did not return to play Red Skull in Avengers: Infinity War. Instead, the actor was replaced by The Walking Dead‘s Ross Marquand, who is known for his great impressions. It turns out that Marquand provided the voice but there was no actor wearing that Red Skull make-up on set this time around. Digital Domains’ Kelly Port recently spoke with IGN about how and why Red Skull looks the way he does in the movie. During this conversation, Port revealed that the character you see in the film is entirely digital.

“Ross ended up coming in later to do the voice and so on set we had the stand-ins that were kind of performing when Red Skull was actually walking. It was one of the good things, too. Does he walk, is he slow? We kind of hit on this kind of ethereal feel to him, he’s kind of there, he’s kind of not.”

Avengers: Infinity War was able to accomplish many things with its groundbreaking digital effects. CGI characters such as Thanos, Rocket, and Groot have come a long way in terms of looking realistic. Now that it’s been revealed that even Red Skull was completely CGI in the film, it proves that Avengers: Infinity War deserves its spot on the Academy Awards shortlist for Best Visual Effects.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all news regarding Avengers: Infinity War as soon as more information becomes available. Did you notice that Red Skull wasn’t a practical effect? What are some of your favorite examples of effective CGI over the years? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: IGN