Johnny Depp’s ‘Mortdecai’ moustache was such a "huge part" of the film, he had 20 of them.
The 51-year-old actor worked hard with make-up artist Joel Harlow to craft the perfect facial hair for his character, art dealer aristocrat Charlie Mortdecai.
Joel said: "The moustache plays a huge part in the film, it’s almost a separate character
"On screen it’s a great source of pride to Mortdecai, and angst with his wife (Gwyneth Paltrow). And Johnny works it in the movie. He knows what a mustache can do and how to use it."
Joel first visited Johnny in August 2014 and the actor drew his vision for the two-toned ‘tache on a napkin before his make-up artist crafted 30 styles in different colours and lengths from real hair and the pair whittled them down to the 20 versions used in the film, both for the ‘Rum Diary’ star and his stunt doubles.
Joel told USA Today newspaper: "You don’t want it to be overpowering on the face. For Mortdecai, he wanted it simple and elegant.
"I’d groom it the night before and fix the curl. And basically we’d apply it in the morning. We’d complete the look by painting a split in Johnny’s teeth and then it was off to the races."
Now the movie is finished, Johnny – who had his moustache replaced every three days – is working on regrowing his own facial hair for his role of Captain Jack Sparrow in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’.
Joel said: "Captain Jack needs his moustache. And it’s coming in nicely."