See how Machine Gun Kelly was set on fire for Netflix’s ‘Project Power’
Back in July, we got our first look at the new Netflix film Project Power. The sci-fi thriller stars Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Machine Gun Kelly.
Following its release on Aug. 14, the visual effects team is now revealing just how they turned Machine Gun Kelly into a human fireball for Project Power.
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Project Power follows a former soldier, played by Foxx, who has made it his mission to stop the spread of “power pills,” a drug that gives those who take it a unique superpower. After taking the pills, users experience superpowers such as invisibility, super-strength and bullet-proof skin. For MGK’s character, however, the pills cause him to explode into a ball of fire.
Now, in a new behind-the-scenes video, the visual effects team reveals just how they turned Machine Gun Kelly into a human fireball. For the role, Machine Gun Kelly spent five hours each day in hair and makeup. The dramatic transformation caused MGK to look severely burned with his skin falling off of his body.
As MGK shares in the video, Project Power is the first film he didn’t have to audition for. However, due to the taxing amount of prosthetics, makeup and role preparation, he does wish he had asked a few more questions before accepting the role.
“It’s the first time they’ve actually cast me without needing to read or audition for the movie,” he says. “Funny enough, this is the first time I didn’t ask any questions and I wish I would have asked a question.”
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As the video reveals, a lot of preparation went into bringing the fiery character to life. Along with the physical transformation, Machine Gun Kelly was also covered in various programmable LED lights. The lights were embedded in full prosthetics that MGK wore each day. As well, real fire was lit during the filming of each scene.
With the help of the LED panels and prosthetics, the visual effects team was then able to go in and CGI the fire onto Machine Gun Kelly. The results are impressive and truly make it look like the “Bloody Valentine” performer is actually on fire.
The behind-the-scenes video also explains how the Project Power team was able to create the realistic bathtub scene. After Foxx’s character arrives at MGK’s apartment asking about the power pills, the two end up fighting and Machine Gun Kelly transforms into a ball of fire. The fight ends with MGK being drowned in a bathtub by Foxx.
The full behind-the-scenes video of how Machine Gun Kelly was lit on fire is available to watch below. Project Power is now streaming on Netflix.
Have you watched Project Power? Let us know in the comments below.
