Cate Blanchett's biggest on-screen transformations

By Mariel Turner 7:46am PDT, Aug 12, 2019

From an evil supervillain to an all-powerful queen of England, Cate Blanchett has transformed into some of Hollywood's most memorable characters. In celebration of the Aug. 6, 2019, release of her latest movie, "Where'd You Go Bernadette," Wonderwall.com is taking a look at Cate's biggest on-screen transformations. She sports a chic brunette bob with bangs and oversized sunglasses in "Bernadette." Keep reading to see more…

Florence Zimmerman in "The House with a Clock in Its Walls"

Cate Blanchett debuted a brand-new look to portray Florence Zimmerman, a powerful good witch, in 2018's "The House with a Clock in Its Walls." The actress sported silver-gray locks, 1950s attire and a magical staff to bring the enchantress to life.

Hela in "Thor: Ragnarok"

Cate Blanchett was nearly unrecognizable as butt-kicking supervillain Hela, who is also Thor's sister, in 2017's "Thor: Ragnarok." The talented actress donned a long black wig, dark black eye makeup, a caped costume and, at times, a huge black horned headdress to play the Marvel character. She also bulked up with a fierce workout routine that included practicing Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art. All that hard work paid off for Cate. She received rave reviews for her portrayal of the goddess of death and the movie went on to gross $854 million, becoming the highest earning film in the "Thor" trilogy.

Kate Wheeler in "Bandits"

Cate Blanchett transformed into a feisty redhead in 2001's "Bandits." The Australian actress starred as Kate, a housewife with a failing marriage who runs away and turns to a life of crime and love. To bring Kate to life, Cate rocked a bold new hair color and an "I take what I want" attitude that was unforgettable!

Philippa in "Heaven"

Cate Blanchett went to extremes to portray Philippa, an English teacher who ends up on the run from the law, in 2002's "Heaven." Cate was so committed to the role that she shaved her beautiful blonde locks on-camera and rocked a buzzcut in the movie! In addition to her bald crop, Cate also wore a dingy T-shirt and jeans for most of the film — a huge step away from the glamorous A-lister we've come to know and love.

Carol in "Carol"

In 2015's "Carol," Cate played a glamorous housewife who battles her true sexuality amidst a divorce from her husband and an illicit love affair with another woman. To portray the character, Cate wore extravagant 1950s garb, blonde pin curls and classic makeup, but it was her performance that was the true transformation. The film received critical acclaim upon its release and Cate's performance was universally praised, earning her Academy Award, Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for best actress.

Queen Elizabeth I in "Elizabeth" and "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"

Cate Blanchett mastered her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I in 1998's "Elizabeth" and its 2007 sequel, "Elizabeth: The Golden Age." The actress sported the monarch's signature red hair in elaborate wigs and updos and the extravagant royal costumes, jewelry and makeup of the 16th century. Cate also perfected Elizabeth's historic mannerisms and persona. Her flawless depiction led to her first Oscar and SAG Award nominations and BAFTA and Golden Globe wins.

Colonel Dr. Irina Spalko in "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"

In 2008's "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," Cate Blanchett starred as Colonel Dr. Irina Spalko, a psychic and super-smart Soviet agent who is Indy's main antagonist. To properly portray the diabolical doc, Cate rocked a whole new look — a brown blunt bob, a gray jumpsuit, leather gloves and more, all the better to fight and fence in. Cate's complete transformation and intense performance helped contribute to film's crazy-high $786 million box-office gross!

Daisy Fuller in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" saw Cate Blanchett cover a huge range of on-screen looks. In the 2008 film co-starring Brad Pitt, she played Daisy, a dancer who's Benjamin's longtime love. The film takes place over the course of a lifetime and shows Daisy from childhood to old age. To bring this lifetime to the big screen, Cate wore a variety of looks including long red hair, shoulder-length red curls, gray hair, aging prosthetics and clothing from the 1940s, '60s, '80s and '90s!

Katherine Hepburn in "The Aviator"

Cate Blanchett's transformation into real-life Hollywood icon Katharine Hepburn was so incredible that it led to her first Academy Award win! In 2004's "The Aviator," Cate wore soft red waves and stunning 1930s outfits and furs, which all contributed to her acclaimed portrayal. "The Aviator" went on to be nominated for 11 Oscars including best picture.

Lady Galadriel in the "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy

Cate Blanchett switched it up yet again when she was cast as Lady Galadriel, a royal elf who can communicate telepathically, in the "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. She wore a long blonde wavy wig, a silver and gold headdress and long white robes in 2001's "The Fellowship of the Ring," 2002's "The Two Towers" and 2003's "The Return of the King." Cate's on-screen contributions helped the "LoTR" film series gross over $2.9 billion worldwide and win 17 Oscars out of 30 total Academy Award nominations!

Evil stepmother Lady Tremaine in "Cinderella"

In 2015's live-action retelling of "Cinderella," Cate Blanchett played the evil stepmother, also known as Lady Tremaine. For her depiction of this classic character, Cate rocked stunning red hair perfectly coiffed into updos, expensive attire and timeless makeup complete with a signature red lip. "Cinderella" was one of the most well-received movies of 2015, thanks in part to Cate's phenomenal theatrics.

Lucinda Leplastrier in "Oscar and Lucinda"

Cate Blanchett starred opposite Ralph Fiennes in 1997's "Oscar and Lucinda" — and looked nothing like herself. The actress donned a dark wig and mid-1800s garb to play Lucinda, a young Australian heiress who buys a glass factory.

Magdalena "Maggie" Gilkeson in "The Missing"

In 2003's "The Missing," Cate Blanchett played a mother who takes matters into her own hands after her daughter is kidnapped by criminals in the New Mexico Territory circa 1885. For her role as Maggie, Cate wore her blonde locks in loose, wild waves and donned classic 1880s settler costumes.

Charlotte Gray in "Charlotte Gray"

In 2001's "Charlotte Gray," Cate Blanchett played a British Special Operations Executive agent in Vichy, France, during World War II. For her role as Charlotte, Cate dyed her blonde hair brown and styled it into classic '40s pin curls. She also wore beautiful outfits from the era, all while kicking butt as a secret agent. Fun fact: Charlotte Gray is actually based on the real-life stories of many of the first female SOE agents such as Pearl Cornioley, Nancy Wake, Odette Sansom and Violette Szabo.

Connie Falzone in "Pushing Tin"

Cate Blanchett went full-'90s for her portrayal of Connie Falzone in 1999's "Pushing Tin." To play the disgruntled housewife, Cate cut her hair into layers complete with highlights and bangs and wore signature '90s fashions. While Cate's transformation and performance were noteworthy, "Pushing Tin" failed to make any waves at the box office.

Petal in "The Shipping News"

Cate Blanchett donned long, dark brown tresses with bangs to play Petal in 2001's "The Shipping News." Petal is vivacious woman who leaves her husband for her lover before tragically dying in a car accident. "The Shipping News" might have underperformed at the box office but Cate delivered an awesome performance.

Marian Locksley aka Maid Marian in "Robin Hood"

In 2010's "Robin Hood," Cate Blanchett starred as Marian Locksley aka Maid Marian, Robin Hood's independent and beautiful love interest. To bring the classic character to life, Cate wore a long brown wig, 12th-century dresses and full knight armor. Doesn't get more transformative than that!

Lola in "The Man Who Cried"

Cate Blanchett brought the early 1940s to life in "The Man Who Cried," in which she played Lola, a glamorous Russian dancer. For her role, Cate rocked platinum blonde pin curls, classic Old Hollywood attire and a timeless red lip. Flawless!

Claire Simone in "The Monuments Men"

Cate Blanchett's physical transformation in 2014's "The Monuments Men" was understated, but her depiction of a French art historian was so epic we had to include it on our list! Cate starred as Claire Simone, a French curator who is based on real-life Nazi-fighting art historian Rose Valland. She rocked glasses, darker hair and 1940s skirt suits in the film, which grossed $155 million worldwide.

Meredith Logue in "The Talented Mr. Ripley"

In 1999's "The Talented Mr. Ripley," Cate Blanchett played an American socialite who gets caught in a web of deceit. Cate looked gorgeous as wealthy Meredith Logue with her loose blonde curls and the finest 1950s outfits money could buy.

Marissa Wiegler in "Hanna"

Cate Blanchett played Marissa Wiegler, a senior CIA officer, in 2011's "Hanna." To embody the government official, Cate wore a chic ginger bob and classic gray suits. She completed the look with — what else — a CIA-issued cell phone and handgun.