CG-Incredible! The Best CGI Characters In Live-Action Movies

In any discussion of actors who changed the world, you can expect certain names to come up time and again. De Niro; Brando; Nicholson; Pacino; we’re probably not blowing your mind here! But what of Andy Serkis?

 

Having trouble picturing him? Well, that’s because some of his best-known roles involve him never been seen. He’s the man behind legendary characters from Gollum to King Kong – and, more recently, the wonderful Caesar in the Planet Of The Apes reboots – and in an age where CGI is more and more prevalent, he’s led the charge in no uncertain terms.

 

 

 

 

And, as War for the Planet of the Apes lands On Demand – it’s available to rent from €4.99 right now! – we’ve picked out a few more of our favourite films where the live action is complimented by a technological triumph.

 

 

NEYTIRI, AVATAR

Available to rent On Demand from €2.99

 

via GIPHY

 

Director James Cameron has always been at the forefront of cinema technology, but his 2009 effort was nothing short of revolutionary. The lush moon of Pandora is one of the most breathtaking creations in cinema history – and the leader of the Na’vi clan, portrayed brilliantly by Zoe Saldana, is central to the awe-inspiring blockbuster.

 

 

CAPTAIN ARMANDO SALAZAR, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: SALAZAR’S REVENGE

Available to rent On Demand from €4.99

 

Javier Bardem is a handsome man, so for him to play a gruesome monster takes some hard work! The Pirates films have always pushed the boat out in terms of their CGI, and the latest instalment of the epic franchise sees the Spaniard utterly transformed as Jack Sparrow’s fearsome foe. The swashbuckling action and cheeky chuckles are present and correct, but it might be the visuals that leave the greatest impression.

 

 

THE THING, FANTASTIC FOUR

Available to rent On Demand from €2.99

 

via GIPHY

 

The super team’s first major big-screen outing wasn’t to the taste of every fan – but there was consensus that the mutant form of Ben Grimm absolutely rocked. Somewhere behind the stony exterior was the work of actor Michael Chiklis, but the finished product was that most magical of achievements; a comic-book character well and truly brought to life.

 

 

THE HULK, THE AVENGERS

Available to rent On Demand from €2.99

via GIPHY

 

While the likes of Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Chris Hemsworth required little more than natty costumes to transform into heroes, Mark Ruffalo was always going to require more than a lick of green paint to play Bruce Banner’s alter-ego. This was the first time that the same actor performed the motion-capture – and the fact that it’s likely the best depiction of the character shows what a good call that was!