A New King of Nightmare Fuel

In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, where CGI often overshadows practical effects, one actor has emerged as a champion of the grotesque, breathing life into creatures that haunt our nightmares. Trevor Newlin, a 6’7” Texan with a theater background and a penchant for the peculiar, has become the go-to performer for some of 2024 and 2025’s most terrifying and unforgettable cinematic monsters. From the enigmatic Mr. Handsome in Superman (2025) to the primal Monstrosity in Smile 2 (2024) and the iconic Xenomorph in Alien: Romulus (2024), Newlin has proven himself a chameleon of creature performance, embodying three freaks with a singular, mesmerizing talent. This article dives into the artistry, physicality, and psychological depth behind Newlin’s performances, exploring how one actor’s unique skill set has redefined the horror and superhero genres, captivating audiences and earning him the title of Hollywood’s new “king of nightmare fuel.”

The Xenomorph in Alien: Romulus: A Return to Practical Terror

The Alien franchise, birthed by Ridley Scott’s 1979 sci-fi horror masterpiece, has long been defined by its biomechanical terror, the Xenomorph—a creature designed by H.R. Giger that blends humanoid grace with predatory menace. In Alien: Romulus (2024), director Fede Álvarez sought to revive the franchise’s practical roots, eschewing heavy CGI for a return to the tangible horror of the original. Enter Trevor Newlin, whose 6’7” frame and theater-honed physicality made him the perfect successor to Bolaji Badejo, the 6’10” artist who first brought the Xenomorph to life.

Newlin’s preparation for the role was exhaustive. He studied the performances of his predecessors, particularly Badejo’s haunting, deliberate movements in Alien and Tom Woodruff Jr.’s more dynamic approach in later sequels. “I went back and watched any footage I could find,” Newlin told Blue Screen Reveals. “Badejo’s performance is iconic… it makes the Xenomorph what it is today.” He also drew inspiration from the video game Alien: Isolation, specifically the Xenomorph “Stompy,” whose catlike stalking informed his portrayal. Álvarez’s direction was clear: “Keep the creature alive,” even in stillness, and move like a predator sizing up its prey.

The Xenomorph suit, crafted by Legacy Effects, was a marvel of practical effects, blending animatronics, bunraku puppetry, and Newlin’s physical performance. Weighing over 12 pounds, the headpiece alone was a challenge, with servo motors controlling the creature’s lip curls and jaw movements. “The head was the hardest part, because of how much it weighs,” Newlin told Dread Central, describing the drool tubes that ran across his face and down his leg, adding to the suit’s grotesque realism. The suit’s heat was another hurdle, turning each shoot into a physical endurance test. Yet, Newlin thrived, embracing the opportunity to crawl as a quadruped—an unplanned but effective choice that set his Xenomorph apart. “They had to rig the heads differently for me to crawl,” he said, noting how this animalistic approach amplified the creature’s menace.

Filming in Budapest for 44 days, Newlin navigated practical sets that heightened the film’s claustrophobic dread. His favorite moment? The cryo chamber scene, where facehuggers are unleashed, a sequence he praised for its “horror and suspense” and practical execution. His performance, paired with Álvarez’s vision, delivered a Xenomorph that felt both familiar and fresh, a testament to Newlin’s ability to channel terror through movement alone. Fans on X lauded his work, with one post calling him “Hollywood’s new king of nightmare fuel.”

The Monstrosity in Smile 2: A Primal Force of Horror

If the Xenomorph was a study in calculated predation, Newlin’s role as the Monstrosity in Smile 2 (2024) was an exercise in raw, visceral horror. The sequel to 2022’s Smile delves deeper into the psychological and supernatural terror of a cursed entity, and Newlin’s Monstrosity is its true, primal form—a grotesque embodiment of fear that stalks pop star Skye Riley (Naomi Scott). Unlike the Xenomorph’s sleek, biomechanical design, the Monstrosity is a chaotic, nightmarish creature, its form a twisted reflection of the human psyche.

Newlin’s preparation for Smile 2 required a different approach. While the Xenomorph demanded precision and animalistic grace, the Monstrosity called for unhinged physicality. “It’s about tapping into something primal,” Newlin hinted in an interview with Texas Standard, emphasizing how creature acting allows him to shed his own identity. “You’re not yourself anymore… you can fully lean into that beast.” This freedom from stage fright, a relic of his theater days, enabled Newlin to embody the Monstrosity’s chaotic energy, creating a creature that feels like a manifestation of pure dread.

The suit itself was another test of endurance. Designed to evoke the entity’s otherworldly terror, it was bulky, restrictive, and laden with prosthetics. Newlin worked closely with the Smile 2 effects team to ensure the creature’s movements were fluid yet unsettling, relying on his 6’7” frame to amplify its imposing presence. The result is a performance that elevates the film’s horror, with the Monstrosity’s appearances—particularly in the film’s climactic moments—leaving audiences rattled. “Trevor’s precise and committed physicality… makes the creatures come off as truly frightening,” Looper noted, highlighting his role in ushering in a revival of practical effects.

The psychological toll of playing such a creature cannot be understated. Newlin has spoken about the mental shift required to inhabit these roles, describing how he draws on his theater background to “become” the character. For Smile 2, this meant embracing the Monstrosity’s relentless malevolence, a process that left him physically drained but creatively fulfilled. Fans on X were quick to draw parallels between Newlin and horror icon Doug Jones, with one user proclaiming, “Welcome to Hollywood, Doug Jones 2.”

Mr. Handsome in Superman: A Quirky Enigma

In a departure from horror, Newlin’s role as Mr. Handsome in Superman (2025) showcases his versatility, proving he can captivate in a superhero epic as effectively as in a horror thriller. Directed by James Gunn, Superman introduces Mr. Handsome as Lex Luthor’s enigmatic henchman, a character described as a “striking James Gunn creation” with a peculiar charm. Though he has no lines and serves primarily as a visual presence, Mr. Handsome has become a fan favorite, with Lex keeping a framed photo of him on his desk—a detail that sparked laughter and speculation online. “Lex keeping a picture of Mr. Handsome (and not his girlfriend) is killing me,” one X user posted.

Newlin’s casting as Mr. Handsome was no accident. Gunn, known for his love of quirky characters, saw in Newlin’s towering frame and expressive physicality the perfect fit for a role that blends menace with oddball allure. “What a joy it was to bring him to life,” Newlin wrote on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the opportunity. The character, while not central to the plot, required “physical resourcefulness” to convey a sense of otherworldly loyalty to Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult. Newlin’s performance relies entirely on body language, with subtle gestures and a looming presence that make Mr. Handsome unforgettable despite his limited screen time.

The costume for Mr. Handsome, while less cumbersome than the Xenomorph or Monstrosity suits, was still a feat of practical effects. Designed to evoke a blend of elegance and eeriness, it required Newlin to adapt his movements to suit Gunn’s vision of a character who is both servant and spectacle. Behind-the-scenes photos shared by Gunn and Newlin reveal the intricate prosthetics involved, with fans marveling at how Newlin transformed into this “unique entity in the DCU.”

The role also highlights Newlin’s ability to navigate contrasting genres. While the Xenomorph and Monstrosity thrive on terror, Mr. Handsome leans into Gunn’s signature blend of humor and heart. Yet, all three roles share a common thread: Newlin’s knack for making the inhuman feel alive. “It’s been incredible seeing how many people love the character,” he wrote, underscoring the impact of his performance on Superman’s passionate fanbase.

The Art of Creature Acting: Newlin’s Unique Skill Set

Newlin’s journey to becoming Hollywood’s go-to creature performer is as compelling as his roles. Born in Longview, Texas, on October 14, 1996, he initially dreamed of becoming a paleontologist before a high school theater director steered him toward the stage. After studying theater at a local college, he moved to Los Angeles for film school, where a mentor suggested creature acting due to his resemblance to Doug Jones, the genre veteran known for roles like the Amphibian Man in The Shape of Water. Newlin met Jones, who offered pointers that shaped his career. “He was so gracious with his time,” Newlin told Texas Standard, crediting Jones for inspiring his path.

Newlin’s early roles included a Wookiee in The Mandalorian Season 2 and a Yeti in an Amazon commercial, both of which showcased his ability to inhabit non-human characters. These experiences led to Alien: Romulus, his first major film role, and opened doors to Smile 2 and Superman. His 6’7” height and slender build make him ideal for creature roles, but it’s his theater-honed discipline and willingness to endure grueling conditions that set him apart. “You’re not really yourself,” he said of creature acting. “People don’t see you, they don’t know who you are. So you can fully lay into that beast.”

The physical demands of these roles are immense. The Xenomorph suit’s weight and heat, the Monstrosity’s restrictive prosthetics, and Mr. Handsome’s need for precise, silent expressiveness all required stamina and adaptability. Newlin’s collaboration with effects teams, like Legacy Effects on Alien: Romulus, was crucial, with directors communicating through earpieces to fine-tune his movements. “It’s a very collaborative effort,” he noted, highlighting the teamwork behind bringing these creatures to life.

Psychologically, creature acting demands a unique mindset. Newlin draws on his theater background to “become” the character, shedding self-consciousness to embody the alien, the monstrous, or the enigmatic. This ability to disappear into a role, combined with his physical gifts, has made him a standout in an industry increasingly reliant on CGI. His work signals a revival of practical effects, as seen in Alien: Romulus and Smile 2, where directors prioritized tangible terror over digital shortcuts.

The Impact: Redefining Horror and Heroics

Newlin’s performances have left an indelible mark on both horror and superhero cinema. In Alien: Romulus, his Xenomorph reinvigorated a franchise, earning praise for its return to practical horror. Smile 2’s Monstrosity amplified the sequel’s psychological dread, proving Newlin’s range within the genre. And in Superman, Mr. Handsome became a quirky standout, with fans on X speculating about his ties to Luthor’s schemes and celebrating his odd charm.

His rise also reflects a broader trend: a renewed appreciation for creature performers in an era dominated by digital effects. By channeling the legacy of performers like Badejo and Jones, Newlin is carving out a niche as a modern master of the craft. “I’ve found a world that’s really fun,” he told Texas Standard, expressing his love for the collaborative, creative process of creature acting. Whether crawling as a Xenomorph, looming as the Monstrosity, or standing silently as Mr. Handsome, Newlin brings a palpable energy that resonates with audiences.

Conclusion: A Star Beneath the Suit

Trevor Newlin’s journey from a Texas theater kid to Hollywood’s creature king is a testament to his talent, resilience, and passion. Through the Xenomorph, the Monstrosity, and Mr. Handsome, he has proven that the heart of a great performance lies not in dialogue or facial expressions, but in the ability to convey life through movement and presence. Each role—whether terrifying, primal, or enigmatic—showcases his ability to transform, captivating audiences with creatures that linger long after the credits roll.

As fans continue to celebrate his work, with X posts hailing him as “Doug Jones 2” and “the man behind the freaks,” Newlin remains grounded, grateful for the chance to bring these characters to life. His performances in Alien: Romulus, Smile 2, and Superman are not just a showcase of physical prowess but a reminder of the power of practical effects and the actors who make them sing. In an industry often dazzled by digital spectacle, Trevor Newlin is a beacon of authenticity, proving that sometimes, the most human thing on screen is the monster itself.