The Hidden Secrets of the Halloween Franchise Lurking Behind You
Increasing the fear factor, the central antagonist in Halloween is known as “The Shape” in the credits. The role of “The Shape” in the original film was portrayed by Carpenter’s friend Nick Castle.
“Maybe he received a couple hundred dollars or something,” Curtis explained to Rotten Tomatoes regarding Castle. “I mean, nobody was paid much. I think I was paid $8,000 for the entire movie, which was $2,000 a week at that time for the lead role.”
Carpenter described, “I liked his movements. He came from a family of dancers, so he had a certain grace, a unique grace about him. Additionally, he was inexpensive. So, he put on the costume, and I instructed him, ‘Now, move from here to here.’ And that was it.”
Tommy Lee Wallace, who edited the film alongside Charles Bornstein, also wore the mask at times to make ends meet, and Anthony Moran portrayed Michael for the brief instance his face is seen. However, it was Castle who instinctively came up with the chilling head tilt.
“There was minimal direction in the first film,” Castle recalled during an interview with Movie Web in 2018. “It was simply, ‘Cross the street and walk toward me.’
In the end, he reflected, “If there’s any lesson to be learned from all of this, it’s that sometimes things happen without a reason, and you have the right components at the right time.”
Following that, several stunt performers took on the role, beginning with Dick Warlock as “The Shape” in Halloween II. Subsequently, George P. Wilbur (twice), Don Shanks, Chris Durand, and Brad Loree portrayed the character. Wrestler Tyler Mane assumed the role in the reboots directed by Rob Zombie, and James Jude Courtney, in collaboration with Castle, has portrayed the character in the final three films alongside Curtis.