Step behind the scenes of Hollywood’s hottest movies and TV shows with journalist Kirbie Johnson as she delves into the secrets of creating jaw-dropping wigs, special effects makeup, and more. In this exclusive feature, Johnson sits down with FX dental technician Gary Archer to discuss his vital role in Channing Tatum’s latest film, Blink Twice.
Channing Tatum may appear to have it all with his dancing skills, acting talent, sense of humor, and engagement to Zoë Kravitz. However, in reality, his everyday appearance is nothing extraordinary. But it is precisely these qualities that make him the perfect canvas for transforming into the deceptively charming sociopathic tech billionaire Slater King in Blink Twice.
In the film, Tatum’s character stays true to his real-life appearance—until he speaks. During an interview scene reminiscent of Kara Swisher grilling a tech mogul, Tatum’s transformation is unveiled through dental prosthetics. His teeth are unnaturally white and perfectly aligned, devoid of the warmth and charm of his natural smile. This subtle change transforms his handsome face into that of someone you might want to avoid at the bar.
“We were challenged with giving him a million-dollar smile—white, perfect, broad—someone who exudes wealth and privilege,” explains FX dental technician Gary Archer. With a career spanning 40 years, Archer is revered as “The Godfather of FX teeth” in the industry. His impressive portfolio includes iconic projects like the Austin Powers trilogy, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Never Been Kissed.
Archer, who has collaborated with Tatum on previous projects, discloses that the dental work in Blink Twice mirrors the high-end smiles seen in Beverly Hills. The meticulous process involves shaping and whitening each tooth to create a flawless look that avoids appearing comical. The objective was to make Tatum’s character embody a wealthy tech mogul without going over-the-top or being distracting.
Director Kravitz aimed for a subtle yet impactful transformation, ensuring that Tatum’s billionaire smile looked authentic and appropriate for the character. Despite the extreme whiteness of the teeth, they achieved a balance that complemented Tatum’s performance on screen.
In the realm of Hollywood magic, even the smallest details can have a significant impact on bringing a character to life. Thanks to experts like Gary Archer, actors like Channing Tatum can undergo incredible transformations that captivate audiences and elevate their performances.
