Creating Smaug’s Costume in ‘The Hobbit’
Creating the dragon Smaug is part costume, part props, part costume crafts, AND part scenic design. Take a look at how this imaginative spin on creating a dragon fits within the aesthetic of the show!
No dragon is complete without scales. The costume department worked with the costume crafts department to create a jacket that includes black, ashy skin, and scales made from grommets.
These grommets pictured above have received some additional work in order to make them feel more like dragon scales.
The wings are made from waxed canvas and distress painted to look like burned tarps. The steel poles are connected to the set.
As the dragon wings are on the set the entire time, the costume crafts artisans needed to ensure it looked as though they are random pieces of charred fabric that have been in the Dwarves cave under the mountain for many years. The fabric had to be sewn and distressed using a powdered paint to stick to the waxed canvas.
To give the illusion of spikes on top of Smaug’s head, the costume crafts department fashioned railroad tie spikes along with some rope for additional detail. All on top of a hard hat helmet.
All terrifying dragons need fear-inducing tails, right? The props department decided a very large, twisted rope with a giant knot at the end was the perfect look to strike fear into the Dwarves.
BEHOLD, SMAUG!
See Smaug in terrifying action in ‘The Hobbit!’ Get your tickets today!
