MICHAEL Myers' pale, expressionless mask is arguably one of the most iconic images in the horror world.
But sometimes, people can't shake off the feeling that the slasher killer from the Halloween franchise looks awfully familiar to something from a different world altogether.
Some have claimed that the iconic mask was originally a Captain Kirk mask based on Star Trek actor William Shatner. Is it true?
Verdict:
TRUE
If one looks behind those dark (or lack of) eyes, you see space. In this case, the final frontier.
The mask worn by Michael Myers in the Halloween films began as a commercially made Captain Kirk mask based on William Shatner's face.
Rumoured for decades, the connection between the Halloween villain and Star Trek has been confirmed through production accounts linked to the films.
Rick Sternbach, who worked as an illustrator on Halloween II, said the production team found an original mask in a supply cabinet while preparing the sequel.
The mask had markings on its neck area, so when the studio was contacted, the model was identified as a Captain Kirk mask.
The original Halloween production altered the commercially available mask to create the look associated with Michael Myers.
Its features were modified, and the mask was painted white, giving it the blank and unsettling appearance seen in the film.
The low-budget production solution ended up becoming one of horror cinema's most iconic props, boldly going where no Halloween mask has gone before.
William Shatner himself has also discussed the unexpected connection between his likeness and the Halloween character.
During an interview with YouTube channel Jake’s Takes, Shatner said he recognised the iconic mask as (ironically) "the death mask they had made for me".
"They made a mask of my face on Star Trek out of clay so I would not have to be available for the prosthetics they would have to put on my face," he explained.
With that being said, although Captain Kirk may say “live long and prosper”, Michael Myers gives that line a much more nervous meaning.
Sources:
1. https://www.startrek.com/news/
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
3. https://www.facebook.com/reel/
