The show is a unique dating game that hides the identity of the singletons behind high-quality movie-style prosthetics in an aim to put the emphasis on personality alone.
Each of the six episodes features four unique character designs created by Kristyan Mallett. Mallett is a professional costume designer whose company KM Effects created the prosthetics seen in Sexy Beasts. They’ve also previously created designs for the Harry Potter and Mission: Impossible movies.
“We had this massive list of characters we spoke about. Netflix approved the ones they liked and from there I sat at home and drew quite crude artwork to give them a taste of what they’ll look like,” Mallett told Newsweek. “I showed them things like the Rooster, the Mandrill, a Tiger to give them an idea of what the final product will be like.”
In total, 24 characters will be seen across the new episodes dropping on Wednesday July 21, 2021. A further 24 will be seen when the second season airs later in the year.
Of the four contestants seen in each episode, one of them gets to be the lucky picker, and this is who each episode is named after. The picker will then be the one to choose between three potential love matches.
Episode 1 - Emma the Demon
Complete with horns, red skin and an elongated chin, Emma has three disguised men to choose from. She’ll have to decide whether she wants to select a Stone Man, a Mandrill or a Mouse.
Episode 2 - James the Beaver
Cuddly James is an adorable looking beaver whose prosthetics include a furry face, tiny rounded ears and some signature chompers.
He’s in for a shock during his dates as he comes face to face with a Zombie, a Pixie and a Leopard.
Episode 3 - Kariselle the Panda
Kariselle gets a cute costume to hide her on the dates as she plays the role of Panda. Her dates are less adorable as she sits down to get to know an Alien, a Bull and a Tin Man.
Episode 4 - Ibrahim the Wolf
Hoping to howl at the moon with a new partner is Ibrahim the Wolf who’ll have three mystery ladies to choose from.
Really testing the boundaries of beauty standards is a Troll, as well as a prehistoric Dinosaur and a wise Owl.
Episode 5 - Nina the Dolphin
One of the most comprehensive prosthetics is worn by Nina the Dolphin. Her mask features a bottle nose, fin, and of course, a blowhole.
It’ll be sink or swim for a Scarecrow, Mantis and a Rhino as they all vie for the affections of Nina the Dolphin.
Episode 6 - Kelechi the Rooster
Kelechi is a giant Rooster with alluring “dangly bits,” protruding beak and impressive feathers.
Kelechi will have to watch out as he might come under the spell of a Witch, get caught in the headlights of a Deer, or even sneak a kiss from a Frog.
Designing the ‘Sexy Beasts’ characters
Mallett admits that the prosthetic masks and makeup can often be as difficult to make as you’d imagine. Bringing the designs from the paper to the finished product can also create unexpected complications.
Mallett told Newsweek: “When it’s on paper it looks like a great idea, you think ‘oh that’ll be funny.’ The Dolphin is a good example because we knew we were broadening the nose so it’ll make their eyes look funny.” He continued: “But now every time I see it I think the eyes are cross-eyed. It’s funny and ridiculous.”
Tasked with creating 48 unique designs by Netflix, Mallett said one of the contestants helped him pick his favorite. He said: “One of my favorites is the Beaver actually. It’s fun make-up and the person in it is incredibly funny.”
Overall the creator of the disguises admits he favors the animals over the human hybrids: “I think the animals work a lot better than the human-esque characters. It makes it more interesting. If I was to do it again, I would make them all animals over humanoids.”
You can judge each design for yourself and discover which ones find love in the first series of Sexy Beasts, coming to Netflix on Wednesday July 21, 2021.
