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science behind how Nth metal could change and grow from smaller, geometric shapes." Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan) wears a mask that entirely covers his face, yet needs to be emotive enough to be relatable. "We took things from the research bible that were important to us and the genre, but also made sense from a design standpoint," says Bart. The result is an elegant symbolic talisman that is as much emblem as costume. Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo) wears a suit gifted from his uncle, a superhero from an earlier generation. He has a retro look to reflect that legacy. In contrast, Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell) can manipulate the wind and wears a costume that will be surrounded by digital effects. Bart notes, "The original design references the Good Witch of the West and Wicked. It's very green and somebody said to me the other day, 'Oh, it's like the Emerald City.'" Unlike most superhero movies, Black Adam features many non-super-powered characters, but they receive a similar amount of attention. From the Intergang mercenaries to the people they oppress, the "civilian" characters needed to express the core theme of the film—a struggle for freedom that began during the rise of civilization itself. "One of my favorite things is when you see the crowds there are pops of color," Kurt says. "It's not just a suppressed, dusty, sad place. There is vibrancy in these people." Pierce Brosnan as Dr. Fate, Noah Centineo as Atom Smasher, Aldis Hodge as Hawkman, Quintessa Swindell as Cyclone, Sarah Shahi as Adrianna and Mohammed Amer as Karim. Photos: Warner Bros. Pictures. 52 THE COSTUME DESIGNER | WINTER 2023