In the Apple TV dramedy Margo's Got Money Troubles, Elle Fanning takes on her most otherworldly role yet as Margo Millet, a single mom turned OnlyFans creator. Inspired by her ex-pro-wrestler father's larger-than-life persona, Margo crafts her own captivating character, "HungryGhost," in a bid to capture the hearts and screens of her followers. With a mix of playful TikTok teasers and imaginative OnlyFans content, Margo becomes the talk of the digital town.
Her alias, "HungryGhost," draws inspiration from a poem by her former professor and lover, Mark, played by Michael Angarano, who is also the father of her child. As Margo navigates the complexities of parenthood and online fame, she turns to OnlyFans to support her family, using her creative-writing skills to craft a brand-new narrative. By episode 6, "Grudge Match," Margo, with a little help from her friends, turns her wildest fantasies into a colorful reality.
“It took a tremendous amount of work and time to do it, but it also had to look like, conceivably, Susie could have done it,” makeup department head Erin Ayanian Monroe shares about the transformation process.
Bringing Margo's alien alter ego to life required a team of creative minds. Costume designer Mirren Gordon-Crozier and makeup artist Erin Ayanian Monroe were pivotal in shaping Fanning's dual transformation – a blend of real and fantastical. Monroe's use of hundreds of bottles of green eyeshadow paints Margo's skin with a vibrant hue, setting the stage for the alien's debut. “There are all kinds of wonderful airbrush products and things that you can do that are much, much quicker, but it didn’t have that vibrancy and that pigment quality that I wanted,” Monroe explains.
Fanning's dedication to her role extended beyond acting – she was hands-on in the creative process, even helping to bedazzle her character's costume. The meticulous effort that went into crafting the imagined "fantasy" HungryGhost first, from the multi-wig designs to the hand-sewn antenna, allowed the team to work backward and create a believable version that Margo herself could have assembled. This playful duality brought the character to life, blending kitschy alien charm with tangible relatability.
From prosthetics to cosplay, the series leaves no stone unturned in its pursuit of authenticity and allure. Costume fittings with Fanning resulted in a retro-futuristic ensemble crafted from silver and iridescent vinyl, portraying a whimsical yet grounded aesthetic. The thoughtful design of Margo's outfit highlights her imaginative spirit, echoing her father's wrestling legacy with flair and humor.
With stars as a recurring motif, Margo and her father sport matching tattoos, while her "real-world" HungryGhost persona dons a star gem on her cheek. Hairstylist Celeste Gonzalez's creation of a large, heavy wig for the fantasy version further accented the transformation, while simpler styles were reserved for the DIY ethos of Margo's actual OnlyFans content.
Through the lens of Margo's Got Money Troubles, Fanning and her team craft a narrative that straddles fantasy and reality, never losing sight of the human element at its core. Whether it's a fairytale dress-up or a peek behind the scenes of Fanning's own creative process, Margo's story is a testament to the art of transformation and the power of imagination.