Carbon Costume

M. Jean (played by Jason Schwartzman) does not have a large role in The Grand Budapest Hotel. But the size of his role does not change how important he is in the film. M. Jean is a direct contrast to Bill Murray’s M. Ivan and Ralph Fiennes’ M. Gustave. Whereas the older men did their job with polish and pride, M. Jean seems to do his job simply because it is his job. The pins on his lapels mark him as a member of The Society of the Crossed Keys but he does not have the same polish as either Ivan or Gustave. And that is the point.

Because M. Jean represents the less splendorous present life of The Gran Budapest, his uniform is much simpler than the men that came before him. He wears a simple purple suit with a red tie and white undershirt. Black dress shoes round out the clothing while a thin mustache and a cigarette complete his appearance. And, of course, the pins signifying his membership in The Society of the Crossed Keys.

Rodrick Heffley is the antagonist in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books and movie adaptations. Like his younger brother, Greg, he doesn’t have any actual talents or skills. He enjoys heavy metal music and sleeping in late — but he hates school and putting in any effort. He plays drums for his band, Loded Diper (a misspelling of Loaded Diaper). In the first three movie adaptations, Rodrick is portrayed by Devon Bostick, as featured in this costume guide. However, for the fourth movie, he portrayed by Charlie Wright. Fans negatively criticized this recast, and the hashtag #notmyrodrick trended on social media when the trailer was released.

Ruff Ruffman (voiced by Jim Conroy) is the titular talk show host of the PBS Kids’ show FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman, a reality-based game show where children competed for prizes.  Ruff is a chubby dog with an outgoing personality.  To dress like him, you’ll want an oversized costume, a pair of round glasses, and some face paint crayons to complete the dog-like transformation.

Miroku (voiced by Kōji Tsujitani in the Japanese and Kirby Morrow in the English) is a monk and an ally of Inuyasha and Kagome, in the anime series InuYasha. Miroku is the current wielder of the Kazaana or Wind Tunnel, a curse that manifests as a black hole in his right hand.  Miroku seals the Wind Tunnel with arm coverings and his prayer beads.  Miroku falls in love with and eventually marries Sango, a Demon Slayer.  Finding purple monk’s robes is almost impossible, but some clever folding and tying of a large tablecloth can help evoke the same effect.

In the Netflix film The Old Guard, Sebastian Le Livre was once a soldier in Napoleon’s army.  Now known as Booker (played by Matthias Schoenaerts), he protects humanity along with his immortal comrades Joe, Nicky, and Nile under the command of Andy.

Professor Paradox (voiced by David McCallum) is a time travelling professor on the Cartoon Network show Ben 10.  Professor Paradox forgot his true name long ago and adopted his current moniker after escaping from an alternate reality.  Professor Paradox has two main costumes; a simple modern design with a lab coat, green goggles, brown vest, black tie and slacks, and then a more elaborate look that includes a metal gauntlet, riding boots, and walking stick.  Both designs use the black pants and vest, and you can add accessories to these pieces in order to emulate the version you are interested in replicating.

Katsuki Bakugo is a student in class 1-A at U.A. High School. Also known by his nickname, Kacchan, his Quirk is Explosion. This gives him the ability to create explosions from the sweat of his palms, hence his giant grenade-like gauntlets. Arrogant and short-tempered, Katsuki comes off more as an anti-hero. His aggressive behavior makes him a bully toward Izuku Midoriya, especially because Izuku doesn’t have a Quirk. Nonetheless his depiction has gradually become less antagonistic, and his incredible athleticism and perception make him a fantastic hero.

Cloud Strife is the main playable character in Final Fantasy VII and its remake.  Cloud wields broadswords at his primary weapons, including the massive Buster Sword.  Cloud’s appearance is similar between the two versions of the game, though more solidly black and streamlined in the 2020 remake.  To recreate his look, you’ll need a sleeveless turtleneck, wide leg pants, and combat boots, not to mention his signature blond, spiky hair and larger-than-life sword.