Jude Law Describes 'Slow' Process of Becoming Henry VIII for 'Firebrand'

Transforming into Henry VIII for the new movie wasn’t an easy feat for . Law, 51, described the “very long, slow” process of while speaking with exclusively at the film’s Tribeca Film Festival premiere on Tuesday, June 11. “Growing the beard, we planned it very carefully, [hair and makeup artist] Jenny Shircore and I,” he explained.

“We decided early on I didn’t want to wear prosthetics, I didn’t want to wear a mask.” The actor continued, “The funny thing about Henry VIII is that you kind of know his silhouette. It’s like Chaplin or Batman or Hitchcock, and Henry VIII is the same.

And once we got the silhouette, we were kind of free not to then look picture perfect.” It took four to five months for them to get it right, Law added, but it was a “satisfying” day when they finally did. The film follows Katherine Parr ( ) and her reluctant journey to becoming the king’s sixth wife — and her subsequent fight for survival.

The two actors, who are currently working on the political thriller , have known each other for 12 years, but their friendship “grew” during the filming process. “We got on very, very well during this and enjoyed each other’s company,” Law noted. Vikander, 35, sang Law’s praises while speaking to on Tuesday, gushing over his significant transformation.

“I think over the past few years all of us have seen him taking on some pretty remarkable roles where he really does transform himself, and this was yet another step,.