10 Most Cringeworthy De-Aging CGI Fails in Hollywood Films!

In movies, computer-generated de-aging techniques are designed to make actors appear younger by digitally reversing their age. However, when these methods fail, they can result in awkward, eerie effects that disrupt the narrative flow and make characters’ faces look unnaturally waxy or simply wrong.

I’ve compiled a list of 10 major films that feature the most problematic de-aging CGI effects, arranged from subtly off-putting to painfully noticeable. Each film’s analysis delves into the reasons behind these digital transformations falling short, discussing everything from unsettling textures and inconsistent acting to demonstrating how even substantial budgets aren’t always enough to defy time.

‘X-Men: The Last Stand’ (2006) – Patrick Stewart as Young Charles Xavier

In a flashback sequence, Stewart’s character Xavier seems younger, yet the CGI gives his face an overly smooth, artificial texture, more akin to plastic. This distortion contrasts sharply with his mature voice and behaviors, giving off an eerie vibe that feels like watching a lifeless wax figure suddenly spring to life.

In the beginning of the movie, the effort to make older characters look younger wasn’t as smooth as what we see in more recent technology, which is quite noticeable. Personally, this awkward scene sticks out like a sore thumb and takes away from the emotional impact of a flashback sequence for me.

‘Tron: Legacy’ (2010) – Jeff Bridges as Young Kevin Flynn/Clu

In a more natural and easy-to-read way: Clu, a digital replica of the character Bridges from the 80s, is intended to be his younger self, but the CGI face appears rigid and without emotion. The ‘uncomfortable valley’ effect gives him a video game character feel rather than human-like.

In the movie, the stunning visual effects catch my eye in many places, yet Clu’s expressionless eyes leave something to be desired. I admire the effort made to de-age the character, but it comes off as overly mechanical and lacks authenticity.

‘Terminator Genisys’ (2015) – Arnold Schwarzenegger as Young T-800

In a modern update, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s T-800 character from 1984 gets a digital makeover. However, the CGI skin appears overly polished and abnormally lit, which creates an awkward contrast with the live-action body. This inconsistency is particularly noticeable during action sequences.

In my opinion, the movie certainly strives to rekindle the ambiance of its predecessor, yet it fails to deliver convincingly on the de-aging aspect. To me, it seems like an awkward attempt at reminiscing that appears more plastic than legendary.

‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ (2016) – Carrie Fisher as Young Princess Leia

In a quick and digitally-enhanced appearance, Fisher’s Leia character from Star Wars is portrayed, skillfully replicated to resemble her 1977 likeness. However, the CGI face seems overly waxed, with rigid expressions that fail to convey the vibrant energy of her youth, creating an unsettling atmosphere instead.

As a passionate movie-goer, I’d say that the film clearly had good intentions, but the technology didn’t quite catch up to support such intricate details. The appearance of Leia felt daring, yet it seemed to fall into the realm of the unsettling “uncanny valley.

‘Blade Runner 2049’ (2017) – Sean Young as Young Rachael

In the significant scene, Rachael from Young’s project is digitally resurrected using CGI, but her virtual visage appears as if it’s a polished mannequin. The light and texture used don’t align with the real-life actors, causing an uncomfortable disparity.

The overall visuals in the movie are truly breathtaking, however, some scenes seem overly contrived and unnaturally artificial, a play on words there.

‘The Irishman’ (2019) – Robert De Niro as Young Frank Sheeran

In certain sequences, Robert De Niro’s character Sheeran is depicted as a younger man through CGI de-aging, but this technique results in an overly smooth facial appearance that seems disconnected from his typically gritty portrayal. The digital effect, particularly in the initial scenes, appears more like a mask rather than seamlessly blending with the film’s authentic atmosphere.

In my opinion, Scorsese’s direction is exceptional, yet the technology used to de-age characters sometimes takes away from the film’s emotional impact. I find this creative decision daring, but it unfortunately diminishes Robert De Niro’s outstanding performance in my eyes.

‘Captain Marvel’ (2019) – Samuel L. Jackson as Young Nick Fury

In a modern update, Jackson’s Fury, originally from the 1990s, undergoes a digital revamp to appear more youthful. However, the CGI face seems excessively refined and lacks authentic texture. The emotions portrayed by the character feel rigid, causing intense scenes to resemble a cutscene from a video game.

The movie’s lively vibe keeps it engaging, yet Furious’s peculiar appearance occasionally breaks the immersion. The de-aging process, while trying to enhance the experience, unfortunately becomes a noticeable imperfection in an otherwise enjoyable origin tale.

‘Gemini Man’ (2019) – Will Smith as Young Henry Brogan

In simpler terms, Junior – Smith’s digitally created younger version – is intended to resemble him from the ’90s, but his CGI face appears stiff and lacking life. This issue becomes more noticeable during action sequences, as lighting and movement make the artificially created aspects stand out.

The innovative concept of the movie is impressive, yet it’s the de-aging process that seems least convincing. To my eyes, Will Smith’s character appears more like plastic than the vibrant performance he delivers suggests.

‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ (2019) – Carrie Fisher as Young Leia (Training Scene)

As a devoted cinephile, I found Fisher’s portrayal of Leia in the flashback training scene to be digitally altered, giving her a face that seemed stiff and overly glossy. The de-aging effect didn’t convey her youthful energy authentically, instead making the moment feel more like a CGI trick than a heartfelt tribute.

The movie relies quite a bit on nostalgia, however, the technology doesn’t measure up to Carrie Fisher’s lasting impact. In my opinion, the attempt to digitally rejuvenate her character feels like a sympathetic yet clumsy diversion.

‘It Chapter Two’ (2019) – Finn Wolfhard and Others as Young Losers’ Club

As a devoted cinephile, I must admit that the de-aging technique used on the young members of the Losers’ Club in those flashback scenes left me feeling slightly unsettled. Their faces, while smooth to perfection, seemed oddly unnatural – even more so when viewed up close. This discrepancy between the flawless visages and their voices and movements that were clearly those of older actors created a strange disjunction, one that was downright eerie at times.

The movie’s scary scenes are intense, yet the de-aged characters seem hastily added. Personally, this unexpected change disrupts the emotional journey back to Derry for me.

‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ (2018) – Michael Douglas as Young Hank Pym

In the 1980s flashback sequences, Douglas Pym undergoes a CGI transformation that gives him a wax-like appearance and lacks genuine emotion. This digital polish creates an awkward contrast with the real-life scenes, making him seem more like a rigid digital doppelganger.

The movie’s cheerful mood is what makes it stand out, yet the de-aging effects seem outdated, even considering the era they were created. For me, Ant-Man’s unusual facial appearance was an unintended distraction in the enjoyable Marvel adventure.

2025-06-20 14:44