The 15 Most Iconic Masked Killers in Horror Movies, Ranked from Worst to Best

Fear the faceless.

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Whereas so many movie genres are known for producing memorable heroes, horror excels at giving fans truly unforgettable villains who plague their dreams at night.

From the undead and the demonic to murderous and the monstrous, horror cinema is jam-packed with iconic villains who have left audiences paralyzed with fear as to what exactly is going bump in the night. Some of the genre's greatest legends come in the form of masked killers, be they psychotic, slashing serial killers lusting for blood, or horribly disfigured beings covering themselves to get close enough to strike.

Many of the greatest masked killers in horror have come from the slasher subgenre, but there have also been great deviants to don daunting disguises in such categories as home invasion horror and supernatural thrillers. With long-standing legacies as some of the genre's most terrifying figures, these masked slashers have assembled fan followings even longer than their kill lists and stand as undisputed icons of horror film.

Updated on August 31, 2023, by Ryan Heffernan:

15 leslie vernon, 'behind the mask: the rise of leslie vernon' (2006).

Behind-The-Mask-The-Rise-of-Leslie-Vernon

Part mockumentary, part homage to the slasher genre Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon is a pure celebration of slasher horror, and indeed of horror in general. Imbued with plenty of nods to past classics, it follows a crew of filmmakers documenting an aspirational serial killer inspired by the characters in some of his favorite slasher movies.

RELATED: Iconic Killer Masks in Slasher Movies, Ranked Least to Most Terrifying

Although the film never made it past cult status, Leslie Vernon's ( Nathan Baesel ) legacy in the genre has appealed to fans with its meta look at its tropes and conventions. Baesel's performance as Leslie is immensely underrated, as is his masked killer's presentation which is both striking and unique.

'Hush' (2016)

Hush-2

A startling early success from the now legendary horror filmmaker Mike Flanagan , Hush served as an arresting home invasion horror which signaled the director's brilliance early on. Simply referred to as The Man ( John Gallagher Jr. ), the killer is rather plain at a glance, but he left a big impression on viewers of the underrated horror movie.

As he terrorizes a deaf author in her home, The Man is nothing short of chilling with his featureless white mask, and he only becomes more haunting when he unmasks himself. With one of the best unexpected actor reveals in the genre, Gallagher Jr.'s sublime performance mixed with Flanagan's sharp direction to make for a truly terrifying masked killer.

13 The Phantom Killer

'the town that dreaded sundown' (1976).

A hooded murderer in a denim jacket stands in the woods with a pipe in his hand.

Pre-dating some of the earliest pioneers of the slasher genre which gave audiences so many famous masked killers, The Town That Dreaded Sundown is an underappreciated horror thriller. The Town That Dreaded Sundown is based on true events and takes place in 1946 in Texas where a ranger struggles to hunt down an at-large serial killer who is terrorizing a small town.

Dubbed The Phantom Killer, his sack-headed design is rather simple but incredibly effective, instilling a paralyzing sense of fear in viewers when he appears on-screen. While neither the 1976 original nor the surprisingly good 2014 remake have become true horror hits, their contribution to the genre is worthy of acknowledgment, especially considering the real Phantom Killer was never identified.

Watch on Prime Video

12 Bayfield Babyface Killer

'happy death day' (2017).

The Happy Death Day killer hiding behind a courtain.

Bringing a healthy dose of fun and time-looping mayhem to the slasher genre, Happy Death Day was an imaginative and light addition to the typically blood-soaked subgenre. It follows Tree ( Jessica Rothe ), a self-centered collegian who must solve her own murder when she is caught in a cycle of re-living the day of her death.

RELATED: Horror Movies For Beginners To Ease Into The Spooky Genre

While not the most vicious masked killer horror has ever seen, the Bayfield Babyface Killer still proves to be effective as an unsettling antagonistic presence. The film’s eagerness to play with the genre helped make the killer all the more memorable, while its toned-down nature will likely make the Bayfield Babyface Killer something of a gateway slayer for young slasher fans of the future.

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11 Shadyside Killers

'fear street' (2021).

The killer in Fear Street - 1994

Netflix's Fear Street trilogy has proven to be a horror franchise with some staying power. A lot of that ongoing public interest stems from the fact that, in addition to its phenomenal cast, it featured multiple masked killers, many of which paid homage to classic antagonists in the genre.

Based on R.L. Stein 's book series of the same name, each film in the horror trilogy took place in the central town of Shadyside in a different decade, exploring differing horror subgenres along the way while staying firmly in touch with its slasher core. As such, its litany of great killers really serves as an embarrassment of riches, with everyone from the Nightwing Killer to The Grifter being more than worthy of generating their own franchises.

Watch on Netflix

10 The Phantom

'the phantom of the opera' (1925).

The Phantom in 'The Phantom of the Opera' (1925)

Horror is one of the oldest movie genres, with cinematic scares dating as far back as the silent era. One such horror hit from those times was The Phantom of the Opera which starred the legendary Lon Chaney as the titular killer.

Based on Gaston Leroux ’s famous novel Le Fantôme de l’Opéra , the movie followed the disfigured phantom and the havoc he caused around the Paris Opera House as he works to make his love, Christine Daaé ( Mary Philbin ), a star. Ironically, the scene that made the film so famous was when Christine removed the Phantom’s mask, unveiling his ghastly appearance which left audiences at the time in a state of shock.

9 Dr. Decker

'nightbreed' (1990).

Nightbreed_David_Cronenberg

A slasher spectacle enhanced with a dash of triumphant monster horror, Nightbreed is a true cult classic of the genre defined by its frantic ambition and its visual magnificence. The film follows Aaron Boone ( Craig Sheffer ), a disturbed man haunted by dreams of monstrous beings who sees a psychologist only to learn that the doctor is a serial killer intent on killing Boone and framing him for the murders.

RELATED: David Cronenberg's Weirdest Movies, Ranked

The evil doctor’s scheme initially works too, but the dreaded monsters that Boone dreams of bring him back from the dead and join him as he ventures to stop the doctor before he can kill again. While the doctor’s mask is strikingly frightful, what makes him so great is the man behind it, with legendary horror director David Cronenberg portraying Dr. Decker in all his villainous brilliance.

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8 The Miner

'my bloody valentine' (2009).

A killer in a mining costume holding a pickaxe

A criminally overlooked killer from a slasher film , My Bloody Valentine 's central slasher, The Miner, is incredibly distinct, imbuing a pretty common mining outfit with an irrepressible sense of dread. With Jensen Ackles occupying the starring role, the film follows a survivor of a mass murder from a decade prior as he returns to his hometown, only to be faced with accusations as the masked killer appears to have returned as well.

The winding plot has an inviting allure to it, as does the film's slasher antics which feature a gory onslaught that genre fans lapped up. Unmistakably a cult classic, especially of 21st-century slashers, My Bloody Valentine is a cherished flick and its murderous miner deserves the same recognition.

7 The Masked Purgers

'the purge' franchise (2013 - 2021).

The Purge

While it found some audience appeal with its intriguing premise, The Purge would have struggled to amount to much without its hordes of frightful masked killers. Set in a dystopian world where the government's solution to skyrocketing crime rates was to induct an annual night of lawlessness, the franchise has tackled everything from home invasion horror to revenge thrills and social commentary.

As its ambitions have evolved, so too have its villains who have gone from wearing undeniably creepy though relatively plain masks to adorning flashing face-covers to politically motivated disguises. The purgers might not have a singular legacy like most characters on this list, but they continually leave their mark.

'Trick 'r Treat' (2007)

Sam sitting on a log next to a pumpkin in Trick 'r Treat.

A cult classic horror comedy, Michael Dougherty 's anthological Trick 'r Treat film combined two things all true fans of the genre adore; a great masked killer and a terrifyingly ominous child. A wonderful tribute to Halloween horror of decades past, it follows several loosely interwoven tales of woe that transpire in the same neighborhood on one fateful Halloween night.

RELATED: Inanimate Objects Horror Movies Made Everyone Fear

Dressed as a scarecrow in an outfit that is as adorable as it is unnerving, Sam ( Quinn Lord ) is merely a background character in the first few stories before getting his time to shine later in the film when he torments the bitter old man Mr. Kreeg ( Brian Cox ). The child's sadism is surprisingly easy to enjoy, with the sense of horror fun he brings to the film marking him as one of the genre's most lovable masked killers to date.

5 The Strangers

'the strangers' (2008).

Masked killers from The Strangers (2008)

Of all the genre's masked killers to originate in the 21st century, none are as terrifying as the three antagonists of The Strangers . A gripping home invasion horror , it follows a young couple vacationing at a remote house to get some quality time with each other only for their getaway to rapidly spiral out of control leading up to a most unwelcome intrusion from three disguised assailants who want to torture them to death.

The terrible trio - made up of Dollface, Man in the Mask, and Pin-Up Girl - are cold-blooded sadists who are made all the more haunting by their expressionless masks. While the film has its flaws, it struck a chord with horror fans on account of the arresting terror instilled when the killers are on the screen, something debut director Bryan Bertino wielded with perfection to make for an at-times petrifying horror movie.

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4 Leatherface

'the texas chainsaw massacre' (1974).

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Within the realm of the slasher genre, there are few films as revered as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and few killers as strikingly terrifying as its iconic, chainsaw-wielding maniac, Leatherface. The '70s classic follows a young girl and her friends as she ventures to investigate claims that her grandfather's grave has been vandalized, stopping off at her family's old farmhouse where she and her pals find themselves being hunted by the crazed cannibalistic killers living next door.

While the chainsaw, the frenetic attacks, and the savage demeanor of Leatherface help make him scary, it is undeniable that he wouldn't be anywhere near as iconic as he is were it not for his deranged mask made from human skin. The embodiment of pure evil, the masked killer and the legendary film both stand among horror cinema's greatest icons, with the ensuing film franchise ensuring Leatherface has kept on haunting audiences for decades.

3 Ghostface

'scream' (1996).

Ghostface holding a knife in Scream

Exchanging the all-out horror of 80s slashers for more of a self-aware tone which both honors the genre while parodying it, Scream became an instant hit with horror fans when released in 1996. It follows high schooler Sidney Prescott ( Neve Campbell ) as the small town she lives in is overrun by the hysteria surrounding a masked serial killer who torments his victims before slaying them.

RELATED: Horror Final Girls Who Survived More Than One Movie

Ghostface, as the murderer was dubbed, became an instant icon with the black robes, the signature white mask, and Roger L. Jackson 's terrifying, captivating vocals. With the Scream franchise still going strong, the Ghostface killer makes for the second truly iconic horror villain to come from the mind of Wes Craven after he created A Nightmare on Elm Street with Freddy Krueger ( Robert Englund ) in the 1980s.

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2 Michael Myers

'halloween' (1978).

Michael Myers holding a knife in 'Halloween' (1978)

Heralded by many as the true pioneer of slasher horror, Michael Myers has accumulated quite the body count throughout the Halloween franchise which started way back in 1978 with the renowned original film. After murdering his older sister at just six years old, Myers escaped his institution and ventured back to Haddonfield for a night of mass murder.

The idea behind the mask was simple enough, after all, it is merely a William Shatner Captain Kirk mask with some paint on it, but in the film, its bland, expressionless nature gave Myers an uncanny, not-quite-human edge that permeated through his malicious actions. A determined, brutal killer absent feeling, Myers isn't just a great masked antagonist, but one of cinema's greatest villains of any genre .

1 Jason Voorhees

'friday the 13th' (1980).

jason vorhees in friday the 13th

Horror has seen no small number of fantastic antagonists, from costumed killers and psychotic sadists to demons, ghosts, and ghouls; but there is perhaps no greater slayer in the history of cinema than Jason Voorhees. Interestingly, despite the character's iconic standing, it was actually his mother responsible for the deaths in the original Friday the 13th film, but Jason soon took the mantle from her and made the slasher genre his own.

With his hockey mask and his machete, as well as his appetite for dishing out some phenomenally gruesome deaths, Jason is viewed by many to be the definitive slasher movie villain. In addition to that, he also stands tall among the likes of Darth Vader and Indiana Jones as one of the most iconic characters to have ever graced the screen.

Watch on Paramount+

NEXT: The Best Slashers That Aren't 'Halloween' or 'Friday the 13th'

ghost mask wearing

'My Name Is TOBIAS FORGE And I'm The Man Behind The Mask In GHOST'

GHOST lead singer and founder Tobias Forge — who performs as Papa Emeritus — unmasked himself publicly for the first time since the band's formation for an appearance on "Sommar i P1" , Swedish radio channel P1 's daily one-man show which has aired every summer since 1959.

Each ninety-minute episode of "Sommar i P1" features a well-known Swede talking without interruption about whatever he or she likes, as well as choosing all the music for the program.

During his appearance on the show — which aired for the first time on Thursday, August 17 and can now be streamed at this location — Forge talked about his family life and particularly his older brother, Sebastian , who died of heart failure in 2009 the day after GHOST posted its first song on MySpace . At one point, Forge spoke directly to his late brother and was sobbing and crying while lamenting the fact that "we didn't get to experience this thing together." Forge also said that his mother was so proud of him that she was telling everyone about his involvement with GHOST even though the bandmembers' true identities were supposed to be kept secret. "[But] I guess it doesn't matter anymore," he added.

Tobias ended the program by telling the listeners: "My name is Tobias Forge and I'm the man behind the mask in GHOST . Thanks for listening."

You can read a rough English-language translation of Forge 's entire "Sommar i P1" appearance on Reddit .

Forge previously revealed his identity while responding to a lawsuit filed by four former members of GHOST , who accused him of cheating them out of their rightful share of the profits from the group's album releases and world tours.

In his court documents, Forge — who had previously played in several other rock bands, including REPUGNANT , CRASHDIET , SUBVISION , MAGNA CARTA CARTEL and SUPERIOR — took credit for developing GHOST 's image and stage show and blamed his ex-bandmates for "destroying the mystery" surrounding the group by lifting the lid on GHOST 's business dealings.

GHOST is known for its eccentric performances and is composed of six members easily recognized for their satanic attires. Five men who call themselves as Nameless Ghouls play the instruments while the lead vocalist is known as Papa Emeritus . The Nameless Ghouls who are wearing identical devil masks and costumes represent the five instrumentalities or elements (fire, water, air, earth and aether or quintessence) while their leader Papa Emeritus represents the group's anti-pope symbol.

Forge admitted in a 2016 interview with "Big Smash Radio" that the mystery surrounding GHOST has helped make the band more successful. "I think it definitely plays a part," he said. "The thing everybody keeps ranting about is the anonymity, which I have a comment on on the side, but I also think that you don't have to be anonymous or masked in order to have somewhat of a clandestine image. I mean, there are many artists that I know exactly where they are born and what their names are and where they live, which are still very, sort of, hidden. Even Nick Cave , who has a film about himself nowadays, is still someone who I would claim to be utterly enigmatic."

He continued: "Even if people would know who we are, or you could click on a Wikipedia page saying my date of birth, it does not necessarily mean that I have to go out on social media and tell you where I'm eating. So, yeah, I think even in the future, when it might not be as hidden, or as secret, I think that you can still uphold some sort of… level of fog around you."

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TikTok Ghostface mask trend explained: The spicy BookTok trend meaning

1 November 2023, 09:24

ghost mask wearing

Who Bumped Who? The Viral Debate ANALYSED

By Katie Louise Smith

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"POV: You saw that one Ghostface video and immediately text your husband."

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If you've seen countless videos of people asking their partners to buy Ghostface masks on your TikTok FYP recently, you can thank the spicy corner of 'BookTok' for that particular trend.

Over the past few weeks, and in the build up to Halloween, TikTokers who are part of the 'BookTok' community have been sharing their partner's reactions after texting them to bring home the iconic Scream killer mask for an unspecified reason.

As a result, the viral videos have prompted thousands to pop up in the comments asking what the hell is going on. Well, the trend, as you've probably guessed based on the videos themselves, is all to do with couples spicing up what happens in the bedroom.

Here's how the whole thing became a trend...

What does the Ghostface mask trend mean on TikTok?

Ghostface mask trend goes viral on TikTok thanks to BookTok

BookTok, in case you're not familiar, is a huge part of TikTok where users share their favourite reads with others. One particular side of BookTok features several creators who recommend erotica novels, a.k.a. spicy romance books.

The trends of "masks" and "mask kinks" have been a popular talking point with BookTok fans, with countless videos popping up of recommended books and cosplayers, and now it seems to be taking off with Ghostface at the front and centre.

One video, shared by @annaleegrace15, has had over 6.4 million views, and features the caption: "POV: You saw that one ghostface video and immediately text your husband."

The video being referred to appears to be from a user named Laura (@elitereading), who posted a video of her husband doing the infamous BookTok door frame lean while wearing the Ghostface mask.

Since then, countless other users have tried texting their own partners asking them to bring home a Ghostface mask so they can role-play and try out the trend for themselves.

Of course, the trend is not for everyone – and that's fine! Some people who have never encountered the spicy BookTok side of TikTok seem to think that the trend is a bit too TMI.

But others are clearly loving it, and love watching the responses people are getting from their partners who either have no idea what's going on, or are figuring in real time exactly what's going on.

So, if you start seeing an alarming amount of Ghostface thirst edits on your FYP this Halloween (and not just the usual Billy Loomis ones)... now you know why. BookTok strikes again!

Read more about TikTok here:

  • What is a Rainbow Kiss? TikTok reacts to explicit meaning of the viral term
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  • How to do the AI Yearbook trend on TikTok
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Horror Masks Are Never Just About the Monster

These cinematic mainstays continue to terrify.

By Maya Phillips

ghost mask wearing

When “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” came out in 1974, it was marketed as a true story, which undoubtedly added to the horror factor. The claim was mostly false, though the star of the movie, Leatherface, was loosely inspired by the killer Ed Gein, called the “Butcher of Plainfield,” who made furniture and a suit out of human skin. And there was another unnerving real-life inspiration. “The idea actually came from a doctor I knew,” Tobe Hooper , the director of the film, told Texas Monthly. “I remembered that he’d once told me this story about how, when he was a pre-med student, the class was studying cadavers. And he went into the morgue and skinned a cadaver and made a mask for Halloween.”

Even before Covid made masks a daily inconvenience for us, they occupied a mighty space in our cultural imagination. Masks are a mainstay of horror, donned by mysterious strangers and serial killers while they terrorize innocents. The blank, lifeless visages of such classic horror masks as those belonging to Leatherface, Jason Voorhees and Michael Myers seem to signify corpses — faces stripped of their verve and individuality.

These masks also embody the unknown: the mystery of the person behind the mask and the disconnect between what may seem otherwise mundane (an animal mask, a hockey mask) and the mask’s frightfulness when placed in a new context. But there’s something deeper to the psychology of our fear around masks, related to our worst fears about ourselves and the fragile structure of society — whether it’s in a house of cannibals in Middle of Nowhere, Texas, or in our own familiar haunts during a time of pandemic.

Leatherface wears three different masks throughout the movie, which he switches into based on the situation, as a way to show emotion. Of course, the faces sag on his own face, so that on top of the horror of the mask itself, there’s the uncanny sight of our flesh-faced killer’s real features poking out from beneath the mask’s.

With masks, it is never about the monster but the man whose mask obscures and reveals him.

In the “Halloween” movies, Michael Myers’s chalk-white face mask, like Leatherface’s, is eerily emotionless. Designed by Tommy Lee Wallace, the mask was based on a Captain Kirk “death mask” that was created for “Star Trek.” The show didn’t end up using it, so Wallace converted it, coloring the hair and face and cutting the eye holes larger to create the vacant look.

But it’s not just a deficit of emotion that can add to a mask’s horror; it’s a false presentation of one. One of the ways humans socialize is via mirroring, mimicking the body language and facial expressions of those around us. Mirror neurons trigger our sense of empathy. Masking breaks this connection, making the masked person seem unknowable, perhaps even, in these worst cases, inhuman. And yet they are all too human. In fact, some horror movie mask designs nod to the fact that we all have a capacity to do horrible things.

The grotesque Smiley masks from the 2012 horror movie “Smiley” — fleshy featureless sights with eye slits and a smiling mouth slit cut and stitched in — recall the smiley emoticon. It’s well-matched to the movie’s theme, about a Candyman-esque killer who can be summoned via the internet to murder people.

For the seminal horror movie satire “Scream,” the director Wes Craven wasn’t initially sure what the killer’s mask would look like. The screenwriter, Kevin Williamson, simply referred to a “ghost mask killer” in the screenplay. While location-scouting in California, Marianne Maddalena, a producer on the film series, found the Ghostface mask — made by a Halloween company called Fun World, as part of its “Fantastic Faces” line — in a house that happened to be the same one Alfred Hitchcock featured in his film “Shadow of a Doubt.” Craven immediately loved it.

Even the humble beginnings of the iconic Ghostface mask, as just another commercial Halloween costume prop, indicates something frightful that was part of the appeal for Craven: The killer could be anyone, any person you know.

In “The Strangers,” three sadistic killers, one in a doll mask, one in a pinup mask and one in crude baggy mask — ones you would be able to make yourself or get in a store — terrorize people for the hell of it. Their anonymity and lack of motive undercut the comforting idea that people are inherently good, that one may not hurt a stranger senselessly.

A belief in human empathy, honesty and reason are our safety blankets when we consider horror. But masks may also expose our most primal selves. It makes sense, then, that many horror movies use animal masks for their frights. In “You’re Next,” in which a family is attacked by three men wearing a lamb mask, a fox mask and a tiger mask, the screenwriter, Simon Barrett (who was actually the man behind the tiger mask in the film), said , “If the movie has a theme, it’s what people are hiding on the inside.”

In the same interview with IGN , Adam Wingard, the director of the film, said, “We didn’t want them to be autonomous killing machines. There are actually people under the masks.”

But there’s also the scare factor of something innocuous being taken out of context. Just as horror movies make their currency in creepy children and dolls, there’s a sense of betrayal, then fear, that accompanies the perversion of the innocent, mundane elements of our lives. Animal masks may appear in a young child’s birthday party, or a cheap costume for Halloween. And yet, worn on three crossbow-shooting, ax-swinging grown men, they are divorced from such a chaste context.

Even an adorable bunny may become a figure out of a nightmare, as in the unseemly grimace of Frank from “Donnie Darko.” April Ferry, who designed Frank’s textured skin and foggy, pupil-less eyes, told Entertainment Weekly , “I was very adamant that it had to make an impact. It has to disturb people. It has to make the audience sit up in their seat and have a really intense response.”

For masks like those worn by Hannibal Lecter (whose character in “The Silence of the Lambs” was also based on Ed Gein and whose unique muzzle was based on a hockey mask) and Jason Voorhees, team sports figured into the horror. Jason’s iconic mask didn’t actually appear until the third “Friday the 13th” film, when he attacks a character in a barn and steals his hockey mask. Martin Jay Sadoff, the 3-D supervisor for the film, suggested they use a goalie mask, since Sadoff was a hockey fan. The look stuck, and it’s not simply the expressionless visage but the implication of violence. Hockey bears the reputation as an intentionally brutal sport, so a mask out of context invites the possibility for violence even off the ice. But it’s also the sepulchral, blank appearance, that recalls a skull.

We relate faces to our identities, so when we’re masked, the anonymity we’re granted may allow us to untether ourselves from any ethical or social contracts we’d otherwise be beholden to. Masks may recall killers and robbers, or even a night of more modest high jinks, like Halloween.

A mask is just material. The person? That’s the real horror.

Masks, which hint at some macabre sight or simply a human no longer in touch with his humanity, also imply a wider social disorder. In “The Purge” franchise, Americans have one night a year to give in to their most base, vile impulses without any repercussions. The movies paint a grim reality in which people are all too eager to put on masks and kill as they please. Of course, the conceit is a way to satirize the American systems that implicitly allow for the prejudice toward, disenfranchisement of and undermining of certain racial and socioeconomic groups by making such practices explicit in the world of the films.

The pandemic has made us all consider how much masks change the perception we have of ourselves and others. Jason masks have had a decent showing lately. When Tom Savini, a master of special effects and makeup artist for several George A. Romero films and other horror classics, teamed up with fellow artist Jason Baker to make horror P.P.E. masks, the masks were so popular they had to hire a crew to increase production.

The killer N.H.L. wannabe himself has had words for those who resist masking up during the pandemic. In a recent P.S.A. video from JoBlo Horror Trailers, Jason sadly deals with the fact that people run from him in fear, just to discover in the end that perhaps all he really needed was a Covid-19 mask, given to him by a little girl. “Wearing a mask can be scary. Not wearing one can be deadly,” the video ends.

Surfacing is a biweekly column that explores the intersection of art and life, produced by Alicia DeSantis, Jolie Ruben and Josephine Sedgwick.

Maya Phillips is a poet and arts journalist and the inaugural Times arts critic fellow. She is the author of the poetry collection “Erou,” and her second book, “NERD: On Navigating Heroes, Magic, and Fandom in the 21st Century,” is forthcoming in summer 2022 from Atria Books. More about Maya Phillips

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We Finally Know The Origin Of The Ghostface Mask In Scream

Ghostface in a school

When "Scream" first tore its way into theaters back in 1996, it instantly immortalized Ghostface in pop culture, and the villain became a modern horror icon. He stands next to the likes of Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees as a mask-wearing psychopath (or psychopaths, as the case may be) who isn't afraid to brutalize his victims. His popularity largely comes down to the simplicity of the outfit, which is made up of the white face mask and a black cloak. And of course it lends itself to the central mystery in the "Scream" series, because it's an outfit which completely hides the killer's identity. 

The costume itself creates a legacy throughout the franchise, as several killers all don the Ghostface identity to hunt Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) for one reason or another. It all starts when Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich) decides to dismantle Sidney's family, because her mother has an affair with Mr. Loomis — ultimately driving Billy's mother away. He plans his killing spree with Stu Macher (Matthew Lillard) and the pair use their horror obsession to create an iconic costume which would mask their faces as well as striking sheer terror in their victims.

In real life, though, where did the Ghostface mask come from? It is very similar to the painting by famed artist Edvard Munch's "The Scream," obviously — but ultimately Wes Craven found it when he was working on pre-production for the 1996 movie.

They got the rights for the mask

Because the mask is such an important visual in "Scream" there was obviously a lot of pressure during pre-production to get the right look for Billy and Stu. And in a recent IGN featurette which celebrates the film's 25th anniversary, screenwriter Kevin Williamson revealed that the crew stumbled onto the mask when they were looking at filming locations. "No one could agree on a mask and I remember we were in a location scout, and we found Ghostface ... in a box of stuff in a garage ..." he said.

The writer went on to say that director Wes Craven spotted the mask's similarity to Munch's iconic painting, saying that he "immediately looked at it and said, 'This is like the famous Scream painting.' And so we took that to our production and we said, 'Riff on this... make something like this.'" Although that didn't solve the problem straight away, because the studio kept rejecting the numerous designs that were similar to the iconic mask. "They must've done 20 different designs. Every one of them was rejected by the studio."

But the team finally settled on a brilliant solution, "and finally we were like, why don't we just get the rights to this mask?" So the original Ghostface mask was easily marketable because it was already an established mask, and it added a real-world level of terror since it's something that teenagers can easily get hold of. 

Hopefully the mask is still just as scary when the fifth "Scream" film arrives in theaters on January 14, 2022.

Screen Rant

Scream’s ghostface mask has an eerily perfect origin story.

Iconic horror franchise Scream may be set to release its latest installment, but the origin of the Ghostface killer's mask has an eerily perfect story.

The origin story behind the mask worn by Scream’s Ghostface killer is an eerily perfect one. After 25 years, the Wes Craven teen slasher franchise still continues to make audiences jump, thanks in no small part to its black-robed killer whose distorted screaming ghost face mask has become a part of horror iconography. Though the killer(s) change from film to film, the costume they wear has always been the same – with the brief exception of the mask’s look in the rather short-lived TV adaptation of the franchise.

The character was first introduced to audiences via a telephone call in which a voice changer was used to create a gravelly, yet creepy tone that hid the killer’s identity. This affected voice has since gone on to make Ghostface instantly recognizable to fans, as the voice changer is a staple of every sequel and killer to have taken on the Ghostface legacy. Though Ghostface doesn’t wield any mysterious otherworldly powers like notorious horror movie killers such as Jason Vorhees, Pinhead, or Chucky , the character has managed to consistently intrigue audiences and fans simply through the power of being unknown and omnipresent. That being said, the design of Ghostface’s mask has proven to be a brilliant bit of horror movie lore.

Related: Scream 2022 Will Finally Kill Dewey - Theory Explained

Perhaps it’s due to the simplicity of Ghostface’s mask that few questions have been asked about it over the years. Unlike masks worn by Jason and Michael Myers, Ghostface’s mask seems like part of a costume that could be found in any store selling Halloween costumes. And, as Scream star Neve Campbell and creator Kevin Williamson explain in a new 25th anniversary behind-the-scenes featurette from IGN’s official YouTube channel, not only was the mask part of an actual Halloween costume, but it seemed to randomly find the producers:

“The Ghostface [mask] was in a box of stuff in a garage that we were location scouting. And we asked the owner if we could take it because Wes [Craven] immediately looked at it and said, ‘This is like the famous Scream painting.’ And so we took that to our production and we said, ‘Can you riff on this and see if you can make something like this?’ So they must have done 20 different designs and every one of them was rejected by the studio. And finally, we were like, ‘Why don’t we just get the rights to this mask?’ Because in the script, it did say it was a dime-store Halloween mask. And so that’s exactly what we found.”

It is quite strange that after being unable to come up with a suitable idea for the killer’s mask, Scream’s producers found the Ghostface mask in a box during a location scout. What’s more, the mask seemed to resist any attempt at redesigning it and ultimately, what was found in a box at a random location went on to become one of the most iconic horror props of all time. It’s this sort of simplicity that has helped to make the Scream franchise the success that it is. The franchise has long eschewed overly complex or convoluted plotlines ( arguably with the exception of Scream 3 ) and even found leverage by mocking the monotony of so many other horror tropes. It seems that the sort of basic momentum that propels the franchise has been a part of it from its beginnings.

With the fifth Scream installment due to arrive in early 2022, it looks as though Ghostface will once again appear in the killer’s familiar disguise. Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett have remained very tight-lipped about what the new sequel will bring , but one thing that has been repeatedly made clear is that the film represents a new era for the franchise. Thankfully, that new era doesn’t involve changing anything about Ghostface’s appearance – especially after the mask found its way so perfectly into the series.

Next: Scream 2022 Theory: The Killer Is The Secret Child Of Randy

Source: IGN

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Why Zak Bagans Wears a Mask Every Ghost Adventures Episode

Zak Bagens is known for being the creator and executive producer of Ghost Adventures , where he has appeared in over 200 episodes since its creation in 2008. Bagens has also been featured in or created a number of other paranormal-related shows, including Paranormal Challenge , Deadly Possessions , and Demon House . One of Bagens’ most defining features is his respirator mask, which he is often seen wearing while conducting investigations in many haunted and abandoned buildings for the show.

While the reasonings may seem obvious, his choice to wear the mask when others choose not to has drawn curiosity from his fans. For those of you who are curious about this protective measure that he takes for nearly every episode, we can assure you that it’s not to draw attention to himself nor for sensationalism. There are some very real and valid reasons why he is consistent in donning his mask in questionable locations.

Why Does Zak Bagans Wear A Respirator Mask?

Why Zak Bagans Wears a Mask Every Ghost Adventures Episode

Navigating through some locations, especially abandoned buildings, can be quite dangerous, with them possibly containing harmful molds, dust, and a host of other allergens, as well as them not being cleaned in some time. Because Bagans spent many years exploring these buildings, with some even containing deadly asbestos, he has developed respiratory issues from the unclean air, and wearing a mask ensures he can keep doing his job.

Does He Need To Wear The Mask As Often As He Does?

Why Zak Bagans Wears a Mask Every Ghost Adventures Episode

Although Bagans perhaps doesn’t need to wear the mask as often as he does, especially when the other Ghost Adventures crew members don’t, there is no harm in doing so, and it is better to be safe than sorry. Bagans doesn’t wear it when in buildings that are maintained and cleaned, such as a hotel that is actively being used. But, with the health issues that he has acquired through following his passion for ghost hunting , it makes sense to keep wearing it when there is any doubt of his safety.

He Isn’t Just A Hypochondriac

Why Zak Bagans Wears a Mask Every Ghost Adventures Episode

Some people will look at Bagens wearing his mask and dismiss him as a hypochondriac and he being paranoid, especially in today’s age. But he does have a very good reason to do so. When asked by a fan about his reasoning for wearing a mask, he pointed to a situation where a tour of a historic prison, which included ghost hunts, was shut down due to health concerns.

This isn’t an isolated case, and it highlights the dangers more to the general public that these abandoned and historic buildings aren’t the safest places to visit. But, for those that do and take the necessary precautions, such as Bagens, they can offer plenty of spooky experiences if the supernatural manifest.

Read Next: Scream Movies Ranked According To Rotten Tomatoes

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Allen Lee is a Toronto-based freelance writer who studied business in school but has since turned to other pursuits. He spends more time than is perhaps wise with his eyes fixed on a screen either reading history books, keeping up with international news, or playing the latest releases on the Steam platform, which serve as the subject matter for much of his writing output. Currently, Lee is practicing the smidgen of Chinese that he picked up while visiting the Chinese mainland in hopes of someday being able to read certain historical texts in their original language.

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What does Ghost look like under his mask in Modern Warfare 2?

Face reveal.

Modern Warfare 2 Ghost

Simon “Ghost” Riley is one of the most iconic characters to come from the Call of Duty franchise.

The British special forces operative and commanding officer in Task Force 141 is known for his one-of-a-kind skull balaclava. But the face beneath it has always remained a mystery — until now.

One Redditor has uncovered the face model beneath the mask, and fans are already all over it.

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Unmasked: What does Ghost’s face look like?

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Ghost

Ghost’s reputation precedes him, but few know much about his exploits and his past remains murky. His activities with Captain John Price’s Bravo-6 unit are both renowned yet classified, creating an almost mythological persona around him.

While Modern Warfare 2’s campaign teased players with a face reveal, it stopped short of showing what he looked like. We were left to contend with a view of the back of his head, followed by a shot of his eyes through a balaclava — a throwback to what his mask looked like in the original games.

The face model shows Ghost with his face paint still on, but fans were quick to point out that the model was basically a rendering of voice actor Samuel Roukin.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Ghost face reveal

Roukin steps into the role for Modern Warfare 2, taking over from Jeff Leach, who voiced the character in 2019’s Modern Warfare reboot.

Call of Duty has been known for basing its character models on their voice actors, and everyone’s favorite skull-faced Operator is no different. For instance, Captain Price is a spitting image of voice actor Barry Sloane, while Thomas Beaudoin is immediately recognizable as Reyes.

Find out how to get Black Site and Stronghold keys in Warzone 2.0 and DMZ, how to use DMZ to unlock guns early , and the best audio settings for clearer footsteps .

READ MORE: How to interrogate enemies in Warzone 2.0

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'Ghost Adventures' Star Zak Bagans Has a Perfectly Valid Reason for Wearing a Mask Every Episode

Allison Cacich - Author

Aug. 14 2019, Updated 10:31 p.m. ET

The Travel Channel series Ghost Adventures has been on the air for 18 seasons, yet viewers still ask why creator and host Zak Bagans insists on sporting a gas mask to investigate the haunted locations featured on the show. It’s time we squash this query for good.

Why does Zak from Ghost Adventures wear a mask?

It’s simple: the 42-year-old has asthma. As fans often witness, the buildings that the paranormal investigators explore are often old, abandoned, covered in dust, and/or filled with asbestos.

Zak previously addressed this in a 2016 tweet. "When going in places like [these] be careful of airborne contaminants," he wrote. "Wear respirators/[masks]."

He also linked to an article stating that the Missouri State Penitentiary, which was highlighted on a 2013 episode, discontinued tours of the former prison due to a site assessment that revealed mold. "Many of you ask. Why do [you] always wear a respirator? This is why," Zak tweeted in response to the news story.

Diehard fans find the constant questions about Zak’s mask hysterical. "Every single time he puts a respirator on he says 'I’m wearing this respirator because I have asthma.' Every. Single. Time," one viewer wrote.

In fact, the accessory has become so synonymous with the reality star that he’s been known to leave signed respirator masks in various places. 

Zak’s not retiring from ghost hunting any time soon.

The Deadly Possessions producer revealed in a past interview that he has no plans to quit exploring the spirit world. “The deeper I get into this, the more fascinated I am by it,” he shared. “The deeper and more concrete the evidence, the stronger the spirit communication is, the more I’m fascinated and want to go deeper.”

In a profile with Las Vegas Magazine , Zak added, "It’s not just a career, it’s my life, my passion; it’s what I love to do. And, I think people can see that… It’s fun going on investigations and helping people — it’s an adventure."

People are far more interested in hearing about bad spirits than good ones.

Zak decided to open up a tourist attraction in Las Vegas called The Haunted Museum because "evil fascinates us," the documentary filmmaker told Newsweek . It allows visitors to see some of his creepiest collectibles up close.

"This is why there are so many successful TV shows and movies in the true-crime genre," he continued. "As human beings we want to know more about why such evil people would commit such crimes like this... who are they and what goes through their minds… We must go inside the mind of an enemy to protect ourselves."

Some of the most notorious items in the museum include the hospital gown that infamous cult leader Charles Manson died in and the "death van" where Dr. Jack Kevorkian reportedly ended the lives of terminally ill patients. "As far as haunted, cursed objects — I have hundreds in here," Zak admitted. Enter at your own risk.

Ghost Adventures airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on the Travel Channel.

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The Pandemic’s ‘Ghost Architecture’ Is Still Haunting Us

“Stand six feet apart” signs are outdated, ignored, and everywhere.

An illustration of a tattered sticker with footprints and the text "keep your distance"

Last Friday, in a bathroom at the Newark airport, I encountered a phrase I hadn’t seen in a long time: Stop the spread . It accompanied an automatic hand-sanitizing station, which groaned weakly when I passed my hand beneath it, dispensing nothing. Presumably set up in the early pandemic, the sign and dispenser had long ago become relics. Basically everyone seemed to ignore them. Elsewhere in the terminal, I spotted prompts to maintain a safe distance and reduce overcrowding , while maskless passengers sat elbow-to-elbow in waiting areas and mobbed the gates.

Beginning in 2020, COVID signage and equipment were everywhere. Stickers indicated how to stand six feet apart. Arrows on the grocery-store floor directed shopping-cart traffic. Plastic barriers enforced distancing. Masks required signs dotted store windows, before they were eventually replaced by softer pronouncements such as masks recommended and masks welcome . Such messages— some more helpful than others —became an unavoidable part of navigating pandemic life.

Four years later, the coronavirus has not disappeared—but the health measures are gone, and so is most daily concern about the pandemic. Yet much of this COVID signage remains, impossible to miss even if the messages are ignored or outdated. In New York, where I live, notices linger in the doorways of apartment buildings and stores. A colleague in Woburn, Massachusetts, sent me a photo of a sign reminding park-goers to gather in groups of 10 or less; another, in Washington, D.C., showed me stickers on the floors of a bookstore and pier bearing faded reminders to stay six feet apart. “These are artifacts from another moment that none of us want to return to,” Eric Klinenberg, a sociologist at NYU and the author of 2020: One City, Seven People, and the Year Everything Changed , told me. All these fliers, signs, and stickers make up the “ghost architecture” of the pandemic, and they are still haunting America today.

That some COVID signage persists makes sense, considering how much of it once existed. According to the COVID-19 Signage Archive , one store in Key West had a reminder to mask up during the initial Omicron wave: Do not wear it above chin or below nose . In the summer of 2021, a placard at a Houston grocery store indicated that the shopping carts had been “sanitizd .” And in November 2020, you could have stepped on a customized welcome mat in Washington, D.C., that read Thank you for practicing 6 ft social distancing . Eli Fessler, a software engineer who launched the crowdsourced archive in December 2020, wanted “to preserve some aspect of [COVID signage] because it felt so ephemeral,” he told me. The gallery now comprises nearly 4,000 photos of signs around the world, including submissions he received as recently as this past October : a keep safe distance sign in Incheon, South Korea.

No doubt certain instances of ghost architecture can be attributed to forgetfulness, laziness, or apathy. Remnants of social-distancing stickers on some New York City sidewalks appear too tattered to bother scraping away; outdoor-dining sheds, elaborately constructed but now barely used, are a hassle to dismantle. A faded decal posted at a restaurant near my home in Manhattan depicts social-distancing guidelines for ordering takeout alcohol that haven’t been relevant since 2020. “There’s a very human side to this,” Fessler said. “We forget to take things down. We forget to update signs.”

But not all of it can be chalked up to negligence. Signs taped to a door can be removed as easily as they are posted; plastic barriers can be taken down. Apart from the ease, ghost architecture should have disappeared by now because spotting it is never pleasant. Even in passing, the signs can awaken uncomfortable memories of the early pandemic. The country’s overarching response to the pandemic is what Klinenberg calls the “will not to know”—a conscious denial that COVID changed life in any meaningful way. Surely, then, some examples are left there on purpose, even if they evoke bad memories.

When I recently encountered the masks required sign that’s still in the doorway of my local pizza shop, my mind flashed back to more distressing times: Remember when that was a thing? The sign awakened a nagging voice in my brain reminding me that I used to mask up and encourage others to do the same, filling me with guilt that I no longer do so. Perhaps the shop owner has felt something similar. Though uncomfortable, the signs may persist because taking them down requires engaging with their messages head-on, prompting a round of fraught self-examination: Do I no longer believe in masking? Why not? “We have to consciously and purposely say we no longer need this,” Klinenberg told me.

Outdated signs are likely more prevalent in places that embraced public-health measures to begin with, namely bluer areas. “I would be surprised to see the same level of ghost architecture in Florida, Texas, or Alabama,” Klinenberg said. But ghost architecture seems to persist everywhere. A colleague sent a photo of a floor sticker in a Boise, Idaho, restaurant that continues to thank diners for practicing social distancing. These COVID callbacks are sometimes even virtual: An outdated website for a Miami Beach spa still encourages guests to physically distance and to “swipe your own credit card.”

Most of all, the persistence of ghost architecture directly reflects the failure of public-health messaging to clearly state what measures were needed, and when. Much of the signage grew out of garbled communication in the first place: “Six feet” directives , for example, far outlasted the point when public-health experts knew it was a faulty benchmark for stopping transmission.

The rollback of public-health precautions has been just as chaotic. Masking policy has vacillated wildly since the arrival of vaccines; although the federal COVID emergency declaration officially ended last May , there was no corresponding call to end public-health measures across the country. Instead, individual policies lapsed at different times in different states , and in some cases were setting-specific: California didn’t end its mask requirement for high-risk environments such as nursing homes until last April. Most people still don’t know how to think about COVID, Klinenberg said, and it’s easier to just leave things as they are.

If these signs are the result of confusing COVID messaging, they are also adding to the problem. Prompts to wash or sanitize your hands are generally harmless. In other situations, however, ghost architecture can perpetuate misguided beliefs, such as thinking that keeping six feet apart is protective in a room full of unmasked people, or that masks alone are foolproof against COVID . To people who must still take precautions for health reasons, the fact that signs are still up, only to be ignored, can feel like a slap in the face. The downside to letting ghost architecture persist is that it sustains uncertainty about how to behave, during a pandemic or otherwise.

The contradiction inherent in ghost architecture is that it both calls to mind the pandemic and reflects a widespread indifference to it. Maybe people don’t bother to take the signs down because they assume that nobody will follow them anyway, Fessler said. Avoidance and apathy are keeping them in place, and there’s not much reason to think that will change. At this rate, COVID’s ghost signage may follow the same trajectory as the defunct Cold War–era nuclear-fallout-shelter signs that lingered on New York City buildings for more than half a century , at once misleading observers and reminding them that the nuclear threat, though diminished, is still present.

The signs I saw at the Newark airport seemed to me hopelessly obsolete, yet they still stoked unease about how little I think about COVID now, even though the virus is still far deadlier than the flu and other common respiratory illnesses. Passing another stop the spread hand-sanitizing station, I put my palm under the dispenser, expecting nothing. But this time, a dollop of gel squirted into my hand.

Why does Zak Bagans from Ghost Adventures wear a mask?

Why does Zak Bagans from Ghost Adventures wear a mask?

When fans watch Ghost Adventures, one thing they can count on is host Zak Bagans wearing a mask when he goes in to investigate the old haunted locations.

While fans of the Travel Channel series knows why he does this, it seems there are even more people just tuning in who have been wondering what is up with that mask.

Why does Zak Bagans wear a mask?

Zak Bagans wears a mask for one simple reason — he has asthma.

As a matter of fact, most of the time that he puts on the mask, he mentions that he has asthma, so viewers of the show know this fact.

However, there is a very good reason anyone who investigates an old haunted location needs to protect themselves, even if they don’t have asthma.

Many of you ask. Why do u always wear a respirator? This is why. http://t.co/VWX1z8m8Vz — Zak Bagans ??‍♂️ (@Zak_Bagans) October 2, 2013

According to St. Louis Post-Dispatch , the Missouri State Penitentiary stopped doing tours in 2013 due to mold.

When mold testing completed on the old penitentiary, the state closed the buildings and prohibited entry from anyone. This event caused the location to have to cancel 2,500 reservations.

According to Bagans, he suggests that anyone going into old locations such as the ones on Ghost Adventures use respirators and masks. He said the airborne contaminants make the risk too high for those who don’t.

When going in places like be careful of airborne contaminants. Wear respirators/ mask https://t.co/jDEWHgMnlz — Zak Bagans ??‍♂️ (@Zak_Bagans) July 25, 2016

Zak Bagans fell ill after a recent investigation

While Zak Bagans wears a mask when investigating on Ghost Adventures on Travel Channel, that has not protected him from everything.

Bagans spoke to PEOPLE this week and said that he fell ill after investigating the 300-year-old Rhode Island home of the Perron family.

For those who don’t know, that family inspired the horror movie The Conjuring, based on the work of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.

“This house made me sick, and I did not recover from this investigation for about three weeks,” Bagans said.

Bagans went on to say that his body wasn’t functioning right, nor was his balance after the investigation. He said that he believes the place is haunted by something very ancient, and it messed him up good.

Ghost Adventures airs on Travel Channel.

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Video shows armed man in ghostface mask, two other crooks rob nyc shop.

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Three armed robbers — one wearing a GhostFace mask and pointing an assault rifle — stuck up a Queens smoke shop this week, disturbing new video shows.

Footage released early Thursday shows the trio walking out of a double-parked black Mazda 3 sedan and into Brianna’s World on East 109th Avenue near Liberty Avenue just before 6 p.m. Wednesday. 

One of the suspects — whose mask resembled the villain in the “Scream” horror film series — barged into the store first and removed the rifle from a black bag. 

The robbers -- one of whom was armed with an assault rifle -- stuck up workers and customers at a Queens smoke shop Wednesday.

Seven employees and customers shown in the video are shown putting their hands up — with one patron even crouching down on the floor.

Two other men wearing all black and displaying handguns entered the shop behind the GhostFace suspect, the video shows. 

The crooks demanded cellphones from the victims — taking two from store patrons and two from workers. 

The suspect in the GhostFace mask entered the store first, footage shows.

One of the gunmen swiped $3,000 from the register. 

They took off in the same Mazda, cops said. 

No injuries were reported.

The suspects arrived and departed in a black Mazda 3 sedan.

Police are still looking for the men — all described as in their 20s or 30s with dark complexions.

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The robbers -- one of whom was armed with an assault rifle -- stuck up workers and customers at a Queens smoke shop Wednesday.

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Why is Ghost wearing a mask?

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Ghost wears a mask for a variety of reasons. Some theories suggest that it is to have a psychological impact on enemies or to hide any scars or disfigurement. Others believe that the mask symbolizes an immortal identity, representing the idea that Ghost can be anyone underneath.

Why does Ghost wear a mask band?

Ghost wears a mask band because all the members of the band, except for the singer Tobias Forge, are unknown to the public. The masks protect their identities both on and off stage. Additionally, Tobias Forge, the singer, wears black and white skeleton-like face paint.

Who is Ghost behind the mask?

Ghost is portrayed by English actor Samuel Roukin. He is known for his roles in TURN: Washington’s Spies, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Happy-Go-Lucky. Roukin provides the voice and face for the iconic Call of Duty character Ghost.

What type of mask is Ghost wearing?

Ghost is wearing a heavyweight nomex balaclava. These masks don’t come with the skull design painted on. The masks are used to protect the members’ identities in case of any explosions or accidents, while still maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Is Ghost’s mask an actual skull?

No, the skull mask worn by Ghost is not an actual skull. In order to make Ghost look more intimidating, the designers replaced the skull-printed balaclava with a faceplate that looks like a skull. The faceplate is sewn onto a tactical cape, adding to Ghost’s overall appearance.

Ghost Finally Removes His Mask (Modern Warfare 2 Story)

There is no available information regarding Ghost removing his mask in the story of Modern Warfare 2.

Why does Ghost not remove his mask?

Fans have expressed mixed opinions on whether they want to see Ghost without his mask in a Call of Duty game. Ghost always wears a mask to protect his identity and maintain his anonymity. Removing his mask would go against his character and the image he has created for himself.

What is Ghost’s real name?

Ghost’s real name is Simon Riley. In the Call of Duty series, Ghost is often referred to by his code name rather than his real name. Riley is a character known for his exceptional stealth abilities and enigmatic presence.

What is Ghost’s backstory?

Ghost, whose real name is Simon Riley, was born in Manchester, England. He had an older brother named Tommy who used to scare him while he slept. Simon witnessed the 9/11 attacks and was inspired to join the British military. He later became a member of the Special Air Service, showcasing his bravery and dedication to serving his country.

Did the Ghost mask exist before Scream?

The Ghostface mask existed before the release of the Scream films. Originally part of a series called “Fantastic Faces,” the mask was known as “The Peanut-Eyed Ghost.” However, the mask design was altered for the film, leading to its iconic appearance in the Scream franchise.

Why is Simon Riley called Ghost?

Simon Riley earned the nickname “Ghost” due to his exceptional covert skills and stealthy demeanor. The name reflects his enigmatic presence, formidable aura on the battlefield, and ability to blend in with the shadows.

Who is Ghostface without mask?

The identity of Ghostface without his mask varies in each installment of the Scream franchise. However, in Scream 3, Ghostface is revealed to be Roman Bridger, portrayed by Scott Foley. Roman is the half-brother of the main protagonist, Sidney Prescott, and a film director named Rina Reynolds.

How tall is Ghost?

According to available information, Ghost is approximately 6 feet 4 ½ inches or 195 cm tall.

What accent does Ghost have?

Ghost is often associated with a British accent. His chiseled accent adds to his charismatic and sophisticated persona, which complements his covert prowess and enigmatic nature.

Is the lead singer of Ghost the same guy?

Yes, all versions of Papa Emeritus, the lead singer of the band Ghost, are portrayed by the same vocalist, Tobias Forge. Some former band members have claimed to have designed the Papa Emeritus character before the formation of Ghost, but Forge is the only person who has performed as Papa Emeritus in all iterations.

How tall is Ghost mw2?

According to available information, Ghost from the game Modern Warfare 2 is approximately 6 feet 4 ½ inches or 189 cm tall.

Does Ghost wear face paint?

Yes, the singer Tobias Forge, who is also known as Papa Emeritus, wears corpsepaint-like face makeup. This unique appearance has inspired many hardcore fans of the band to wear similar face paint during their performances.

Is Ghostface a human?

Although Ghostface is portrayed by human individuals in the Scream films, the Ghostface entity itself in the movies possesses capabilities beyond those of ordinary humans. Ghostface is often depicted as a relentless and superhuman killer, enhancing the horror and suspense in the films.

Which Ghostface has the most kills?

In the Scream franchise, Roman Bridger from Scream 3 holds the record for the most kills, having a total of 9 kills throughout the film. Other characters like Jill Roberts from Scream 4 and Mickey Altieri from Scream 2 also have a notable kill count, with 7 kills each.

What’s the point of Ghostface?

Ghosts in the Scream films are driven by

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IMAGES

  1. Ghost mask / Airsoft mask / Skull mask

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  2. Test fitting my Scary Movie ghostface mask with a robe : r/Scream

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  3. Man in Black Mask Halloween Horror Ghost Dark Background Stock Photo

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  4. Scream Costumes and Accessories

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  5. My Ghostface Mask Collection as of 2/14/15

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  6. Ghost Wearing a Face Mask stock illustration. Illustration of

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VIDEO

  1. Ghost Condemned Mask #cosplay #ghost

  2. ghost mask # Viral #ghosteffect # #horrorsounds # kids fun

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  4. Making Ghosts mask! #ghost #mw2 #callofduty #ghostmeme #mw2meme #cosplay #3dprint

  5. Ghost mask 🤣😭 #shorts #funny #funnyshorts #trending

  6. Ghost mask

COMMENTS

  1. 15 Most Iconic Masked Killers in Horror Movies, Ranked

    Pre-dating some of the earliest pioneers of the slasher genre which gave audiences so many famous masked killers, The Town That Dreaded Sundown is an underappreciated horror thriller. The Town ...

  2. 'My Name Is TOBIAS FORGE And I'm The Man Behind The Mask In GHOST'

    August 18, 2017. GHOST lead singer and founder Tobias Forge — who performs as Papa Emeritus — unmasked himself publicly for the first time since the band's formation for an appearance on ...

  3. Why does Ghost never show his face?

    Ghost, a prominent figure in Call of Duty games like Modern Warfare 2, has maintained an aura of mystery by never revealing his face and consistently wearing a mask. The reasons behind this choice ...

  4. TikTok Ghostface mask trend explained: The spicy BookTok ...

    The trends of "masks" and "mask kinks" have been a popular talking point with BookTok fans, with countless videos popping up of recommended books and cosplayers, and now it seems to be taking off with Ghostface at the front and centre. One video, shared by @annaleegrace15, has had over 6.4 million views, and features the caption: "POV: You saw ...

  5. Horror Masks Are Never Just About the Monster

    The screenwriter, Kevin Williamson, simply referred to a "ghost mask killer" in the screenplay. While location-scouting in California, Marianne Maddalena, a producer on the film series, found ...

  6. We Finally Know The Origin Of The Ghostface Mask In Scream

    It all starts when Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich) decides to dismantle Sidney's family, because her mother has an affair with Mr. Loomis — ultimately driving Billy's mother away. He plans his ...

  7. Why does Ghost wear a mask?

    Unveiling the Enigma: Discover the Reason Behind Ghost's Mysterious Mask! 🎭👻 Dive into the captivating world of Ghost as we unravel the secrets behind his ...

  8. Scream's Ghostface Mask Has An Eerily Perfect Origin Story

    Published Oct 19, 2021. Iconic horror franchise Scream may be set to release its latest installment, but the origin of the Ghostface killer's mask has an eerily perfect story. The origin story behind the mask worn by Scream's Ghostface killer is an eerily perfect one. After 25 years, the Wes Craven teen slasher franchise still continues to ...

  9. Why Zak Bagans Wears a Mask Every Ghost Adventures Episode

    Some people will look at Bagens wearing his mask and dismiss him as a hypochondriac and he being paranoid, especially in today's age. But he does have a very good reason to do so. When asked by ...

  10. What does Ghost look like under his mask?

    While Modern Warfare 2's campaign teased players with a face reveal, it stopped short of showing what he looked like. We were left to contend with a view of the back of his head, followed by a shot of his eyes through a balaclava — a throwback to what his mask looked like in the original games. The face model shows Ghost with his face paint ...

  11. Halloween Ghost Wear Mask

    Browse a wide selection of halloween ghost wear mask and face coverings available in various fabrics and configurations, made by a community of small business-owners.

  12. Why Does Zak From 'Ghost Adventures' Wear a Mask? The ...

    Diehard fans find the constant questions about Zak's mask hysterical. "Every single time he puts a respirator on he says 'I'm wearing this respirator because I have asthma.'. Every. Single. Time," one viewer wrote. In fact, the accessory has become so synonymous with the reality star that he's been known to leave signed respirator masks ...

  13. ViruShield Launches The ViruShield Ghost™ As New Innovative Solution To

    The patent pending Ghost is a transparent, strapless, and reusable respiratory shield that is an alternative for individuals who have difficulty breathing while wearing a fabric mask or other face ...

  14. Why do ghosts wear masks?

    Why do ghosts wear masks? The reasons behind ghosts wearing masks vary, and there are several theories surrounding this phenomenon. Some speculate that ghosts wear masks to conceal their identity, much like the reason masked individuals in movies or games do. However, another theory suggests that the mere sight of a ghost wearing a mask …

  15. Ghost Wearing a Mask

    Browse a wide selection of ghost wearing a mask and face coverings available in various fabrics and configurations, made by a community of small business-owners.

  16. Anyone else think the new mask looks wonky on Tobias? He looks ...

    Hollywood Undead gave up their masks last album. I was genuinely disappointed, but I think Ghost is far more dedicated to aesthetics in their performances. Don't think he'll ever give up the mask. I'm paraphrasing a bit, but he thinks it's one of the reasons he's successful. When he's wearing the mask, he's not Tobias.

  17. The Pandemic's 'Ghost Architecture' Is Still Haunting Us

    In other situations, however, ghost architecture can perpetuate misguided beliefs, such as thinking that keeping six feet apart is protective in a room full of unmasked people, or that masks alone ...

  18. Is Ghost wearing a real skull?

    Q. Is Ghost wearing a real skull mask? A. To enhance Ghost's aesthetic, the designers substituted the skull-patterned balaclava with a tangible skull faceplate integrated into a tactical cape. Why does Ghost wear a mask at the bar? Why does Ghost wear a mask at the bar? For Ghost, anonymity is key. The members want … Is Ghost wearing a real skull? Read More »

  19. Why does Zak Bagans from Ghost Adventures wear a mask?

    While Zak Bagans wears a mask when investigating on Ghost Adventures on Travel Channel, that has not protected him from everything. Bagans spoke to PEOPLE this week and said that he fell ill after ...

  20. Armed man in GhostFace mask, two other crooks rob NYC shop: video

    Three armed robbers — one wearing a GhostFace mask and pointing an assault rifle — stuck up a Queens smoke shop this week, disturbing new video shows. Footage released early Thursday shows the ...

  21. Ghost's Mask : r/ModernWarfareII

    I personally thought the new mask would be tied into Ghost's backstory from the Ghost comic series but that hasn't happened. I will note, there are images of SF wearing the classic skull balaclavas in photos but the only time I've ever actually saw someone wearing a classic style balaclava while doing military style work was from footage a few ...

  22. Why is Ghost wearing a mask?

    Why is Ghost wearing a mask? Ghost wears a mask for a variety of reasons. Some theories suggest that it is to have a psychological impact on enemies or to hide any scars or disfigurement. Others believe that the mask symbolizes an immortal identity, representing the idea that Ghost can be anyone underneath.

  23. a reminder the original Ghost wore his mask because of DID

    There's a comic detailing his backstory - betrayal, torture and more subsequent betrayals led to difficulty identifying with others, and wearing his mask as a result. Emberadiance. •. As well as the sheer amount of trauma he went through in his childhood. He also had the negative association with the skull mask already because of his brother ...

  24. What exactly are the masks the ghouls wear? : r/Ghostbc

    To be honest, the masks have always reminded me of Karl Ruprecht Kroenen from the Guillermo del Toro adaptation. Maybe a little bit of Abe's out of water suit too. Yeah i see the resemblance, Thanks! They are made by Bob Basset. He specializes in leather masks, look him up on IG.