I can’t tell you how many times I’ve written that a celebrity “looks unrecognizable” with a new haircut or color. And I can’t tell you how much I regret that hyperbole whenever Halloween rolls around and I literally cannot recognize some stars when they’re covered in mountains of makeup and wigs. Such is the case with Saweetie, who I might have scrolled right past on Instagram without comprehending that it was her under that seriously creepy Joker costume.
The Joker has become a classic Halloween costume, practically joining the ranks of vampires and wicked witches. And there are so many versions to choose from! Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck is the Joker du jour, but you can never go wrong with Cesar Romero’s or Jack Nicholson’s iconic interpretation. However, my personal favorite—and Saweetie’s, it seems—is Heath Ledger’s brilliant take in 2008’s The Dark Knight.
Saweetie posted to her Instagram grid several times to share her spot-on tribute to one of Batman’s most notorious nemeses, including editing herself into an actual scene from the movie. In that, another video, and a carousel of incredible photos, we see that Saweetie’s face is completely covered in white makeup, with messy, smoky black makeup smudged all around her eyes. The Joker’s signature exaggerated smile is blotted on in red makeup that looks like smeared blood, complete with stitches.
Saweetie/Instagram