Jessica Chastain Is Unrecognizable as a Blonde at the Met Gala — See the Photos

Jessica Chastain, is that really you? The actor made the ultimate transformation at the 2023 Met Gala, ditching her signature bright red hair for an eye-catching platinum blonde. Seriously, I had to do multiple double takes to make sure it was really her!

The actor debuted her new bright blonde hair on the red carpet at the highly-anticipated May event, pairing it with a strapless black gown, sheer black gloves and some Karl Lagerfeld-worthy black sunglasses for the ultimate impact. In place of Chastain’s copper red waves was super sleek, nearly white-blonde hair worn parted in the middle and down her back with just a hint of soft wave at the ends.

It remains to be seen if this is a permanent change or just a wig, but despite the fact that she’s nearly unrecognizable with the blonde hair, it is a great look on Chastain. The Oscar winner also swapped her usual red lipstick for a super pale peachy nude to further drive home the transformation. When she removed the sunglasses, Chastain revealed a pale gray smokey eye with a pop of liner drawn towards her inner corners, which contrasted beautifully against the deep black feathers and sheer textures of her gown and the lightness of her hair. 

Makeup artist Kristofer Buckle used Charlotte Tilbury products on Chastain, including the Luxury Palette in Rock Chick for that pale gray eye, Hollywood Glow Glide Highlighter in Moonlit Glow for a hint of radiance on Chastain’s cheekbones and K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick in Bitch Perfect for her peachy nude lip.

If you’re going to do a huge transformation, what better time than the Met Gala to debut it? Kim Kardashian also infamously went platinum for her Marilyn Monroe moment at the 2022 gala, but while we’ve seen Kardashian as a blonde before, it’s a much bigger shock from Chastain, who’s well-known for her redhead status. We love a well-timed surprise!