Phil Wang transforms into the legendary horror icon Nosferatu – and reveals his top horror pics

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Phil Wang is a true professional. He cheerfully spent two hours getting makeup done in a south London studio, transforming himself into Count Orlok – the villain from his beloved film, Nosferatu – to tie together a horror-themed special for RT and his role as a judge on the film-focused season of Great British Menu.

The makeup process was intense: a bald cap (described by the artist as similar to a condom), heavy greasepaint, sharp fake nails, and false teeth – turning him into someone resembling Phil Fang. But even with all that, the usually laid-back vampire refused to shave off his mustache, joking that he has five minutes of stand-up material about it. We told him it was fine – the look, which we dubbed ‘hipster Orlok,’ actually worked really well.

The 36-year-old says shaving his head has been liberating, allowing him to express a different side of himself. He also admits he’s enjoying seeing what he looks like bald and thinks he ‘pulls it off’ with a good head shape.

Wang jokingly claims he’s most famous for appearing on one season of Taskmaster, a single episode of Would I Lie to You?, and a brief moment in a Wonka-themed advertisement.

Actually, he’s a hugely popular comedian in the UK. You’ve probably seen him on TV shows like Graham Norton and Have I Got News for You, and he’s starred in two successful Netflix comedy specials: Philly Philly Wang Wang and Wang in There, Baby!

What was your main takeaway from the Phil Wang Hates Horror podcast?

It might seem strange, but horror can actually be enjoyable. Feeling intensely amused and feeling afraid are surprisingly similar experiences. If you don’t typically like horror, the best way to get into it is simply to watch a lot of it – total immersion is key!

What’s your favourite horror film?

Both the original and the 2024 remake of Nosferatu are incredibly frightening. And while The Babadook (2014) truly terrified me – I was kept awake for days – it was a powerfully rewarding experience.

With films like ‘Weapons,’ ‘Sinners,’ and ‘Frankenstein’ receiving multiple nominations for Bafta Film Awards, are we seeing a rise in what’s being called “prestige horror”?

That’s a positive development. Film awards often overlook certain genres, like comedy, but it’s great to see horror finally getting the recognition it deserves. It also helps that horror movies are really popular in theaters, and people enjoy watching them with others.

The latest season of Great British Menu, where you’re a judge, focuses on celebrating classic British films. Would you consider the recent Wonka movie to fit into that category?

Paul King and Simon Farnaby, the team behind the wonderful Paddington 2, are two of the most celebrated filmmakers working today. I have a small but fun role in the new Wonka movie – I’m on screen for a minute and 48 seconds as the wedding groom, Colin. It was my first time on a large film set, and I actually broke my elbow falling through a table! Luckily, I was so excited, I didn’t even feel the pain right away.

Are we calling it the greatest 1 min 48 sec in British film history?

I think so. I think British film will now be separated into pre-Colin and post-Colin.

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You’ve been involved with Great British Menu before, as a guest judge in 2021. You famously embraced your ‘Asian parent’ side during that appearance, as you described it.

I admit I was being a little harsh with my scoring before, giving out lower marks like threes and fours. The producers gently pointed out that most judges don’t score below a six, so I’ve adjusted my approach this time. I understand their point now.

You’re a big foodie, aren’t you?

I really love food – everything from elaborate tasting menus with many courses to something simple like KFC. I just enjoy eating! When I first came to the UK, the biggest surprise was the sweet curry sauce you get with chips – I’d never tasted anything like it. British food has improved dramatically since then, and it’s completely different now than when I first arrived.

It was surprising to hear people say even a tiny bit of leftover, reheated rice could be dangerous. It’s funny, because that’s exactly what fried rice is made of! I actually talked about this in my last Netflix special, and I hope it’s sparked a good conversation about it.

Your forthcoming stand-up tour is called Uh Oh. Should we be worried?

There’s been a noticeable change in the Western world – a move away from progressive ideals and towards more conservative views, both politically and culturally. This shift seems to be happening as millennials get older. It might not sound like a happy topic, but it’s actually quite amusing to observe.

  • Photography – Simon Webb @simonwebbphoto
  • Make-up and prosthetics – Bryony Blake @bryony_blake
  • Make-up and prosthetics – Holly Davies @hollylouisehmua
  • Styling – Maureen Vivian @maureenstylist

Authors

Paul Kirkley

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2026-02-16 21:18