David Harbour has undergone a dramatic physical transformation for his role in the upcoming crime thriller “Evil Genius,” appearing nearly unrecognizable while filming in New Jersey, which has captured widespread media attention.
On Monday, November 11, 2025, the actor was photographed on the set in Woodbridge, New Jersey, where he sported a fat suit beneath a blue button-down shirt, overalls, and a tan jacket. His appearance was further altered with gray hair, a beard, and glasses, making him barely recognizable to fans and onlookers. The filming took place under the direction of Courteney Cox, marking one of her notable projects behind the camera.
“Evil Genius” is based on the true story of the 2003 “Pizza Bomber” case, where Brian Wells, a pizza delivery man, was involved in a bank robbery with an explosive device around his neck that ultimately led to his death. Harbour plays the role of Wells, bringing this bizarre and tragic event to life. The film is co-produced by Jason Bateman and features a supporting cast including Patricia Arquette, adding to the project’s credibility and appeal.
This is not the first time Harbour has committed to a significant physical change for a role. In 2022, he lost 80 pounds to portray Jim Hopper in “Stranger Things” Season 4, a transformation that involved intense dieting and exercise. He detailed his methods in an interview with GQ, explaining that he used intermittent fasting with six-hour eating windows and 24-hour fasts twice a week, along with a cleaner diet rich in vegetables and low in sugar. His workout regimen included Pilates, weight training, and extensive running.
Despite the success of his previous transformations, Harbour expressed in the same interview that he would “never again” undergo such extreme changes, citing the effectiveness of modern prosthetics as a preferable alternative. He later regained the weight for other roles, such as playing Santa Claus in “Violent Night,” demonstrating his versatility and dedication to his craft.
The “Pizza Bomber” case is a well-documented true crime story that has fascinated the public for years. Wells was allegedly coerced into the robbery, and the incident ended in a fatal explosion, raising questions about coercion and criminal intent. The film “Evil Genius” aims to delve into these complexities, with Harbour’s transformation underscoring the commitment to accurately depicting the characters involved.
In recent months, Harbour has been in the news for personal reasons, including allegations from his ex-wife Lily Allen about infidelity and a bullying complaint filed by his “Stranger Things” co-star Millie Bobby Brown. However, at the recent Season 5 premiere of the show, Harbour and Brown presented a united front, though body language experts noted some tension. Despite these distractions, the focus on his professional work remains strong.
With “Evil Genius” currently in production, the film is poised to attract significant attention upon release. Harbour’s unrecognizable appearance not only highlights his acting chops but also sets a serious tone for the thriller. As filming continues, audiences can anticipate a gripping narrative that explores one of America’s most peculiar criminal cases, brought to life by a dedicated cast and crew.
