Bella Hadid’s latest role in Ryan Murphy’s upcoming FX series The Beauty is anything but conventional—and that’s exactly how she wanted it. In a bold move, the supermodel demanded to look 'haggard' on screen, shattering the glamorous image she’s known for. But here’s where it gets intriguing: during the New York City premiere, Hadid revealed to Entertainment Tonight that she actively sought to step out of her comfort zone, telling Murphy, 'I want you to make me look haggard. I never want to be the girl next door.'
This isn’t just a superficial transformation—it’s a deliberate choice to explore a raw, unpolished version of herself. 'He pushed me to be a different version of myself, which I’ve always wanted to do,' Hadid explained. 'I love adrenaline. I love the rush of being able to do stunts.' And this is the part most people miss: despite her fearless approach, she admitted to feeling 'nervous' about her performance, hoping she 'did a decent job.'
For the premiere at the Museum of Modern Art, Hadid stunned in a Schiaparelli Fall/Winter 2025-2026 haute couture gown—a red bias-cut satin and silk dress with a halter neck, trompe l’oeil bodice, and a dramatic train. But her on-screen appearance in The Beauty is a stark contrast, as her character suffers a horrifying reaction to a miracle drug that promises effortless beauty, leading to a violent, mirror-shattering rampage.
Here’s the controversial part: Is Hadid’s decision to embrace an unglamorous look a refreshing break from Hollywood’s obsession with perfection, or does it risk overshadowing her acting chops? The series, co-created by Murphy, dives into dark territory with Ashton Kutcher playing a shadowy tech mogul protecting his trillion-dollar empire built on this dangerous drug. With a star-studded cast including Isabella Rossellini, Anthony Ramos, Evan Peters, and Rebecca Hall, The Beauty promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of beauty, power, and consequence.
But let’s not forget the personal struggles Hadid brings to this role. In September 2025, she was hospitalized for chronic neurological Lyme disease, a condition she’s battled since age 16. Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, poignantly described it as an 'invisible disability' that’s 'hard to explain or understand.' Could this experience have influenced her desire to portray vulnerability on screen?
The Beauty premieres January 21 on FX, Hulu, and Disney+. What do you think? Is Hadid’s transformation a bold artistic choice or a risky departure from her brand? Share your thoughts in the comments!
