Scour the net for images of Cate Blanchett and you'll be presented with a sea of blonde bobs; it is her signature hairstyle, after all! But what happens when one ditches their signature look and instead, undergoes a transformative hair makeover? Well, you get the following...
Earlier this week, the trailer for Steven Soderbergh's upcoming movie, BLACK BAG, debuted. In the film, Cate stars as the leading lady, Kathryn Woodhouse and for the role, underwent a major hair change. As shown below, her trademark chin-length 'do has been replaced with long and wavy brunette tresses, making her look somewhat unrecognisable. (Though, the sunnies do help with the disguise...)
As one fan so rightly puts it in the comments of the above post: "Whoa! What a transformation... always beautiful." Watch the entire trailer below to bask in the glory of Cate's transformative brunette hair:
Now, it must be said that like many movie magic makeovers (try saying that twice as fast), this look was achieved via a wig – courtesy of a team of professionals headed up by hairstylists Rick Findlater and Frances Hounsom. I mean, it was only last week [December 14, 2024] that the actor was spotted at the Persona screening in NYC with her short blonde locks.
Nevertheless, whether a fleeting makeover or a permanent transformation, there's no questioning that Cate can rock just about any hairstyle and colour. Snaps to Cate and all those involved!
BLACK BAG premieres in theatres March 14, 2025.
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
