Hollywood stars have embraced Halloween 2026 with elaborate costumes inspired by pop culture, films, music and fellow celebrities, but Janelle Monáe has stood out with an original character of her own.
The singer and actor transformed into ‘Phish Boy’, a bizarre aquatic creature featuring realistic fish-like scales, oversized wandering eyes and elaborate prosthetics. Her striking look has featured prominently in celebrity Halloween round-ups by Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.
Monáe also hosted her annual Wondaween party in Los Angeles on October 29. This year’s event, themed ‘The Creature Carnival’, brought together elaborate costumes, monsters and spooky designs. She also showcased her transformation during a Halloween appearance on ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’.
Other celebrities have taken inspiration from familiar faces and popular entertainment. Paris Hilton paid tribute to Britney Spears, while Kim Kardashian transformed into her daughter, North West. Keke Palmer recreated Janet Jackson’s iconic look from the 1995 music video ‘Scream’ alongside her son, who dressed as Michael Jackson.
Camila Mendes and Madelaine Petsch teamed up as Betty and Wilma from ‘The Flintstones’. Rapper Tyga explored horror and science fiction, dressing as a Martian from Tim Burton’s ‘Mars Attacks!’ and Count Orlok from ‘Nosferatu’.
Elizabeth Gillies, meanwhile, chose Luke from the 1998 Disney Channel film ‘Halloweentown’.
The celebrations also featured nostalgic tributes and unexpected character choices, with celebrities using the occasion to showcase their creativity through elaborate styling, makeup and special effects.
