Dead-character costume

Despite the character being "killed" only once on-screen, multiple identical costumes are typically used for several takes and scenes to ensure consistency and continuity, as the irreversible damage caused by squibs or blood effects limit their reusability.

These costumes serve as a metaphorical canvas to portray injury and death without the need for digital post-production effects and help filmmakers tell impactful, dramatic or even comedic stories.

The preparation of a dead-character costume involves determining the number, sequence, and location of bullet holes (~50 mm diameter) based on the script.

To maintain an intact appearance from a distance, the area is weakened and glued or taped to create realistic fraying when the squibs trigger.

[9] Squib assemblies, which are large and heavy, are securely attached to the inside of the costume to ensure the blood effect is directed outward.

[4][10] The lining and filling may be modified to reduce bulk,[11] though multiple squibs can still add significant weight and unnatural bulges, affecting movement and appearance.

Bullet holes are completely cut open and loosely glued or taped back together, as shown in the demonstration image in the gallery.

An actor wearing a specially modified jacket revealing two hidden squibs attached on the inside, while the outlines of three more squibs are visible on the right chest. A labelled image and demonstration of this jacket are shown below.
An actor portraying a road cyclist with three concealed bullet hit squibs positioned beneath his jersey for a stunt, preserving the fabric’s integrity without weakening.
Bullet hit squibs on a down jacket in the film Sara . One hero down jacket (frame 1) and two stunt pieces (frames 2-4 and 5–6) were used for the down jacket. Slight misalignment of gunshot wounds on the chest is visible between the two stunt jackets. The first stunt jacket likely underwent several takes, with the bullet hole visible in frame 2 and refilled down feathers in frame 4. The second stunt jacket was used in frames 5–6, with a precut + shaped bullet hole seen in frame 5 before bursting in frame 6. This is also one of the few instances of using down feathers to achieve the gunshot wound aesthetic on a down jacket.
Fired squibs on a shirt worn during the death of a character in an episode of the US police drama NCIS