Unlike the original film, which focused on a feral family living in the wild, the 2006 remake introduced a more specific and haunting backstory: the characters were survivors of Cold War-era nuclear testing in the New Mexico desert. This shift in narrative gave Greg Nicotero a specific aesthetic anchor.

Perhaps the most iconic design, Pluto featured a massive, asymmetrical cranium. Nicotero utilized multi-piece silicone appliances that allowed the actor’s natural expressions to bleed through the "skin," making the character feel alive rather than masked.

Nicotero, a protégé of George A. Romero and a legend in the industry (known for Day of the Dead , Predator , and later The Walking Dead ), approached the film not just as a technical job, but as a character study.

Nicotero’s designs weren't just meant to be "scary monsters." They were meant to look like the victims of genetic degradation. He and his team researched actual medical deformities and the effects of radiation poisoning to ensure the characters felt like a tragic, albeit murderous, extension of human biology. Bringing the Mutants to Life

Greg Nicotero has always been a staunch advocate for practical effects. The Hills Have Eyes (2006) is often cited as a victory for practical effects in a digital age.

Throughout his career, Nicotero has worked on numerous other notable horror projects, including "The Walking Dead", "Day of the Dead", and "Scream". His collaboration with Craven on "The Hills Have Eyes" was just one example of his ability to create terrifying creatures and bring horror visions to life on the big screen.