Meet the Indianapolis native who’s the amphibian wonder in ‘The Shape of Water’

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Indianapolis native Doug Jones portrays the “Amphibious Man” in critically acclaimed film “The Shape of Water." David Lindquist / IndyStar

Doug Jones didn’t mind three months of underwater acting to make critically acclaimed film “The Shape of Water.”

Portraying the fantastical “Amphibian Man” came naturally for the Indianapolis native who estimates he spent 10 summers taking swimming lessons at the Riviera Club near the intersection of 56th and Illinois streets.

“I learned every stroke,” said Jones, a graduate of Bishop Chatard High School and Ball State University. “I was very adept in the water. That was my mom’s plan: If we ever fell off a boat, we’d know what to do.”

"The Shape of Water," in the running for seven Golden Globe Awards when trophies are distributed Jan. 7, tells the story of mute janitor (portrayed by Sally Hawkins) who cultivates an affection for Jones' amphibian man while working at a top-secret government lab in 1962.

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Director Guillermo del Toro has hired Jones to appear in six films, including "Pan's Labyrinth" and two "Hellboy" projects. Del Toro refers to the lanky and flexible Hoosier as the "Fred Astaire of monsters.”

Despite Jones' reputation for moving gracefully while wearing extensive makeup, he said a ballroom-dancing dream sequence proved to be his most daunting assignment in "The Shape of Water."

“I’ve faked it before at wedding receptions, but it’s different when there’s a camera on you,” Jones said of the choreography.

Already a popular guest at sci-fi and horror conventions thanks to portrayals of Marvel Comics' Silver Surfer and a Penguin sidekick in "Batman Returns," Jones is enjoying elevated attention for "The Shape of Water."

He's a romantic lead concealed in a foam latex costume, but a romantic lead without question.

"When I’m not on camera, everyone’s talking about me," Jones said of the story.

High stakes

Jones said three weeks of dance rehearsal before filming began built chemistry between Hawkins (an Oscar nominee for 2013 film "Blue Jasmine") and himself. Jones said the duo laughed, cried and shared insecurities related to the film. "That’s when we realized we were both terrified of this movie, because it meant so much to both of us and we wanted to get it right," he said.

Water works

Jones conceded his role in "The Shape of Water" was more complicated than swimming laps at the Riviera. The head portion of his creature suit, for instance, included "glued-on prosthetic makeup and some mechanics built into the neck area." It was a challenge, he said, to rise from the water and breathe as if it were routine. Away from the government lab set was the bathroom at the apartment of Hawkins' character, which was sometimes filled with 8 feet of water. "You wonder, 'Is this where I die? Is this how it happens?' But, hey, what a way to go and on an iconic film," Jones said.

Guillermo’s gift

Jones first worked with del Toro on 1997 film "Mimic," and he subsequently portrayed Abe Sapien in two "Hellboy" films and the roles of the Faun and Pale Man in "Pan's Labyrinth." 

"Guillermo del Toro has given me a gift," Jones said. "The creatures I’ve played for him over the years have been sympathetic and have had human issues to work through." Although Jones has received no personal nominations for his work in "The Shape of Water," he said he appreciates being included in "for your consideration" ads in Hollywood trade publications. "That’s Fox Searchlight having some faith in me that they wouldn’t get laughed at by putting that ad out there," Jones said. "That meant a lot to me."

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'Pan's Labyrinth' director Guillermo del Toro is at it again with 'The Shape of Water.' The film is set inside a 1960s government laboratory and explores the curious relationship between an amphibious creature in a water tank and a voiceless janitor. USA TODAY

Keeping it real

Jones, 57, moved from Indiana to California about a year after he graduated from Ball State. "I still consider Indianapolis home, even though I’ve lived out in California for 32 years," he said. "When I go home, those are my people. I understand that way of living. I understand the sense of family." He married his wife, Laurie — a fellow Ball State alum, before moving west.

"People ask, 'How do you keep a 33-year marriage going in Hollywood?' First of all, don’t get married in L.A. Find your spouse where real people are grown, like Indianapolis," Jones said.

What’s next

Jones portrays Lt. Saru on "Star Trek: Discovery," a CBS All Access series scheduled to resume its debut season Jan. 7. He said the show will begin making episodes for its second season in early 2018. His next movie role is Count Orlok in a new version of 1922 German film "Nosferatu." Jones said the chance to play vampire Orlok fulfills a "lifelong dream."

Call IndyStar reporter David Lindquist at (317) 444-6404. Follow him on Twitter: @317Lindquist.