Don't worry, no spoilers here.
I, like many others, am eagerly awaiting the final two Game of Thrones episodes to see who—or what—will ultimately wind up on the iron throne. For those fellow fans, you know the "what" are the white walkers, aka: the army of the dead (not a spoiler).
These terrifying zombie-like creatures have certainly made their mark on various characters and factions throughout the eight-season run of GOT. And rubber, specifically silicone rubber, played a big role in bringing the dead to life.
The show paints and sculpts the elaborate set of prosthetics the actors must wear in order to transform into these terrifying creatures. In a recent interview with Time Magazine, Prosthetic Designer Barrie Gower explains that his team must walk a fine balance between realism and practicality. The actor is going to be wearing the prosthetic for a long time, so it has to be lightweight and breathable while still looking like the real deal.