New backstage photos from Eminem’s “Houdini” shoot have surfaced, and they reveal moments fans never saw. There is Ez Mil learning on set, and a clean-shaven Shady sparking debates online.
Jeremy Deputat, one of Eminem’s most trusted photographers, has released a fresh batch of backstage photos from the “Houdini” music video set. His work has followed Eminem through tours, studio sessions, and historic moments. Now he offers a closer look at how the biggest rap video of 2024 came together.
Deputat’s images capture a relaxed yet focused Eminem, his team, and some artists from the Shady circle as they move through a high-energy set. We knew about the scale of the production from the creator’s interviews. Now, we have a chance to see the collaborative atmosphere behind the scenes.
Ez Mil Soaks In a Career-Defining Experience
Among the new photos, fans immediately spotted Ez Mil. The youngest Shady Records artist appears fully immersed, watching Eminem work up close.
For Ez, this was his first cameo in the project with the star of Em’s calibre. In fact, it was more than that. It was a chance to observe Marshall’s process. Many of his collaborators say the same: watching Eminem operate on set or in the studio is a masterclass in pace, discipline, and professionalism. Deputat’s photos show that dynamic clearly, with Ez Mil absorbing every detail.
Katrina Malota Appears Before the Rumour Storm
Another familiar face appears in the new set: Katrina Malota, Eminem’s longtime hairstylist. Months later, she would go viral after unverified dating rumours spread across social media. Here, she is simply doing her actual job, managing Slim Shady’s iconic blonde look.
The photo shows, for those who didn’t think about it, that the people around Eminem are working professionals first, not tabloid characters. Malota looks focused, calm, and unaware of the online frenzy the internet would later create.
Fans React to a Clean-Shaven Eminem
When the first BTS shots emerged months ago, fans immediately fixated on Eminem’s face. He appeared completely clean-shaven, which surprised many who had grown used to his beard since 2017.
Deputat’s new images reignited that reaction. Some called it a “time machine moment”, noting that he looked more like early-2000s Slim Shady than modern Marshall. Sure, Eminem went through digital de-ageing in the finished video, but he looked naturally youthful on set.
Still, most longtime fans agree: the beard suits him best. And Eminem clearly is of the same opinion, returning to it almost instantly after filming wrapped.
Because these new photos focus on real, candid moments, they also sparked playful comments. People joked about Eminem’s “ageless face”, debated Shady vs. beard Marshall, and discussed all the smallest details in the background that escaped attention in the video.
As always, fans love analysing any visual change, no matter how small.
