Behind the glittering lights of Hollywood, not every film set is as glamorous as it seems. Some movies, despite their final success, were plagued with shocking, dangerous or downright terrifying experiences during production. Whether it was near fatal accidents, dangerous working conditions or feuds between cast members, these films have dark and unsettling backstories that most audiences are unaware of. Here are 12 films with secretly horrific backstories behind the scenes.
The Exorcist, 1973
The set of The Exorcist was infamous for its series of bizarre and terrifying incidents. Several crew members suffered from serious injuries, including a fire that destroyed much of the set. The film’s star, Linda Blair, was reportedly subjected to intense physical and emotional strain and many believed the set was cursed, with actors and crew experiencing strange occurrences.
Apocalypse Now, 1979
The production of Apocalypse Now was as chaotic and tumultuous as the war it depicted. Director Francis Ford Coppola faced a series of setbacks, including typhoons, health issues and Marlon Brando’s unpredictable behavior on set. Martin Sheen even suffered a heart attack during filming and the whole experience was so grueling that it nearly drove Coppola to a breakdown.
The Crow, 1994
The tragic backstory of The Crow is one of the most horrifying in Hollywood history. During filming, actor Brandon Lee, son of Bruce Lee, was accidentally shot and killed on set due to a prop gun malfunction. His death resulted in several crew members suffering from post traumatic stress and the film’s completion was nearly impossible. The tragic event left an eerie mark on the film’s production.
The Wizard of Oz, 1939
The making of The Wizard of Oz was plagued by horrific stories, many of which have become infamous over the years. Judy Garland, who played Dorothy, was subjected to harsh treatments by the studio, including being forced to take pills to keep her weight down. Additionally, the actors playing the Wicked Witch and Munchkins had their own horror stories, with one Munchkin actor allegedly drowned during the production.
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The Omen, 1976
The Omen is a classic horror film with a chilling behind the scenes story. The film’s production was marred by a string of unexplained accidents, including a plane crash that killed the film’s special effects man and another crash involving the plane of star Gregory Peck. Additionally, Peck’s son tragically committed suicide shortly before the film began production, and several other crew members faced dangerous situations.
Poltergeist, 1982
The Poltergeist franchise is notorious for the strange and eerie events surrounding the filming of the original movie. Several of the cast members died under mysterious circumstances, including Heather O’Rourke, the young actress who played Carol Anne, who passed away suddenly during the making of the third film. The use of real human skeletons in the movie’s famous pool scene has also contributed to the belief that the set was cursed.
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Titanic, 1997
While Titanic became a legendary film, the production had its own set of horrors. Director James Cameron pushed his cast and crew to their limits, enduring long hours and unsafe working conditions. There were reports of severe cold weather affecting the actors and crew, with many suffering from hypothermia during the filming of the ship’s sinking. Cameron himself nearly drowned while filming the water scenes.
Deliverance, 1972
While Deliverance remains one of the most iconic horror thrillers, the cast and crew endured extremely dangerous and uncomfortable conditions while shooting in the backwoods of Georgia. The actors, including Burt Reynolds, had to deal with intense physical challenges, including scenes in the wild river and contact with actual wild animals. The infamous “squeal like a pig” scene was so disturbing to the actors that it was reportedly filmed in a single take.
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The Shining, 1980
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining is one of the most iconic horror films of all time, but the behind the scenes stories are just as chilling. Jack Nicholson’s iconic breakdown was not the only source of distress; Shelley Duvall, who played Wendy Torrance, was subjected to emotional and psychological abuse at the hands of Kubrick. The director’s extreme demands led to Duvall’s deteriorating mental health during filming, with her struggles being well documented in interviews.
Jaws, 1975
The production of Jaws was notorious for its troubled shoot, with the film’s mechanical shark malfunctioning repeatedly. This created a chaotic set, with director Steven Spielberg having to adapt on the fly. Additionally, the crew had to endure extreme weather conditions, with several of the cast members experiencing sea sickness and physical exhaustion due to long hours on the ocean.
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Requiem for a Dream, 2000
Requiem for a Dream is known for its intense and harrowing portrayal of addiction, but the behind-the-scenes experience was just as grueling. Director Darren Aronofsky pushed his cast, including Ellen Burstyn, to extreme lengths, with Burstyn suffering a serious back injury due to an extended and painful scene. The psychological toll the film took on the actors was immense, with many describing the production as one of the most difficult of their careers.
The Passion of the Christ, 2004
Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ was a controversial film that faced many challenges during its production. Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus, was subjected to extreme physical discomfort during the crucifixion scenes, suffering from hypothermia, dislocated shoulders and even a lung infection. The intensity of the production, combined with Gibson’s difficult on set behavior, led to reports of a hostile working environment.
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While these films ultimately made their mark on the movie industry, the terrifying backstories behind their productions remind us of the high cost of filmmaking. Many of these productions were fraught with accidents, injuries and personal turmoil, leaving lasting scars on the actors and crew members involved. Despite these challenges, the final products became iconic, proof that sometimes the most haunting stories are the ones behind the camera.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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