Horror films often depict terrifying scenarios, but the filming process can be equally daunting for those involved.
When engrossed in a film that keeps you in suspense, it’s easy to overlook the intricacies of production, including costumes and props.
The 2014 movie “Edge of Tomorrow” was particularly noted for its practical effects, such as real explosions, capturing the attention of many.
Learning about the lengths some actors go to for their roles can be truly astonishing.
In the 1992 film “Candyman,” one element was particularly painful to deal with, and actor Tony Todd, who sadly passed away on November 6, was well aware of this.
“Candyman,” inspired by Clive Barker’s short story, is a supernatural slasher film that has become a cult classic, spawning three successful sequels.
The plot follows graduate student Helen Lyle as she investigates an urban legend in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green housing project.
Naturally, the story takes a chilling turn (as one would expect from a horror film), leading her to discover the Candyman legend.
Contrary to his name, the Candyman isn’t distributing sweets; he is a menacing figure with a hook, believed by locals to be behind a recent murder.
As a mysterious figure begins to pursue her, Helen starts to suspect that the legend might be more than just a story.
The Candyman doesn’t make an appearance until about 40 minutes into the film, but from then on, it’s pure horror.
One scene, in particular, has become notorious over the years due to its heavy use of bees.
A staggering 200,000 bees were utilized in a scene where they swarm out of Candyman’s mouth as he kisses Helen.
Today, such a scene might be CGI-generated, but in 1992, it was executed with practical effects.
In a 2022 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Todd, who portrayed Candyman, remarked, “The bees were the worst nemesis. I had a great lawyer at the time and we got paid.”
Interestingly, Todd had a clause in his contract that compensated him approximately $1,000 for each bee sting he received.
“So I didn’t mind it, I’m going like, ‘Bring it on!’ And it only totaled to 27 [stings],” he said.
Having bees so close to his mouth posed a significant risk, but Todd was protected by a specific device adapted for the scene.
“We had a dental dam so they couldn’t go further down [my mouth],” Todd shared.
Virginia Madsen, who played Helen, commented, “The bees had their own trailer! It doesn’t really make you feel confident when there’s a big net cage set up around our scene to protect the crew and an ambulance standing by.”
To add to the complexity, Madsen was allergic to bees, complicating the filming process even further.
“That’s why they had the paramedics on the set, which didn’t make me feel very confident,” Madsen noted. “But the bees that were on me were baby bees so they can sting but they said they are less likely to.”
On Saturday, November 9, news broke of Todd’s death in Los Angeles after a prolonged illness, with his wife confirming the news to The Hollywood Reporter.