Secrets Behind The Making Of "Candyman"

Candyman is one of the scariest horror films of all time and is definitely popular between fans and critics of scary movies, primarily for its take on horror in urban areas. But like any popular film, there are behind-the-scenes trivia you probably don’t know, but don’t worry because MadameNoire’s got you covered.

Bloody Mary

Like for instance, if you don’t know horror then you probably don’t know Candyman appears behind after you turn off the lights and call his name five times. Bloody Mary was the original urban legend whose name had to be called three times to appear behind a person before murdering them. Of course, there are differences between the horror mythical figures, nonetheless.

Clive Barker

Clive Barker — the mastermind behind other horror stories and movies like Hellraiser — wrote the short story “The Forbidden,” on which the film is based. The short story version — part of his “Books of Blood” series — focuses on a university student who’s working on a thesis about graffiti and finds some disturbing graffiti focused on the mythical figure, Candyman.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy was considered for the title role, but the comedic actor lost out to theatre actor Tony Todd. A much better choice for this particular film, but Murphy did get a more suitable chance at playing a serial movie monster in the comedy-horror flick, Vampire in Brooklyn.

Sandra Bullock

Producer Alan Poul revealed on the DVD’s commentary that if Virginia Madsen couldn’t play Helen then the part would’ve gone to the then unknown actress, Sandra Bullock.

Cabrini-Green

The movie actually filmed scenes in the infamous Cabrini-Green housing projects in Chicago. The movie’s producers made a deal with gang members to put them in the film as extras if they ensured the cast and crew’s safety during shooting. However, someone put a bullet in the production van on the last day of filming, despite the agreement. No one was hurt though.

“The Candyman Pad”

Tony Todd did an interview with Chicago Sun-Times in August 2011, “I’ll never forget that I filmed that movie in a building on the South Side of Chicago. Building 116. Unit C,” he said. “That’s the Candyman pad!”

Breeding Bees

The infamous bees in the film are real and were specifically bred for the movie. The crew had to make sure the bees were no more than 12 hours old. Therefore, they looked like mature bees, but weren’t powerful enough to cause any damage with their stingers.

Bees in Candyman’s Mouth

Actual bees were used during the scene where Candyman opens his mouth and a bunch of bees come swarming out while he kisses Helen. Tony Todd wore a mouth guard to protect himself and to keep the bees from going down his throat.

Allergic

Virginia Madsen is allergic to bees. Therefore, there was an ambulance on set when shooting the bee sequence.

Hypnosis

Virginia Madsen claimed she was actually hypnotized during scenes where Candyman puts her under his spell, “be my victim.”

“Sweets to the Sweet”

“Sweets to the Sweet” is a famous line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The phrase is used in the film during crime scenes.

Guy Fawkes

A Guy Fawkes mask hangs in Helen’s bathroom. Fawkes is an infamous figure who tried to blow up the English Parliament on November 5, 1605. Hence, Guy Fawkes Day was celebrated with lighting bonfires and burning Fawkes in effigy.

Philip Glass’ Score

Philip Glass was asked to produce the score for the film. He agreed — creating a “Gothic” score with pipe organs. He didn’t like the final version of the movie — feeling as though he had been manipulated into thinking it was independent project with integrity. Instead, he felt the film was a low budget slasher flick. He withdrew consent to use the score until 2001.

Baby Anthony

Baby Anthony — the son of Anne-Marie McCoy (played by Vanessa Williams) — was played by an infant actress named Latesha Martin.