In the horror genre, directors often resort to unique techniques to create high-impact visual effects. As a result, when filming scenes involving live insects, many filmmakers seek ways to utilize “realism” to evoke a strong sensory reaction in viewers. One of the most iconic scenes from horror cinema is undoubtedly the moment involving the character Candyman (played by Tony Todd) as he releases a swarm of bees from his mouth in the 1992 film of the same name.
Directed by Bernard Rose, Candyman is inspired by Clive Barker’s short story The Forbidden. The film follows Helen (played by Virginia Madsen), a graduate student researching urban legends and the myth of the killer Candyman (Tony Todd). However, she soon finds herself drawn into a terrifying reality that challenges her understanding of the legend.
Tony Todd’s performance as Candyman is regarded as one of the most memorable portrayals in horror history. Notably, the scene with the killer, dressed in a long coat to hide the bees, culminates in a dramatic moment when hundreds of bees emerge from his mouth before he descends to the ground.
According to FSR, to execute this scene, the Candyman crew completely relied on real bees during filming. Actor Tony Todd had to wear a special mouthpiece to prevent the bees from flying down his throat. The production team reportedly placed over 500 live bees in Todd’s mouth, utilizing a specific pheromone to attract the bees, making them think he was their queen.
The bees used in the film were carefully selected, ensuring they were all at least 12 hours old to maintain their docility for filming. Director Bernard Rose even hired entomologist Norman Gary to advise and supervise this crucial scene. Gary also holds a Guinness World Record for keeping 109 bees in his mouth for 10 seconds.
As for Tony Todd, in addition to enduring this challenging scene, he successfully negotiated a contract that included a clause for additional compensation. Specifically, he would receive $1,000 for every bee that stung him. “The result was that I was stung 23 times. To do something interesting, you often have to endure pain. When I realized how significant this scene was for Candyman, I felt rewarded. Being covered in bees felt like wearing a very heavy coat,” Todd recounted in an interview with The Guardian.
In the film, the character Candyman is not the only one subjected to the wrath of bees. The lead actress Virginia Madsen also had to film scenes where bees would swarm around her face and body. Initially, she refused due to her own fear of insects. Director Bernard Rose had to hire several professionals on set to ensure Madsen’s safety during filming. After completing the shoot, Madsen discovered that her fear of bees was not as severe as she had thought; she only had to be cautious around a type of insect that resembles bees.
“You feel genuinely overwhelmed because their feet have many tiny hairs, like dozens of tiny brushes against your skin. I was covered in a special substance to make the bees think I was their queen.
