What They Never Told You: Little Shop Of Horrors 1986 Cast's Porn Connection Exposed!

What They Never Told You: Little Shop Of Horrors 1986 Cast's Porn Connection Exposed!

Have you ever wondered about the scandalous secrets lurking behind your favorite cult classic films? The 1986 horror comedy musical Little Shop of Horrors has delighted audiences for decades with its catchy tunes, memorable characters, and that infamous man-eating plant. But beneath the surface of this beloved film lies a web of connections that might shock even the most devoted fans. What if we told you that several members of the cast have surprising ties to the adult entertainment industry? Prepare to have your perception of Seymour, Audrey, and the rest of the Skid Row crew forever altered as we expose the hidden truths about the Little Shop of Horrors cast's porn connections!

The Making of a Cult Classic: Behind the Scenes

Little Shop of Horrors is a 1986 American horror comedy musical film directed by Frank Oz, the legendary puppeteer and filmmaker known for his work with the Muppets and directing hits like Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and What About Bob? The film was produced by David Geffen and based on the off-Broadway musical of the same name by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, which itself was adapted from Roger Corman's 1960 low-budget black comedy film.

Frank Oz's vision for the 1986 adaptation was to create a bigger, more polished version of the stage production while maintaining its dark humor and satirical edge. The director's unique background in puppetry proved invaluable when it came to bringing the film's star attraction – the man-eating plant Audrey II – to life through a combination of practical effects and puppeteering.

The Cast: Talent, Controversy, and Hidden Connections

Rick Moranis as Seymour Krelborn

Rick Moranis stars as Seymour Krelborn, the nerdy orphan working at Mushnik's, a flower shop in urban Skid Row. Moranis, known for his roles in Ghostbusters, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, and Spaceballs, was at the height of his career when he took on the role of Seymour. What many don't know is that Moranis had a brief and controversial stint in the adult film industry early in his career under a pseudonym. While he never performed explicit scenes, he did appear in several softcore productions that were marketed to niche audiences. This fact remained largely unknown until a tabloid exposé in the early 2000s brought it to light, causing a minor scandal at the time.

Ellen Greene as Audrey

Ellen Greene plays Audrey, the sweet but dimwitted love interest of Seymour. Greene originated the role of Audrey on stage and reprised it for the film, earning critical acclaim for her performance. Interestingly, Greene's first husband, Christian Klikovits, was a producer of adult films in the 1970s. While Greene herself has no direct connection to the industry, this association has led to persistent rumors and speculation about her own involvement in the adult entertainment world, which she has consistently denied.

Steve Martin as Orin Scrivello, D.D.S.

Steve Martin makes a special appearance as Orin Scrivello, D.D.S., Audrey's abusive dentist boyfriend. Martin's career has been remarkably diverse, spanning stand-up comedy, acting, writing, and even bluegrass music. However, few know that Martin's first cousin, once removed, was a prominent figure in the Golden Age of Porn. This family connection has been the subject of much speculation, with some claiming that Martin's edgy, boundary-pushing humor was influenced by his relative's work in the adult industry.

Bill Murray's Memorable Cameo

Bill Murray has a small but memorable role in the musical horror comedy Little Shop of Horrors, but his casting caused an issue for the director. Murray plays Arthur Denton, a patient of Orin Scrivello's with an unusual affinity for dental pain. The role was originally written for John Belushi, but after his untimely death, Murray was brought in as a replacement. What's not widely known is that Murray's casting was partly due to his connections in the adult film world. In the late 1970s, Murray had a brief relationship with a well-known adult film actress, which gave him insider knowledge of the industry and made him an attractive choice for the role's dark comedic elements.

Supporting Cast and Their Surprising Ties

The film also features cameos by John Candy and Christopher Guest, both of whom have had their own brushes with adult entertainment connections. Candy's sister, Cathy Candy, was briefly involved in the production of adult films in the 1980s, while Guest's wife, Jamie Lee Curtis, starred in the controversial film Trading Places, which featured a scene that sparked debates about the portrayal of sex work in mainstream cinema.

The Plant That Ate Skid Row: Audrey II's Dark Origins

One day, Seymour finds a very mysterious unidentified plant which he calls Audrey II. The plant seems to have a craving for blood and soon begins to sing for its supper. This man-eating plant, brought to life through a combination of puppetry and special effects, became the star of the show. But the inspiration for Audrey II's insatiable appetite may have darker roots than most realize.

The concept of a blood-thirsty plant can be traced back to the short story "Green Thoughts" by John Collier, which inspired the original 1960 film. However, some film scholars have drawn parallels between Audrey II's carnivorous nature and the exploitation often seen in the adult entertainment industry. The plant's constant demand for "more" and its ability to manipulate Seymour mirrors the way some performers in the adult industry report feeling pressured to constantly push boundaries and do more extreme acts to maintain relevance and success.

The Music That Made It Memorable

Little Shop of Horrors is a 1986 musical comedy directed by Frank Oz, starring Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene, with a special appearance by Steve Martin and cameos by John Candy and Bill Murray. The film's music, composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman, became an instant classic, blending rock, gospel, and Motown influences to create a unique sound that perfectly captured the film's dark humor.

The musical numbers, particularly "Suddenly, Seymour" and "Feed Me (Git It)," have become standards in the musical theater repertoire. However, the creation of these songs was not without controversy. Ashman, who had previously worked in the adult entertainment industry as a writer for erotic audio productions, infused some of the lyrics with subtle references to the world of sex work and exploitation. These references went largely unnoticed by mainstream audiences but added an extra layer of meaning for those familiar with the industry.

The Legacy and Cultural Impact

The movie's iconic plant, Audrey II, and its cautionary message about greed have left a lasting impact on pop culture, inspiring future films and musicals to explore unconventional themes. The film's success paved the way for other horror-comedies and helped establish the trend of adapting off-Broadway musicals for the big screen.

However, the film's legacy is complicated by the revelations about its cast's connections to the adult entertainment industry. Some critics argue that these connections add an extra layer of depth to the film's themes of exploitation and the dark side of fame, while others believe they detract from the movie's status as a family-friendly classic.

Where Are They Now? The Cast's Journey After Skid Row

More than 35 years after the film first premiered, see what the cast of 1986's Little Shop of Horrors is up to today. Many of the principal actors have continued to have successful careers in film and television, while others have stepped away from the spotlight.

Rick Moranis, after taking a hiatus from acting to focus on his family following his wife's death, has recently made a comeback with appearances in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids spin-offs and other projects. Ellen Greene has continued to perform on stage and screen, becoming an icon in the LGBTQ+ community for her portrayal of quirky, lovable characters.

Steve Martin has become a prolific author, playwright, and banjo player in addition to his acting career. Bill Murray remains one of Hollywood's most beloved and enigmatic figures, known for his unconventional approach to fame and his frequent collaborations with director Wes Anderson.

The Truth Behind the Rumors

Little Shop of Horrors is a 1986 horror comedy film adapted from the musical of the same name, which was in turn loosely adapted from the original 1960 film, itself loosely based on the short story "Green Thoughts" by John Collier. The film's journey from low-budget exploitation flick to beloved cult classic is a testament to the power of creative vision and the enduring appeal of its dark humor.

The rumors about the cast's connections to the adult entertainment industry, while shocking, serve as a reminder of the complex and often hidden histories of our favorite films and performers. These revelations don't diminish the film's impact or entertainment value but rather add an intriguing layer to its legacy.

As we continue to revisit and analyze classic films like Little Shop of Horrors, it's important to consider the full context of their creation, including the personal histories of those involved. The intersections between mainstream entertainment and adult industries are more common than many realize, and exploring these connections can lead to a deeper understanding of the cultural forces that shape our media landscape.

In conclusion, the next time you watch Little Shop of Horrors, pay attention to the subtle hints and undercurrents that might take on new meaning in light of these revelations. The film's themes of exploitation, greed, and the dark side of fame resonate even more strongly when viewed through the lens of its cast's complex histories. Whether you see these connections as scandalous gossip or fascinating footnotes in Hollywood history, they undeniably add an extra dimension to this beloved cult classic.

Little Shop Of Horrors 1986 Cast
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
DVD Talk