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This Animatronic Test Video for the “Stranger Things” Demogorgon is Practical Effects Heaven
Practical effects will always be the coolest.
Last year’s “Stranger Things” gave rise to the Dungeons & Dragons-inspired Demogorgon, a long-limbed monster with a petal-like face that opens to reveal a dentist’s worst nightmare. Hell, ANYONE and EVERYONE’s worst nightmare. The creature, brought to life both practically and digitally, was portrayed by Mark Steger, who we chatted with last summer. Steger explained to us that Spectral Motion tested out the various appendages and appliances for several months during pre-production, and now one of those test videos has been uploaded by the company.
Spotted on the Spectral Motion Facebook page, the 35-second video shows a movement test of the animatronic Demogorgon head, revealing that much of what you probably thought was digital was actually old school practical effects. The video highlights the monster’s face opening and closing, and we apologize in advance if it causes you to lose some sleep tonight.
The company also showed off some behind the scenes photos of the Demogorgon head being sculpted and the suit being tested out by Steger, which you’ll find below the video.
All of us here at Bloody Disgusting are deeply sad to learn that The Blob director Chuck Russell has passed away at 74 years old.
Russell’s career began with his directorial debut, 1987’s A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.
The multihyphenate film director, screenwriter, and producer is best known for helming 1994 comedy The Mask starring Jim Carrey, Arnold Schwarzenegger actioner Eraser, and adventure spinoff The Scorpion King. The latter served as the first leading role for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The filmmaker left an indelible mark on horror with his ANOES sequel, 1988’s The Blob, and 2000’s Bless the Child.
Russell’s final film credit is 2024’s Witchboard remake starring Madison Iseman (I Know What You Did Last Summer), Aaron Dominguez (Only Murders in the Building), and Jamie Campbell Bower (“Stranger Things”).
It marked Russell’s return to horror after a lengthy hiatus, and he shared sequel hopes to Bloody Disgusting in an interview ahead of the remake’s release: “I got to design the board with real mystical symbols and things that I know represent good and evil, and where that board takes us if the audiences respond to the film, and I hope they will; I know it’s out there for you guys, but the sequel is a world we’ll get to go a little further. That’s sure the intention.”
He also recently expressed interest in returning to the franchise that began his career.
TMZ notes that Russell passed away at his San Diego-area home.
We send our deepest condolences to Chuck Russell’s family, friends, and fans.
Director, Co-Writer & Producer Chuck Russell behind the scenes of the horror film, WITCHBOARD. Photo courtesy of The Avenue and Atlas Distribution
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