8 Shocking Facts About Horror’s Most Memorable Deaths
2. “The Exorcist”—Defenestration Scene
The climactic window jump in The Exorcist (1973), where Father Karras sacrifices himself, was an impressive stunt by Chuck Waters. Rubber was added to the stone steps to make it safer before Waters leaped—twice. Georgetown residents charged $5 to spectators watching from nearby buildings. Chuck later revealed the secret to this dangerous stunt, which was to relax his body entirely.
3. “Scream”—The Opening Scene
The opening of Scream (1996) is unforgettable, with Drew Barrymore’s character being terrorized and killed by Ghostface. Writer Kevin Williamson drew inspiration from a real-life experience when he thought someone had broken into a house he was house-sitting. A conversation about horror movies during that incident sparked the idea for the scene. Barrymore, originally cast as the protagonist Sidney Prescott, opted for Casey’s role to defy expectations, ensuring viewers wouldn’t see her death coming.
