Everything We Learnt From Halloween At Home

For anyone who was watching along with the stars and film makers Saturday just gone, I won't need to tell you all how fantastic #HalloweenAtHome was! It gave fans the chance to interact with some key people responsible for the bringing Michael Myers back to the big screen as well as giving the films stars and crew a chance to share some amazing behind the scenes stories, pictures and new information about the making of the 2018 film. And of course we got a little bit of information about the upcoming sequel- Halloween Kills.

Photo credit - @jamieleecurtis

So after going through the hundreds of tweets from the cast and crew of Halloween; here's everything we learnt from Halloween At Home. Enjoy!

Photo credit (from left to right) Nick Castle (@ncastlez), Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) & James Jude Courtney (@jamesjcourtney)

The opening scene in Halloween was shot in an actual prison.

"This first scene was shot in an active prison with many of our friends from the HEART Inclusive Arts Community as cast. #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

Producer Ryan Turek donning the Myers mask on the set of Halloween.

Picture Credit - (@_RyanTurek)

"All of this was shot at an actual prison. We used one of their non-functioning buildings....and I remember DGG insisting on having a record player in the guard’s quarters, instead of something digital. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

"This courtyard scene was the first day of our shoot at a military academy. Incredible location and it created a hell of a wind tunnel. It was freezing! #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

The iconic title sequence where the pumpkin comes back to life was done practically. No CGI or visual effects were used.

"The title sequence was filmed practically. No VFX. Thanks, Richard Wright (Production Designer) and Art Department. #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

"So this opening sequence is a reverse shot of an actual pumpkin rotting. Our production designer Richard Wright had a pumpkin carved and he stashed it away in a very hot room that NO ONE COULD EVER ENTER. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)"

Having shot the film early in the year any leaves and pumpkins seen in the film were fake.

"We filmed this in January and February. It was hard to find leaves and pumpkins! All fake. #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

The location for Laurie's house was a real ranch.

"Off to Laurie’s house which was on a giant ranch that, apparently, at a very large alligator lurking in a nearby lake. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

"Don’t forget our kick ass snake wrangler....." - Judy Greer (@missjudygreer)

"Laurie Strode’s mailbox. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

"Laurie’s house was GNARLY. When we did the initial scout, it needed some cleaning, needless to say. There was skeleton of a rat over by the kitchen and the place had to be overhauled. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

Judy Greer's character, Karen, was originally going to be a child psychologist.

"In the original script, Karen was a Child Psychologist and had a lot of puppets. The scene was cool but didn't fit the rhythm. @missjudygreer #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

"That was my first day of work. I was terrified!! #HalloweenAtHome" - Judy Greer (@missjudygreer)

Andi Matichak's first day was the interaction with Dylan Arnold & Drew Scheid.

"First day on set for me was this scene with @DylanHeyArnold and Drew! We were all in a dream state that this was really happening #HalloweenAtHome" - Andi Matichak (@andimatichak)

Pretty cool Easter Egg to be found in the high school!

"What you might find in the halls of HADDONFIELD high... #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

The classroom scene seen in the film was a reshoot.

"The classroom scene was a reshoot when we got extra cash to have some fun. @jason_blum #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

"And how you shot that POV through the classroom window moment was awesome (we built the window next to the road, it’s not in the school). #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (_@RyanTurek)

The teacher in the classroom was in fact actress P.J. Soles

"This is the voice of PJ Soles! #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

Laurie's daughter, Karen was the result of a one night stand. Director and co-writer Green cleared it up when someone asked.

"Some dude Laurie met at a bar. She doesn't even remember his name. #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

The entire crew got in on the scene Michael gets transferred, it also included a cameo from producer Ryan Turek.

"The sequence of them lining up the prisoners was amazing. The entire crew lined up when I was going to shoot my part in the truck. They all wore name tags that said “we are Laurie Strode.” They stood in silent solidarity with me and it was one of the most moving moments of my entire creative life. #HalloweenAtHome" - Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis)

"When Laurie screams and you see through her driver window, you might catch a silhouette. That’s me... ;) #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

"That was Ryan Turek's cameo as the silhouette when Laurie screams. @_RyanTurek #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@bumhouse)

Nick Castle revealed he was with the production team on location for a week.

Picture credit - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

"I was there for about a week. James and I became good buddies." - Nick Castle (@ncastlez)

"It was very hard for me to not nerd out around @ncastlez. The Last Starfighter made a big impact on my childhood. It was such a pleasure to have him on set with us. Even when he wasn’t working, he was hanging out bringing good energy. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

Vince Mattis, an actual dancer, made his feature film debut in this film as Kevin (Lumpy).

"Lumpy made up all of those lines. He's a dancer. First time acting. Great job. #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

"The prison transport vehicle on the left. On the right, the sun sets on this location as we get it fogged up. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

"This kid was awesome. First ever movie and he was a total pro. Shame he had to die... #HalloweenAtHome" - James Jude Courtney (@jamesjcourtney)

Vince's Dad was incredibly happy to have him killed by Myers.

"So, the day we killed this kid’s character, I had a talk with his father and I said, “How’re you feeling about all of this?” He was like, “THIS IS GREAT, he can’t wait to face Myers.” #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

Lumpy's dead dad in the film was a dummy created by make-up artist Chris Nelson.

"Some FX BTS of Lumpy’s broken dad... Chris Nelson working his magic. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

"The day my mom and dad came to visit me on set I told them we were going to pop by JLC’s trailer for them to meet her and really I took her to Chris Nelson’s trailer... when we opened the door this guy was bent back in the chair starring at them and my mom almost cried." - Andi Matichak (@andimatichak)

Nick Castle brilliantly addressed Michael being able to drive again.

"The Shape can still drive after all these years. Those early courses really held up well at Smith Grove. #HalloweenAtHome." - Nick Castle (@ncastlez)

The cemetery scene featured an actor from Eastbound & Down, and it sounds like he'll be making an appearance in Halloween Kills as well.

"Cemetery caretaker played by Diva Tyler from the "Plantation" episode of Eastbound & Down. Anybody remember? Just wait for #HalloweenKills #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

"Haddonfield cemetery... Doing some location scouting with a temporary Judith Myers grave. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

The grotty gas station toilet was a purpose built set on a soundstage.

"All of this bathroom stall stuff is on a stage. If I recall, DGG (@blumhouse) wanted some more funky graffiti on the walls like “Amazing Grace, come sit on my...” (It didn’t make it in.) #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

"Art department nailed grotty gas station loo #HalloweenAtHome" - Rhian Rees (@squirrellthing)

James Jude Courtney and Rhian Rees hurt themselves whilst shooting the bathroom scene. Minor at most may I add!

"Okay THIS WAS FUN!!!!!! Rhian kicked like a fricken mule. Got a nice cut on my head from her. Bob initially didn’t want to do the fight just let the stunt double do it, but then changed his mind. Dude fought like a man possessed. This was a spiritual experience. #HalloweenAtHome" - James Jude Courtney (@jamesjcourtney)

"Genuinely hit my head on the toilet, was not choreographed @blumhouse still ouches #HalloweenAtHome" - Rhian Rees (@squirrellthing)

And director David Gordon Green made the promise of a scene even more brutal and violent in Halloween Kills.

"This is the most violent scene I had directed since Pineapple Express, but then Halloween Kills... #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

"A little snapshot from the gas station crime scene... #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

As well as being the first time in the film Myers is seen in his iconic mask, the post Aaron and Dana death scene was the first time James Jude Courtney had actually put on the mask.

"The exterior gas station scene. The first time we had @jamesjcourtney on set, in the mask. Chris Nelson carried the mask around in a jet-black bag for security. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

"From an early jumpsuit fitting with @jamesjcourtney. We used one of masks I brought with me. That’s our costumer @EmilyGunshor on the left!" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

The fantastic long take where we first see Michael back in his prime took one days worth of rehearsals and multiple takes.

"One shot. Eleven takes. Lots of rehearsal. Anybody catch the "Voyagers" clip on the TV? Meeno Peluce! #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

"This tracking shot took a day to rehearse and nine takes as I recall. When we nailed it DGG ran across the set and bear hugged me. Stewie the steady cam operator and I dialed in perfect athletic timing. #HalloweenAtHome" - James Jude Courtney (@jamesjcourtney)

"Ooooooh, here we go with the oner. @blumhouse (DGG), Simmonds and our first A.D. Atilla crushed it with the timing. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

The one moment everyone held their breath, luckily the baby lived. But the sound of the baby crying was in fact Scream Queen herself, Jamie Lee Curtis.

"I’m gonna tell you all the secret. That baby cry is me. No one knows that." - Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis)

The nurse and doctor couple we see briefly in this scene will appear again in Halloween Kills.

"Take note of the Doctor and Nurse neighbors. More to come... #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

This scene also featured James Jude Courtney's favourite kill from the film.

"Okay THIS is my favorite kill!!!! Clueless woman shouldn’t be looking out the window." - James Jude Courtney (@jamesjcourtney)

A lot of the detail and decor in the high school Halloween party was missed. Got to be honest I never saw this the times I've watched it.

"I really loved the decor of this party. I wish my high school loved Halloween as much as Haddonfield High did. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

There was originally more of a storyline involving Cameron, Allyson and the girl he kissed at the dance.

"There was a slightly more detailed storyline between Cameron and this girl that’s kissing on him. It was cut pretty early on in the shoot. If I recall, she had history with Cameron and it made Allyson nervous #HalloweenAtHome." - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

Director & co-writer David Gordon Green agreed to get Dave's tattoo from the film if Halloween hit over $100 million.

"Hey, @blumhouse - I think people need to see your tattoo. Show it, DGG!" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

"Are you gonna share your tat story @blumhouse? #HalloweenAtHome" - Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis)

"I promised the crew if the movie made $100m I would get this tattoo. I got it on that date, also my father's 80th birthday. Thanks everyone for making it happen! #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

Virginia Gardener gave James Jude Courtney what for during her death scene.

"This was the babysitters first job she hit me full bore with the chair. She was worried about hurting me, I told her don’t worry about it. 50 takes later another bruise that took about a week to come out." - James Jude Courtney (@jamesjcourtney)

Another fantastic job from the SFX team.

"Poor Dave... #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

"From the day we killed Vicky on set. Pretty big day, I’d say: @jason_blum @TheHorrorMaster Malek Akkad (@Halloweenmovies) @ncastlez and Miramax’s Bill Block!" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

The iconic moment where Laurie sees Michael in the mirror from outside, Myers was played by both Castle and Courtney.

"My boy @ncastlez in the window, me in the mirror. We shared this scene, it was the passing of the torch #HalloweenAtHome" - James Jude Courtney (@jamesjcourtney)

"That shot in the window was my cameo. Lots of fun. Thanks to Jason and Ryan for their generous gift. #HalloweenAtHome" - Nick Castle (@ncastlez)

Jamie Lee Curtis got into a bit of trouble with the stunt department in the scene after she shot the mirror.

"The stunt department was not prepared for how hot and fast I came in to the next scene. They reprimanded me after I came in very fast. #HalloweenAtHome" - Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis)

Easily one the of the film's greatest Easter Eggs!

"Silver Shamrock! #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

And James Jude Courtney sustained another minor injury following him getting shot...

"OMG so when Jamie shot me I spun around dipped deeper than I had rehearsed hit my left butt cheek on the radio pack that set off the squib. I had a hematoma that took a week to come out and a lopsided bruised buttocks for the rest of the show. #HalloweenAtHome" - James Jude Courtney (@jamesjcourtney)

Dr. Sartain's character was originally very different.

"Sartain as a character came a long way. In really early drafts, he was this corrupt police officer (think Harvey Keitel in Bad Lieutenant). Again, REALLY EARLY drafts. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

They ran into several issues shooting Drew Scheid's (Oscar) death scene. The shoot eventually got closed down by the local police.

"RIP Oscar. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

"Scene in the backyard with Oscar. Toughest night of the shoot. Got shut down by the cops and had limited footage. Much love to Editor Tim Alverson for making it work. Why? Late night, lots of screaming. Blood flow. Chaos. Shenanigans. The works. #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

"I’ll just leave this here!" - Andi Matichak (@andimatichak)

"So, the night Oscar got impaled, the stress was high. We needed to get the hell out of that neighborhood by dawn, it started raining, Oscar needed to get rigged so he can hang off the fence. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

"We had to scramble in this kill. It was raining. Drew was excellent and this was definitely a fun kill! #HalloweenAtHome" - James Jude Courtney (@jamesjcourtney)

"Had to keep the Shape dry on that Oscar death night. @jamesjcourtney - I don’t think I shared this one with you. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

When Myers is hit by the car, the shot was done in reverse.

"We shot this car hit in reverse which was amazing. Just more movie magic from DGG and Michael Simmonds #HalloweenAtHome" - James Jude Courtney (@jamesjcourtney)

James Jude Courtney gave us a bit of insight into the scene he shared with Allyson locked in the police car.

"LOVED this scene with Andi! She was in a total state of panic. Couldn’t have chosen a better granddaughter #HalloweenAtHome" - James Jude Courtney (@jamesjcourtney)

"Not the best night for Allyson to get an Uber Pool" - Andi Matichak (@andimatichak)

The two police were make-up artist Chris Nelson and a real life police officer.

"The two police officers...Real cop Charlie Benton. Watch out, North Charleston! Behave. And Make-up FX master Chris Nelson, perfect thespians, weird diets. #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

"Chris Nelson as one of our officers. “I made that brownie myself.” Never gets old. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

"My favorite cops! Chris Nelson and real life detective Charlie Benton. Bad to the bone guys!" - James Jude Courtney (@jamesjcourtney)

Producer Ryan Turek kept the corpse/smushed head of Dr. Sartain. Turns out it wasn't such a great idea...

"Let’s talk about the journey of Sartain’s corpse. This dummy’s head gets stomped on and what the FX team does is bag him up in a garbage bag. They asked me if I wanted them to hold onto it. I say “yes” because you never know. Cut to months later...one of our friends in BH production says, “Ryan, something STINKS in our storage facility. IT’S SARTAIN CAN WE PLEASE THROW HIM OUT.” The meat Chris Nelson used spoiled and we had totally lost track of where that body went. Needless to say, we had to toss him. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

Photo credit - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

When David Gordon Green was asked about the timeline, turns out keeping Halloween 2 was originally considered.

We played with it a lot. This felt cleaner. #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

"Michael taking a peek through Laurie’s front door. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

Laurie's bedroom was originally built to re-cap the 1978 original film before it was changed.

"Laurie's bedroom was a set built as a recreation of Tommy Doyle's house 1978. Exact dimensions. It was an alternate introduction that was never filmed. People didn't need the recap, right? #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

And Carpenter did talk them out of shooting the recap for the film.

"Glad you guys didn't film that planned opening. I heard John Carpenter talked you out of it." - @ItsBonesMalone

"Totally true but most of the rumors about it are not. @TheHorrorMaster #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

They tried various different endings before settling on the final one we see in the film.

"We tested various endings of the film before going back for 5 days and shooting it right. It was soft, and now it feels strong. Thanks @blumhouse, Trancas, Miramax, and Universal for supporting our squadron of horror rascals. I'm glad we've got more in the pipes. Most of it was Laurie-Michael conflict but anti-climactic. There's a cool moment of the shape sitting quietly among Laurie's mannequins on her shooting range. Maybe we'll finish it someday... #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

"There is only one alternate ending. We tested it and, as DGG tweeted, we all went back to shoot the ending you’re watching now. It’s up to our filmmaking team whether he wants that ending out there, but right now I know of no plans to release it. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

"Where I have the most fun... The FX trailer. ;) #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

David Gordon Green confirmed we will see the Myers House in Halloween Kills.

"Will we see the Myers House in #HalloweenKills? #HalloweenAtHome @blumhouse" - @Iron_Wolf_Net

"Yes. #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

"Some BTS from the mannequin target range... One of the final nights of the shoot. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

Turns out the crew are also massive Halloween fans...and James Jude Courtney didn't do the stair fall.

"When that stunt performer took the spill down the stairs and then did the Myers’ “sit-up” you could hear us all behind-the-screams yelling YEEEEEAHHHH! Cheering like the nerds we are. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

"I was happy to let a guy half my age take that fall. Stair falls hurt!!!! #HalloweenAtHome" - James Jude Courtney (@jamesjcourtney)

"Blood is very sticky @jamieleecurtis @missjudygreer #HalloweenAtHome" - Andi Matichak (@andimatichak)

Crew and cast weighed in on the crowd reactions.

"When Laurie is gone the theater went INSANE! #HalloweenAtHome" - Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis)

"I don’t know which got the bigger applause at the premiere: “Gotcha” or “Happy Halloween, Michael.” #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

Ryan Turek & James Jude Courtney gave us a bit more detail on the fire stunt at the film's climax.

"I loved shooting this fire gag. Two nomex suits soaked in fire retardant gel. Immediately burning hot couldn’t breathe. Waited for a bite that gave me seconds to exit before roasting myself. Hats off to Heath Hood the special effects man! #HalloweenAtHome" - James Jude Courtney (@jamesjcourtney)

"For this fire sequence, they built a number of exterior sets, outside of our stage, which they then set on fire. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_Ryan Turek)

And lastly as everyone said their goodbyes, David Gordon Green revealed the trailer for the highly anticipated sequel Halloween Kills will be released soon.

"We're still working on the trailer for #HalloweenKills now. And strategizing our plan for release based on the realities of the world. Fingers crossed. I feel really good and want to share so much more. Hopefully soon. Thank you guys so much. This made my day! #HalloweenAtHome" - David Gordon Green (@blumhouse)

"Bye-bye, Laurie’s house. #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

"I don’t know about anyone else but I am EXHAUSTED! Thanks for watching! So fun. Love and misses. @blumhouse @TheHorrorMaster @missjudygreer @andimatichak @ncastlez @jamesjcourtney. Happy Halloween everyone. See you in October!" - Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis)

"I have never felt so blessed to work with such a talented cast and crew, and to have this experience with all of you nerding out together around the world together! #HalloweenAtHome @ncastlez @_RyanTurek @jamieleecurtis @andimatichak @missjudygreer @blumhouse @squirrellthing" - James Jude Courtney (@jamesjcourtney)

"So long from me and Mike. #HalloweenAtHome" - Nick Castle (@ncastlez)

"Fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Hope you all had fun. More to come in #HalloweenKills! #HalloweenAtHome" - Ryan Turek (@_RyanTurek)

"#HalloweenAtHome Good bye everyone! Thanks for a great afternoon!" - John Carpenter (@TheHorrorMaster)

"Thanks for coming to our party!! #HalloweenAtHome looking forward to #halloweenkills" - Judy Greer (@missjudygreer)

"This was fun. thanks everyone @jamieleecurtis @blumhouse @TheHorrorMaster @missjudygreer @jamesjcourtney @ncastlez @andimatichak #HalloweenAtHome @halloweenmovie" - Jason Blum (@jason_blum)

"Love you Halloween Fam! Thanks for coming to hang out. See you soon #HalloweenAtHome" - Andi Matichak (@andimatichak)

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So there you have it folks, a lot of pretty cool info and behind the scenes pictures and stories from the film. Really excited by some of the stuff that was said about Kills as well! Like Aaron and Dana's death in this were incredibly brutal and violent, so it makes me wonder what Green will deliver in the next film. Honestly though if you get a chance to go back through all of their tweets, do it! Even though I've managed to pull all the information, I feel there's still a lot to be seen in regards to the film makers and cast's thoughts and feelings about certain stuff in the film. Think of it as a typed commentary from everyone involved instead of an audio commentary as an extra on the DVD or Blu-Ray! I really enjoyed the event; as a horror site it was amazing to be asked to participate in the event (you can read my tweet along on our page @hookedonhorror), but as a long time Halloween fan it was something special. Easily one of the best things I've done during this lockdown. Hopefully now we won't have to wait long for the Halloween Kills trailer.

#Halloween #HalloweenAtHome #MichaelMyers #TheShape #Blumhouse #Universal #JamieLeeCurtis #DavidGordonGreen #JasonBlum #RyanTurek #NickCastle #JohnCarpenter #JamesJudeCourtney #JudyGreer #AndiMatichak #JudyGreer #Twitter #TwitterWatchParty #HalloweenKills #HookedOnHorror #Horror #HorrorMovies #Quarantine #Lockdown #CoVid19 #CoronaVirus