In honor of the 30th anniversary of Disney Theatrical Productions, you can listen to the Disney’s 30 Years On Broadway” special right now via the SiriusXM app. There are also interviews. Hunchback is also included as it is part of the Theatricals even through it didn’t make the move to Broadway but it has a great existence in Regionals as well as international productions. Read more about the Special here.
Also Notre Dame has its bells ringing again and it’s ready for its December opening. So that’s at least some good news.
If you look up Quasimodo on mycast.io one actor who comes up again and again is Taron Egerton. Egerton is a welsh actor who rose to prominence with his role as Elton John is the biopic Rocketman. He was praised for the role and some critics said he carried the film but most of them just praised his overall performance. He even learned to sing for the movie and has sung in other roles. However the question is…
Would Taron Egerton be good choice for Quasimodo?
Seeing how most of the fan casts are for “Disney’s Quasimodo,” sing skills are a moot point unless somehow, something happens and we either get a live action Disney version or different movie musical based on the Hunchback happens. Anything this could happen. But putting that aside does the popular consensus have this casting option correct?
Taron Egerton as Elton John, “Rocketman” (2019)
Looking through his filmography, Egerton varies in his roles and project types. The only thing I’ve watched prior to this post that he was cast in was Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. In that show he voiced, Rian one of the main characters and he was great. That show was a treasure trove of talent, it’s a crime that is was canceled, A CRIME I say!
It’s fairly safe to suggest that Egerton would have little to no issue effectively play the role as he is a very nuanced actor and has great sense of physicality both of which are very much necessary for playing Quasimodo.
Taron Egerton
Egerton as has a very approachable warm look without any dramatic angles to his face which makes him a good fit to play Quasimodo. Based on his role as Elton John it’s easy to envision Egerton as Quasimodo because the characters share similar coloring.
Taron Egerton
Egerton has the acting skills to brilliantly play Quasimodo and he has a good look that would be a good basis for all the transformative details that is need to portrays the iconic hunchback.
So this years let’s rank which of the main Hunchback movies has the “scariest” movie poster. None of these are actually scary or even remotely spooky but some skews more towards a “scary look.” Scary looking can mean a lot different things like grotesque, dread, moodiness, use of dark colors and shadows, or having a sense of mystery. Heck even that “monster movie” look would work towards looking scary.
Posters were based on which one IMDB uses because some of these versions have a few posters. This also meant to be fun and the ranking isn’t about how good the poster is.
#8. The Disney Version
Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame Movie Poster
This bright and very cheerful poster depicts all the characters and their personality. Nothing scary about this one. Frollo does look ominous but more like he ready to make a high stake deal rather than what he actually does in the movie.
#7. Quasimodo d’el Paris (1999)
Quasimodo d’el Paris Movie Poster
Defiantly a poster for a comedy movie. It does have a bit of mystery with Quasimodo facing away but that does add much to the “scary gothic factor.”
#6. The 1977 Version
1977 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster
A little odd that Esmeralda is cast in shadows and Quasimodo’s face is highlighted. While the muted tones help, this poster is for a drama.
#5. The Hunchback (1997)
1997 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster
Nice moody colors but otherwise not scary. At least Quasimodo is not super illuminated even though he is a focal point even though his pose doesn’t add any scariness.
#4. The 1982 Version
1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster
This defiantly has a moodiness. It MIGHT have ranked a little higher if Quasimodo had been in shadows.
#3. The 1923 Version
1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster
Notice how Quasimodo is in shadows which adds a mystique? Again it doesn’t really read “scary” or monster movie but there is a nice tension with Esmeralda being unaware of the on-lookers behind her.
#2. The 1956 Version
1956 Hunchback of Notre Dame Movie Poster
Finally a “monster movie” vibe. Quasimodo and Esmeralda’s pose is quintessential 1950’s monster movie poster. Though the vibe is soften with the other aspects of the poster but it very much trying to invoke “monster movie.”
#1. The 1939 Version
1939 Hunchback of Notre Dame Movie Poster
Quasimodo draped in shadows looming over Esmeralda is the “scariest” these posters get. It’s at least gives Quasimodo a menacing mystique to draw an audience into the movie. It has that 1930s era monster vibe similar to the King Kong’s poster.
While Disney Esmeralda is a gold standard for a compelling Halloween costume, Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame does offer some more unexpected costume ideas. They range in complexity from items that may already be in your closet to more elaborate designs.
These are in no order but the last one might be the most scary one of all……
1. Djali
Djali, Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Djali is the best (a Literal GOAT.) One could get a goat costume and add the gold hoop earring or you could do a cute Disneybounding type look with a cute gray outfit, goat ears and the earring, sort like the SNL A Girl’s Halloween skit.
You could also so the same with Achilles and copy his bridle but less people might get it unless you were with a Phoebus
2 & 3. The Guards
Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Often called the Brutish and Oafish Guard these two a very mean and hostile in the movie. Basically a medieval knight costume and one has a bushy mustache. Could be very fun as a duo.
Bonus points if you do a Patrick Star impression, if you know than you know.
4. The Old Heretic
The Old Heretic Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
The Old Heretic is a running gag throughout the movie. It’s a fairly easy costume with tattered clothing and a white bread.
Bonus points to those who include some kind of prison prop to the costume like a cage or a pillory.
5. Fire Vision Esmeralda
Esmeralda as a fire demon dancing Hellfire Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
This is a really cool variation of Esmeralda. In Hellfire, Frollo sees visions of her dancing in the flames. One could do this costume in a few ways like one her costumes but in lightweight fabrics to suggests flames. I love this idea so much.
6. Creepy Hellfire Judge
Frollo singing Hellfire Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
This would be so wonderfully creepy, especially as a group of them with someone dressed up as Frollo. Really this one is pretty simple, it’s dark red hooded cloak with a blacked out face mask. I also love this idea
7. Creepy Statue
Frollo stares at Notre Dame during the Bells of Notre Dame FDisney Hunchback of Notre Dame
The way the statues stare down at Frollo in damning judgment is very chilling indeed. This idea is more conceptual than actually a recognizable part of the movie but you may have fun as a creepy judgment statue.
8. Nightmarish Gargoyle
Another one of Frollo’s hallucination as costume idea. Basically this idea is the hellish, nightmare gargoyle that casts Frollo into a figurative hell. This gargoyle is a nice contrast from the comedy trio.
9. The Torturer
Frollo with Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
A bit character to be sure but this guy is scary as he loves what he does. The costume is simple and similar to guards but with a black hood, a whip, spike gauntlets, plus a mustache. Doesn’t have a lot of screen time but he makes an impression as he adds to Frollo’s sick sense of humor.
Worst case scenario everyone thinks you’re a torturer and can’t place your costume from the movie but that can be you’re own little secret.
10. The Church Lady
A Noble Lady, God Help the Outcast Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
This could be a harder costume to make but it could be an interesting costume. She does bare a slight resemblance to Frollo too.
11. Madeline
Madeline, Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney
Nothing is scarier than a Straight-to-Video Disney sequel, so why not lean in to it and dress up a Madeline. It’s not too hard of a costume as it consists of a light-green skirt and bodice with white sleeves and a short blonde wig. I’m terrified just thinking about the Hunchback II.
Would you dress up as any of these for a costume party?
As it’s the spooky season and I already did a Fleur de Lys Costume post last year, I thought why not do an Esmeralda from Notre Dame de Paris Costume post?
Esmeralda wears two costumes in Notre Dame de Paris; her green act one costume and her white prisoner costume in act two. If you WANT to get super technical there are two other “costumes” she wears. One is a weird lab coat-looking costume as seen in the original 1998 Paris production and a red rose costume worn in London and Russian promotional pictures.
This post is just going to focus on the green dress. There are a few takes on the this costume and for even more info you can read this article. Very simply there is the swirl-like velvet version and then the takes on that version which use some form of pattern, mainly tonal florals. Then there is the Italian version which uses patchwork lace. And lastly there the 2016 redesign.
The green color can appear more like golden-olive green but darker tones can be used like in Korean version.
However there are a few design elements that remain consistence. Her dress is is an A-line silhouette with a v-neck with 3/4 bell-sleeves, and is roughly floor length with a high slit up the leg. There can be sparkly details like metallic thread or sequins. Italian version however doesn’t have an sparkly embellishments.
These picks are more based on over-all vibes rather than getting an exact matching dress which would need to be sewn. Also not including the redesign version as it a very unique dress.
Bada as Esmeralda Korean version Notre Dame de Paris
Notre Dame de Paris Esmeralda has darker hair compared to Fleur de Lys. Most of the time it’s the performer’s natural hair but wigs are used. The Wigs are dark brown, black or even reddish tones. Her hair is traditionally long with some form of wave to it. If you hair is already long and a darker shade, you’re good but if not you don’t need a wig if you don’t want to wear one.
Fun Fact: There has been at least one Esmeralda who has rocked short hair, Melanie Renaud.
This costume is very simple as it’s just white short sleeves dress with a brown rope belt. However like most things in life the devil is in the details. For instance you can add tears and burn marks to make it all your own.
Phoebus and Esmeralda, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Disney)
Her costume is a white dress that is super simple, undecorated with short sleeve. No frills & very minimal. You could already have something like it in your own closet but if you don’t;
Esmeralda white dress does have tears in it. Mostly around the neck, the hem, and at the shoulder and knee. However I think you can be creative as your wish with the amount you add and how much distressing you do to the dress. There are loads of distressing tutorials online and youtube.
If you opt to do burn marks be safe! Materials like cotton can burn and leave marks but synthetic fibers (i.e. polyester) will just melt. I recommend just going for the look of burns rather than actually putting a flame to it. Don’t be like Frollo; Fire isn’t the solution and can lead to serious injury. Do not risk your health and wellness for a costume.
Djali, Esmeralda, and Phoebus, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Disney)
Since this dress isn’t as iconic as Esmeralda’s other costumes, you can be a little more creative in whatever details you choose to add so have fun with it but try to avoid flames.
Sadly trailblazing ballerina, Michaela DePrince, passed away on September 10th 2024, at the age of 29. In 2021 she joined the Boston Ballet as the second soloist. She was previously the soloist of the Dutch National Ballet. You can read more about her here.
In 2009 at the age of thirteen she performed the La Esmeralda Variation at YAGP Philadelphia, PA semi-finals. This solo is very popular amongst ballerinas and she performed the piece marvelously.
She was truly a talented and inspiring person who made a huge impact in the short time she had on this Earth.
I’m not going to be mean to the actors BUT most other aspects of film are fair game and the higher ups on this movie are the ones to blame.
I’m so over these remakes, I just do not care about them. The last one I watched in its entirety was Cruella and it was only to get sometime out the house, long story. I skipped through parts of Aladdin and I gave up watching The Little Mermaid, I do still sort want to analyze the costumes from that movie because what is happening Disney Live action costumes versions? Let’s put a pin in till a later section because I have thoughts, probably too many thoughts about movie costumes.
Also these are knee-jerk reactions to the teaser ultimately the “feelings” have no impact, I do not really care all that much.
Anyway, Let’s Get into the Snow White Teaser Trailer
Oh boy, trying to make “Whistle while you work” epic doesn’t cut mustard tones of this movie. I think the marketing team was forced to use it because Snow White couldn’t sing “Someday my Prince will come” or “Wishing Well” because those songs are about wanting love and we can’t have that anymore can we? Strong leaders who are female characters can’t want love, men can though, that is fine. The vocalization from that “Wishing Well” COULD have work but it would have reminded the audience of love so probably not at good choice for the music. So that just leaves “Whistle while you work” in that off-kilter Lana Del Rey style that Disney remakes seem to love.
Just no to the Cgi animals and dwarves, especially the dwarves. No, No, A thousands times NO! I wonder why Disney remakes these “live-action” movies when most of are Cgi? I mean the answer is Money but still it likes that Cyrano quote, “I ask for cream. You give me milk and water.”
I hate Snow White’s haircut. Snow White’s hair in the animated movie looks like it’s pinned up which makes it look short, or if not that, is curled to make it looks shorter. If they had WANTED to go with short hair then go for homage to the late 1930s. As it in the teaser, it looks really unflattering. I HATE to bring it up -especially since others have already – but it looks like Lord Farquaad’s hair. Who thought it was a good idea? They test these things during pre-production so who signed off the Lord Farquaad 2.0??? WHO?
I despise “Evil Queen’s” costume. Sure it looks “evil” but more in like a cheesy 80s sci-fi flick way. That is a vibe I could get behind if that was the aesthetic of the film but when you make Regina’s OUAT costumes look subtle then there is a problem. This is a major motion picture for f-sake, they had a budget why do the costumes look cheap? I guess a point for a wimple, I guess. It feel so much worse knowing that Sandy Powell did the costumes, she did the costumes 2015’s Cinderella so what happen here? I don’t dislike Snow White’s “reimagined” costume but it also looks like the most obvious take on the costume one could do for a live-action movie. Also it has the same sleeves as 2012’s Snow White and the Huntsman. Her yellow skirt looks like Powell used the same layer approach as the Cinderella gown but I don’t think the semi sheer fabric over a shimmering under-layer works for this movie as it’s not a magical dress, she wears it to pick wildflowers. From what little I can see of Snow’s maid costume I do not like it. Oh well at least Powell got paid, at least I hope she bank off it.
That cape flip at 0:46 is a straight lift from OG movie and it made me roll my eyes. Also does this Evil Queen have a name?
I feel like Snow White is one of the most misunderstood Disney main characters because her seemingly passivity gets interpretative as weakness and she is not. Snow White displays leadership traits, just on a small scale. She got seven men to obey her in a few minutes and wash their hands. She’s also sassy. Her characterization was from different time, right before WWII. Snow White didn’t need to figure herself out or struggle to be understood, she knew who she was and got the job done with no whinging. She was a character for the late 1930s.
I feel nothing from this teaser aside from minor confusion and major apathy.
Lightening, it can be a small addition to your room decor that can make a huge impact. Here are some lamp recommendations that you can add to your room or dorm design inspired by Hunchback characters.
If you don’t know which character you vibe with you can take this quiz
Esmeralda
Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Go for a Moroccan mosaic light as they are very beautiful, colorful, worldy and a little boho. For a little more of an add boost get a swan necked one to capture her elegance. Fun Fact I have one of these but mine is not a swan necked one. Get the Lamp: Yarra-Decor Turkish Moroccan Lamp with Bronze Base
Quasimodo
Garou as Quasimodo
I would suggest something wooden, rounded, and organic. Something that appears humble but has an artist soul. Maybe even going for something made from driftwood
Phoebus is odd character to pull from as his characterization is very changeable. However no matter the version he is a solider so go for a masculine ultilartarian aesthetic.
The King of Beggers and slang, Clopin is of the people so why a lamp for the people? One of the most popular lamps available right now as like Clopin is at main different functions.
For Fleur-de-Lys one could in a few different directions. You could glam, chic, or classic. I opt for a colorful classic vintage option with a floral ginger jar lamp because they just seem so classic and refined to me.
Notre Dame of Paris Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Honestly anything that is gothic, architectural or even iron would work very well but I thought of going for Stained glass lamp that uses the same colors of the facade.
