In the late 1980s, Disney released a film that would go on to become a beloved family classic, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Directed by Joe Johnston and written by Stuart Gordon, Brian Yuzna, and Ed Naha, the film was an unexpected success that captivated audiences and became a household staple for many children in the ’90s and beyond. But behind the magic of shrinking kids and giant household props lies a fascinating story about how this film came to be—starting from a couple of filmmakers known for violent horror films to the creation of an iconic family-friendly movie.

The Origins of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

The idea for the movie was born from a brainstorming session between Stuart Gordon and his wife, Carolyn Purdy-Gordon. After years of working on gory horror films like Re-Animator and From Beyond, the couple wanted to create something that their kids could enjoy. It was during this conversation that the seed for Honey, I Shrunk the Kids was planted—a story about a mad scientist who accidentally shrinks his children. This lighthearted concept was inspired by the horror and sci-fi films of the 1950s and was brought to life with the help of producer Brian Yuzna.

The result was a family film that was as imaginative as it was thrilling, offering a unique blend of adventure, science fiction, and humor.

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A Memorable Cereal Scene with 16,000 Gallons of ‘Milk’

One of the film’s most iconic moments takes place when the shrunken kids find themselves trapped in a giant bowl of Cheerios. In this memorable scene, young Nick Szalinski (played by Robert Oliveri) pleads with his father, “Dad, don’t eat me!” To create this effect, the filmmakers built an incredible 16,000-gallon tank at Churubusco Studios in Mexico City. The tank was filled with chlorinated water, food thickener, and pigment to mimic the look and consistency of milk. The result was a scene that still stands out in the minds of audiences, bringing the miniature characters to life in a world of oversized everyday objects.

Constructing a Whole American Suburban Neighborhood in Mexico

While Honey, I Shrunk the Kids was set in an idyllic American suburban neighborhood, much of the filming took place in Mexico City. The filmmakers constructed an entire neighborhood block on a back lot at Churubusco Studios. The set, which took nine months to build, included twelve fully realized house sets. The scale of the props and the meticulous attention to detail made the suburban neighborhood come alive on screen, capturing the essence of Americana and transporting the audience into a world where anything seemed possible.

The Magic of Giant Physical Props

Unlike modern films that often rely on digital effects, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids used practical effects to create some of its most memorable scenes. Giant props like a broom, a 30-foot cookie, and a massive Lego piece were meticulously built on set by the talented effects team. These oversized props were constructed in proportion to the shrunken kids, making them appear larger than life. The process was both labor-intensive and creative, as it required careful planning to make sure the proportions were accurate. The result was a visual spectacle that was both realistic and whimsical.

Lead cookie sculptor Daniel Miller explained that one side of the cookie was made smaller than the other to create the illusion of depth. Director Joe Johnston and stunt coordinator Michael Cassidy also discussed how the giant props were operated, with massive machinery being used to create the action sequences where the kids were swept into a dustpan by a gigantic broom. This dedication to physical, in-camera effects was a hallmark of the film’s charm.

The Giant Animatronic Ant: A Hero in the Film

One of the film’s most beloved characters is a giant animatronic ant named “Antie.” This oversized puppet became a loyal companion to the shrunken kids as they navigated the dangers of their backyard. Co-star Matt Frewer, who played Big Russ Thompson, shared details about the creation of the ant, revealing that it was operated by a team of puppeteers who controlled each of its limbs. The ant’s jaw was even remote-controlled, adding to its lifelike quality. The endearing character of Antie plays a pivotal role in the film, saving one of the kids from a dangerous scorpion, cementing its place in the hearts of viewers.

A Box Office Smash and Disney’s Biggest Live-Action Hit

When Honey, I Shrunk the Kids hit theaters in 1989, it became an instant success. The film grossed an astounding $222 million worldwide, making it Disney’s highest-grossing live-action film at the time. Its success led to two sequels, a TV series, and a lasting cultural impact. Though Disney’s live-action dominance has shifted in recent years with the rise of Marvel and Star Wars, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids remains a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences.

Creating the Bumblebee Ride: A Groundbreaking Visual Effect

One of the most exhilarating scenes in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids is when Nick and Russ Thompson Jr. take an accidental ride on a bumblebee. This intense and visceral moment was made possible by a combination of miniatures, green screen effects, and innovative camera work. Effects producer Tom Smith revealed that the filmmakers used a wide-angle lens to “fly” a camera around the yard, giving the illusion of flight. A giant animatronic bee was built for the scene, with a mechanical bee used to create the necessary movements. The intricate setup made the bumblebee ride one of the most memorable and technically impressive sequences in the film.

A Long Journey to Find the Right Title

Before Honey, I Shrunk the Kids became the iconic title we know today, the filmmakers went through a series of iterations. The initial treatment was called Teeny Weenies, but after several rewrites, the title was changed to The Itsy-Bitsies and eventually to the now-famous Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. The final title was chosen because it clearly communicated the premise of the film to the audience, although writer Stuart Gordon admitted he wasn’t thrilled with it. Despite its humble beginnings, the title ultimately helped the film become one of Disney’s most successful live-action movies.

Scrapped Ideas: From Dog Poop to Shopping Carts

Throughout the development process, there were several bizarre ideas that didn’t make it into the final script. One of these included a scene where the shrunken kids would encounter a massive pile of dog poop the size of the Beverly Center. Another outlandish suggestion involved the kids being trapped in a gigantic shopping cart, bombarded by groceries. While these ideas were eventually discarded, they inspired the creation of the memorable cereal scene, which became one of the highlights of the film.

A Legacy Rooted in Classic Sci-Fi

The concept for Honey, I Shrunk the Kids was heavily inspired by classic science fiction films like The Incredible Shrinking Man and Mysterious Island. The filmmakers watched a variety of old sci-fi B-movies to gather ideas for the effects and storytelling. The shrinking concept was taken from The Incredible Shrinking Man, where a man shrinks down to a tiny size and has to navigate a world that’s suddenly much bigger than he is. This influence can be seen in the way Honey, I Shrunk the Kids balances the science fiction genre with humor and heart.

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From its humble origins to its cultural impact, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids is a film that continues to inspire both nostalgia and admiration. With its practical effects, creative storytelling, and memorable characters, it remains one of Disney’s most cherished live-action films. Whether you’re revisiting the movie as an adult or introducing it to a new generation, the magic of this iconic film endures.