One of Disney’s most unique animated films is The Hunchback of Notre Dame. It is a personal favorite of mine, boasting a killer soundtrack, unique characters, and a villain far scarier than any supernatural foe. I just had to dig up some of the best fun facts about the movie that are ouuuuuut there!
Here are 21 fun facts about The Hunchback of Notre Dame that are more man than monster:
5.
If you believe that “Hellfire” is one of the darkest Disney songs to ever appear on screen, don’t worry, the MPA (Motion Picture Association) thought so, too. The song was nearly cut from the film entirely due to its dark themes, but luckily for us, the absolute villain banger stayed put.
7.
The opening scene, in which Clopin sings “The Bells of Notre Dame,” was originally all meant to be spoken dialogue as exposition. Following two revisions, filmmakers decided that it was too dull, and so it was turned into a musical number. And as far as Disney openings, it goes HARD and is one of my personal favorite songs in the film.
11.
Two of the gargoyles are named Victor and Hugo after Victor Hugo, the author of the novel “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Not me, an idiot adult, just realizing that now). The third gargoyle, Laverne, was at first considered to be called “Marie,” after Victor Hugo’s middle name. But they settled on naming her after Laverne Andrews, one of The Andrews Sisters, a singing trio.
20.
The rock legend, Meatloaf, almost voiced Quasimodo. Directors Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise decided that Hulce was a better match for Quasimodo because his speaking voice suited the character better. I suppose you could say the directors would do anything for the role, but they won’t do that. *chuckles*
What is your favorite moment from The Hunchback of Notre Dame? Comment below!
Watch The Hunchback of Notre Dame on Disney+.
