Macaulay Culkin Reveals My Girl Bee Scene Used Real Swarm, Says It “Would Not Fly Nowadays”

Actor Macaulay Culkin has detailed the dangerous filming of a famous scene. He discussed the 1991 film My Girl on a recent podcast. Culkin explained that real bees were intentionally released on him.

The method used would likely violate modern child safety protocols. This revelation highlights changing standards in film production.

Child Actor Faced Real Danger for Iconic Movie Moment

Culkin was just ten years old during filming. The scene required his character, Thomas J, to be swarmed. Producers applied a special substance to his hands.

This substance smelled like a queen bee. It attracted thousands of insects directly to him. According to Entertainment Weekly, such practices are now considered extreme.

The crew instructed him to wave his hands. This was to ensure the bees were visible on camera. He was stung on the neck during one of the four takes.

Industry Standards Have Evolved Since the 1990s

The film industry’s approach to child safety has tightened significantly. Stunt coordination and animal handling now have stricter rules. Using a real bee swarm on a child is widely seen as unacceptable today.

This shift protects young performers from physical harm. It also reflects a broader focus on mental well-being. Productions now rely more on CGI and controlled environments for such effects.

The story underscores a different era in Hollywood. Both Culkin and his co-star Anna Chlumsky were very young. Their performances remain memorable despite the risky conditions.

The disclosure by Macaulay Culkin offers a stark look at past filmmaking practices. His My Girl bee scene experience is a powerful example of how industry standards have progressed to prioritize safety above all else.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: What happened in the My Girl bee scene?

Macaulay Culkin’s character, Thomas J, is swarmed by bees while retrieving a mood ring. The scene depicts a fatal allergic reaction. It is one of the most famous and sad moments in the film.

Q2: How old was Macaulay Culkin in My Girl?

He was ten years old when the movie was filmed. It was released in 1991, a year after his star-making role in *Home Alone*. His young age makes the bee scene revelation more shocking.

Q3: Were they real bees in the movie?

Yes, Culkin confirmed thousands of real bees were released on him. A substance that attracted the insects was applied to his hands. He was stung at least once during the multiple takes.

Q4: Who else starred in My Girl?

Anna Chlumsky played the lead role of Vada Sultenfuss. The film also featured Jamie Lee Curtis and Dan Aykroyd. It was Chlumsky’s first major film role.

Q5: Why would this not be allowed today?

Modern child safety laws and union regulations are much stricter. Endangering a minor on set is now a serious violation. Most productions would use computer-generated imagery (CGI) for such a effect today.