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Ellen Greene's Unexpected 'Little Shop' Journey
10 Oct
Summary
- Ellen Greene initially didn't expect to star in the Little Shop of Horrors film.
- She lobbied director Frank Oz, citing his work on Sesame Street characters.
- The film's ending was changed after audience testing showed a negative reaction.
The film "Little Shop of Horrors" is now available in 4K UHD, preceding its 40th anniversary on December 19.
Actress Ellen Greene, who reprised her stage role as Audrey, admitted she did not initially anticipate being part of the 1986 film adaptation. Her participation was largely facilitated by Howard Ashman and director Frank Oz.
Greene actively lobbied Oz, persuading him by referencing his work on "Sesame Street," particularly the character Grover, to illustrate his talent for portraying larger-than-life yet truthful characters. She emphasized that Oz could capture the film's complex themes, which blend whimsy with dark undertones and a moral lesson against greed.
Greene also highlighted the difference in endings between the play and the film, appreciating the happier conclusion for her character in the movie. She noted that the film's original, darker ending was changed after audience testing revealed a strong negative reaction, leading to reshoots in London.
