Why Dr. Loomis Isn't Surprised When Michael Myers Vanishes in Halloween
Donald Pleasence pushed for a different reaction than the script called for, and his version made the final cut
Movie Facts Pro (AI-assisted)3 November 2026Editor: Digital Fox Talent Editorial TeamOn YouTube since 2017 · more than 220,000 subscribers
In Halloween (1978), starring Donald Pleasence and Jamie Lee Curtis, Dr. Loomis was originally supposed to look surprised when he sees that Michael Myers is no longer on the ground after falling from the balcony. Pleasence changed that.
Donald Pleasence suggested Loomis already knew Michael would vanish
The script had Loomis reacting with surprise to the disappearance of Myers' body. Pleasence, a legendary actor, thought it may be better to play it as though he knew it was going to happen. He suggested this, and the scene was filmed twice: once with Loomis knowing, and once with him acting surprised.
In the end they used Pleasence's idea, because it showed how well Loomis knew his patient. In my opinion it looked cool, too, because Dr. Loomis knew how capable Michael was of all of this damage.
Watch the original
@moviefactsproyt · YouTube
Adapted with AI from Movie Facts Pro's video of 30 September 2026 and checked against the video before publication. Editorial standards · Corrections
More from @moviefactsproyt
All →
Make videos? Your next one could be an article here.
We turn your videos into articles under your name, linked back to the original. You keep 60% of what they earn, non-exclusive, and you can leave whenever you like.
Become a SubPlotter →