Did You Know These 10 Things About ‘The Shining’?

When ‘The Shining’ premiered in 1980, it quickly became one of the most iconic horror films ever made. Directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on Stephen King’s novel, the movie followed Jack Torrance and his family as they spent the winter caretaking the isolated Overlook Hotel. What began as a story about cabin fever turned into a terrifying exploration of madness, supernatural forces, and the breakdown of a family.

Though it received mixed reviews at first, ‘The Shining’ has since been recognized as a masterpiece of psychological horror. Its unsettling atmosphere, chilling performances, and unforgettable imagery have influenced countless films and continue to haunt audiences decades later. Here are ten things you might not know about ‘The Shining’.

The Famous “Here’s Johnny!” Line Was Improvised

Jack Nicholson improvised the now-famous line “Here’s Johnny!” during the axe scene. It wasn’t in the script, but Nicholson borrowed it from Ed McMahon’s introduction of Johnny Carson on ‘The Tonight Show.’

The moment became one of the most quoted lines in horror movie history and helped cement Nicholson’s performance as legendary.

The Overlook Hotel Was a Combination of Sets and Real Locations

The exterior of the hotel was modeled after the Timberline Lodge in Oregon, while the interior was built on soundstages in England. Kubrick designed the sets to feel both realistic and disorienting.

The long hallways and labyrinth-like layout contributed to the sense of unease and confusion throughout the film.

Shelley Duvall Faced Extreme Pressure During Filming

Kubrick was notorious for pushing actors to their limits, and Shelley Duvall endured one of the most grueling experiences. She was required to perform the baseball bat confrontation scene 127 times, one of the highest numbers of takes ever recorded.

This intense process left her physically and emotionally exhausted, but it also resulted in a raw and believable performance.

The “Blood Elevator” Scene Took Nearly a Year to Perfect

The iconic shot of blood flooding out of the hotel elevator required months of preparation. The effect used thousands of gallons of fake blood and had to be filmed multiple times due to technical issues.

Kubrick was so determined to get it right that the scene delayed production by nearly a year, but it became one of the film’s most unforgettable images.

Stephen King Disliked the Adaptation

Despite the film’s success, Stephen King has openly criticized Kubrick’s version of his novel. He disliked Nicholson’s early portrayal of Jack as unstable and felt the movie strayed too far from his original story.

King eventually wrote his own TV miniseries adaptation in the 1990s to bring his vision to life.

The Hedge Maze Was Added for the Film

The hedge maze outside the Overlook Hotel was not part of King’s novel but was created by Kubrick for the movie. It became the setting for the tense final chase between Jack and Danny.

The maze served as a metaphor for the characters’ entrapment and added to the sense of disorientation.

Danny’s “Redrum” Scene Was Filmed Backward

The word “REDRUM” (murder spelled backward) was written on a door and filmed in a way that it would appear correctly in a mirror shot.

This clever visual trick made the reveal even more unsettling and became one of the film’s most famous moments.

The Carpet Pattern Became Iconic

The hexagonal carpet pattern in the Overlook Hotel hallways became instantly recognizable and has been referenced in numerous films, TV shows, and even video games.

Its bold design added to the unsettling atmosphere, making viewers feel like they were trapped in a surreal nightmare.

Jack Nicholson Ate Cheese Sandwiches to Get in Character

To prepare for his role, Nicholson ate cheese sandwiches before filming stressful scenes—despite hating them. This discomfort helped fuel his agitation and intensity on screen.

Nicholson’s dedication added to the authenticity of his increasingly unhinged performance.

The Film Was Initially Snubbed by Awards

Despite its later reputation as a classic, ‘The Shining’ received mixed reviews upon release and even earned two Razzie nominations, including one for Shelley Duvall.

Over time, however, critics and audiences reassessed the film, and it is now regarded as one of the greatest horror films ever made.

What fact about ‘The Shining’ did you find the most surprising? Share your thoughts in the comments!