23/07/2025
Super Stars: Fun Facts to Share with Your Little Superstars!
We’re rolling out the red carpet for our "Super Stars" Weekly Theme this summer! That means we’re diving into the dazzling world of movie magic, legendary actors, blockbuster films, and glittering awards. To spark your child’s imagination and bring a bit of Hollywood home, we’ve put together some super fun and unusual facts about the world of showbiz. 🌟 🎬✨
Lights, camera… FUN FACTS!
🎥 1. Did You Know? The First Movie Ever Made Was Only 2 Seconds Long!
Before superheroes flew across the screen and princesses sang in enchanted forests, the first-ever film was made in 1888. It was called "Roundhay Garden Scene" and lasted just 2 seconds! It showed people walking in a garden—and that’s it! But hey, it was the beginning of everything. Watch it here.
🎭 2. Some Famous Actors Started as… Kids Just Like Yours!
Before they were stars, many famous actors were kids who loved to pretend.
- Millie Bobby Brown (from Stranger Things) used to put on shows in her living room.
- Chris Pratt was discovered waiting tables at a restaurant!
- Zendaya started out as a Disney Channel actress—now she’s a global superstar.
Remind your child: Every superstar was once a beginner!
🦖 3. Surprising sound effect creations!
How do you make a dinosaur roar when no one knows what dinosaurs actually sounded like? Movie sound designers got creative!
- Jurassic Park, T-Rex roar = they mixed together the sounds of turtles mating, a baby elephant’s cry, and a tiger’s growl
- Raiders of the Lost Arc, rolling boulder = rolling a car without the motor running
- E.T., E.T moving = jam in a wet towel, popcorn in a bag, liver moving in a flat container
- Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen, Optimus Prime flying = fireworks
- Spiderman = Spider-Man’s web-spinning = fishing lines, magnetic films being tightened on a spindle, compressed air being blasted and shaving foam!
Imagine that mashup!
🏆 4. The Oscars Have a Real Name
You know the shiny gold Oscar trophies actors win? Well, the official name is the Academy Award of Merit—but almost everyone just calls it "Oscar." Why? One story says a librarian thought the statue looked like her uncle Oscar. And the name stuck!
Also fun: The statue is 13.5 inches tall and weighs as much as a watermelon! 🍉
🎬 5. Animation Takes TONNES of Work
Did you know that Disney’s Frozen took over 600 people to make? And it took nearly 4 years! Just Elsa’s ice castle scene took 50 animators to get the sparkle just right. So next time your child watches a cartoon movie, let them know: it’s pure magic and hard work!
🎩 6. Actors Use Silly Tricks to Cry on Cue
Ever wondered how actors cry in sad scenes? Some use menthol vapour near their eyes, others think of a really emotional memory, and some… pinch their toes! 😢👣
🧙♂️ 7. Harry Potter’s Great Hall Could Fit a Whole Airplane
The set for Hogwarts’ Great Hall in the Harry Potter films was built full-size—and it’s longer than a Boeing 747 jet! The filmmakers even used real candles hanging from wires to create the magical floating effect (though some melted and dropped wax mid-scene… yikes!).
🎤 8. Some Movie Lines Were Totally Improvised!
Sometimes the most iconic movie moments weren’t even planned.
In Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. improvised most of his lines—that’s part of why the character feels so real. In the original Ghostbusters film, Bill Murray was given a basic essay on the scenes and was let loose with the lines. In Despicable Me, the Minions' funny gibberish is made up on the spot by the voice actor, mixing real words from French, Spanish, and nonsense.
Here are some of our favourites:
- Shrek, Cameron Diaz - "Burp" (this was unscripted and an accident after drinking a fizzy drink!)
- Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets, Tom Felton - "I didn't know you could read."
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Emily Watson - “emotional range of a teaspoon”
- Titanic, Leonardo DiCaprio - "I'm the king of the world!"
- Forest Gump, Tom Hanks - ""My name’s Forrest Gump. People call me Forrest Gump."
- Jaws, Roy Scheider - "You’re gonna need a bigger boat!” (this was an inside joke on set)
So tell your kids: being silly and spontaneous can lead to genius moments!
🐉 9. There’s a Movie Studio Hidden Inside a Theme Park
Ever been to Universal Studios? It’s not just a fun park—it’s also a real working film studio! While people ride rollercoasters, behind the scenes they might be filming the next big movie. Who knows? You could walk past a future superstar!
🌟 10. You Can Be a Star Without Acting
Movies aren’t just about actors. There are directors, costume designers, special effects artists, camera operators, and even animal trainers who make movie magic happen. If your child loves drawing, building, or making music—they could be a star behind the scenes too!
⭐ It's a wrap! Every Child Can Be a Superstar!
Whether your child dreams of being in the spotlight or behind the camera, our Super Stars Weekly Theme is a great reminder that creativity, curiosity, and confidence are the keys to shining bright.
So grab some popcorn, share these fun facts, and maybe re-watch a favourite film together tonight. 🎬🌟 Who knows? The next superstar might be sitting right next to you!