10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Lost Boys (But Totally Should)
Foggy boardwalks, vampire bikers, and the greatest saxophone cameo of all time – Joel Schumacher’s The Lost Boys is pure 80s horror magic.
But behind the leather jackets and big hair are a ton of weird, wild, and fascinating details you might have missed. Let’s sink our teeth into them…
Why Is This Vampire Classic Still So Legendary?
Because The Lost Boys isn’t just a movie – it’s an entire vibe.
And these 10 behind-the-scenes facts prove just how much blood, sweat, and neon went into making it unforgettable.
1. Kiefer Sutherland Signed On Because of INXS
Sutherland wasn’t sure about playing David until he learned the soundtrack would feature INXS and Jimmy Barnes.
He was already a fan from time spent in Australia, so the music sealed the deal. Imagine if we’d lost that smirk over a playlist swap!
2. The Two Coreys Were Born Here
The Lost Boys launched the pairing of Corey Haim (Sam) and Corey Feldman (Edgar Frog), who became teen icons.
From License to Drive to a reality show, the “Two Coreys” became inseparable in pop culture – for better and, sadly, sometimes for worse.
3. The Title Comes from Peter Pan
No one in the film ever says “Lost Boys,” but the name comes from J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan.
Just like Peter’s boys never grow up, Schumacher’s vampires are stuck in eternal youth. Only here, the magic dust is traded for leather, bloodlust, and motorcycles.
4. It Almost Looked Like The Goonies
Originally, Richard Donner (director of The Goonies) wanted The Lost Boys to be a kid-friendly vampire adventure.
When he left, Schumacher swooped in and aged up the characters, giving us danger, sex appeal, and a darker edge.
5. There’s a Comic Book Sequel
Years later, Vertigo released a comic series continuing the story, with Michael, Sam, and the Frog Brothers still battling vampires in Santa Carla.
Even the oiled-up sax man got lore – he’s “The Believer” in the comics. Yes, the sax guy has a canon backstory.
6. Santa Carla = Santa Cruz
The film shot in Santa Cruz, which had a pretty grim crime rep in the 80s.
Locals allowed filming only if the name was changed, so Santa Carla was invented. Probably for the best – no one wants their tourist town rebranded as “murder capital of the world.”
7. Ben Stiller and Jim Carrey Almost Joined the Cast
Ben Stiller auditioned alongside Sutherland and the Coreys, possibly for Michael or David. Jim Carrey was also considered for Michael.
Imagine a world where Michael Emerson was played by Ace Ventura. That’s a different movie entirely.
8. A Sequel Called The Lost Girls Was Planned
Joel Schumacher pitched a follow-up about a biker gang of vampire women.
David (Sutherland) was even supposed to return. Instead, we got two straight-to-video sequels (The Tribe and The Thirst) that most fans… politely pretend don’t exist.
9. The Frog Brothers’ Names Are a Poe Reference
Edgar and Alan Frog = Edgar Allan Poe.
To nail the role, Feldman was told to study action heroes like Stallone and Chuck Norris. That’s why he delivers his lines like a tiny Rambo with a comic shop membership.
10. A Whole Character Was Cut from the Film
Actress Kelly Jo Minter (Elm Street 5) filmed scenes as Maria, an employee at Max’s video store – but she was completely cut from the final version.
Other deleted scenes included the vampire gang circling Lucy, which would’ve made their menace even scarier and Max’s “good guy” act more convincing.
The Lost Boys is the definition of cult horror – equal parts stylish, spooky, and strange.
And whether you love it for the music, the vampires, or the Frog Brothers’ over-the-top tough guy act, one thing’s clear: no vampire movie does 80s horror better.
Share this with a friend who’d definitely fall for David’s maggot trick! 🦇
