The musical stage version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a very interesting experiment in adaptation. It’s based on a German musical based on an animated movie which itself was loosely based a French novel. The stage musical itself also tired to combine all these sources into one production resulting in a mixed bag, though many people love it.
Another aspect of the this musical is because it went to regionals there are a lot of iterations, some are amateurs productions and some are more professional.
One professionally produced production that is currently getting a lot of attention is the West End concert version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame at The Prince Edward Theatre in London. The production staged by Jack Maple.
The reason for this controversy is over the casting of Quasimodo. The role is being portrayed by two performers, Ben Joyce and Oliver Hewing. Joyce sings the role and Hewing interprets the role through BSL and dance. Hewing is meant represent Quasimodo’s inner life This casting is similar to the 5th Avenue Theatre Production as Quasimodo was played by Joshua Castillo, a deaf actor and the singing of the was performed by E.J. Cardona who was dressed like a gargoyle.
While Disney Esmeralda is a gold standard for a compelling Halloween costume, Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame does offer some more unexpected costume ideas. They range in complexity from items that may already be in your closet to more elaborate designs.
These are in no order but the last one might be the most scary one of all……
1. Djali
Djali, Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Djali is the best (a Literal GOAT.) One could get a goat costume and add the gold hoop earring or you could do a cute Disneybounding type look with a cute gray outfit, goat ears and the earring, sort like the SNL A Girl’s Halloween skit.
You could also do the same with Achilles and copy his bridle but less people might get it unless you were with a Phoebus.
2 & 3. The Guards
Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Often called the Brutish and Oafish Guards, these two are very mean and hostile in the movie. Basically a medieval knight costume and one has a bushy mustache. Could be very fun as a duo.
Bonus points if you do a Patrick Star impression, if you know than you know.
4. The Old Heretic
The Old Heretic Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
The Old Heretic is a running gag throughout the movie. It’s a fairly easy costume with tattered clothing and a white bread.
Bonus points to those who include some kind of prison prop to the costume like a cage or a pillory.
5. Fire Vision Esmeralda
Esmeralda as a fire demon dancing Hellfire Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
This is a really cool variation of Esmeralda. In “Hellfire” Frollo sees visions of her dancing in the flames. One could do this costume in a few ways like one her costumes but in lightweight fabrics to suggests flames. I love this idea so much.
6. Creepy Hellfire Judge
Frollo singing Hellfire Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
This would be so wonderfully creepy, especially as a group of them with someone dressed up as Frollo. Really this one is pretty simple, it’s dark red hooded cloak with a blacked out face mask. I also love this idea
7. Creepy Statue
Frollo stares at Notre Dame during the Bells of Notre Dame FDisney Hunchback of Notre Dame
The way the statues stare down at Frollo in damning judgment is very chilling indeed. This idea is more conceptual than actually a recognizable part of the movie but you may have fun as a creepy judgment statue.
8. Nightmarish Gargoyle
Another one of Frollo’s hallucination as costume idea. Basically this idea is the hellish, nightmare gargoyle that casts Frollo into a figurative hell. This gargoyle is a nice contrast from the comedy trio.
9. The Torturer
Frollo with Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
A bit character to be sure but this guy is scary as he loves what he does. The costume is simple and similar to guards but with a black hood, a whip, spike gauntlets, plus a mustache. Doesn’t have a lot of screen time but he makes an impression as he adds to Frollo’s sick sense of humor.
Worst case scenario everyone thinks you’re a torturer and can’t place your costume from the movie but that can be you’re own little secret.
10. The Church Lady
A Noble Lady, God Help the Outcast Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
This could be a harder costume to make but it could be an interesting costume. She does bare a slight resemblance to Frollo too.
11. Madeline
Madeline, Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney
Nothing is scarier than a Straight-to-Video Disney sequel, so why not lean-in to it and dress up a Madeline. It’s not too hard a costume as it consists of a light-green skirt and bodice with white sleeves and a short blonde wig. I’m terrified just thinking about the Hunchback II.
Would you dress up as any of these for a costume party?
Quasimodo singing, Out There, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Disney
According to a few news outlets the report is that Bob Iger is canceling the Live-Action Remake of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Now as of now take this with a grain of salt but given all the issues surrounding Disney with their latest releases, the current attitudes towards live-action remakes, and Iger’s feelings towards the original 1996 movie this news seems very likely.
Given the news back in May of this year from Alan Menken about the project being in limbo and that there had been little to no news about the production, this news is not a surprise.
The sources allude that things could change but this project isn’t a priority to Iger (who also said that “writers and actors going on strike are not being “realistic” with their expectations.”)
Could Gad go rouge and do a Hunchback version himself? I don’t know but it’s an intriguing thought. He has producing credits with Mandeville Films but that doesn’t mean he has any power or pull. Plus Mandeville Films has a partnership with Universal, which technically has Quasimodo in the “Universal Monster” category, which was a movie franchise that was canceled.
If Gad wanted to a version he more than likely could but it wouldn’t be the Disney version and it would take a while to develop. And after 4+ years of developing the Disney live-action project he may not even want to.
So yet another new movie version of Hunchback that is seemingly not to be made.
Esmeralda & Djali sulk
What do you think would you welcome a Gad Hunchback version that was not a Disney Live-Action Remake?
I have 25 ideas for ways in which Disney could inject some Hunchback references into their theme parks.
A lot of these ideas would be easy or low cost add-ins (I think) but some would be more costly. I’m not asking for a Hunchback dark ride where you see movie scenes as you ride around on a ride vehicle shaped like a gargoyle, though that would be cool. And Side note, Disney, If you want to use any of these ideas I will not sue even though I know they will not since I don’t think they can.
But first a few notes; -These ideas could be in any of Disney’s Theme Parks Worldwide but I was mostly inspired by Walt Disney World especially for some Epcot specific ideas but really these could go anywhere. -A lot of these ideas follow Disney’s marketing trend for Hunchback so lots of Clopin related stuff. -Some of these ideas are half-baked, meaning I didn’t give them much thought.
This somewhat organized by least likely to maybe Disney would consider it, maybe, someday maybe if Hunchback gets more popular and makes more money for the company.
Michelle Newell as Esmeralda & Warren Clarke as Quasimodo
Like the 1986 burbank version the 1977 follows the plot quite faithfully. Aside from the Sister Gudule plotline this version is the most accurate to the book. There is no vault scene of Quasimodo lying down beside Esmeralda’s body instead there is a weird ending where Phoebus and Fleur de Lys’ wedding processional dances around Frollo’s fallen corpse with Esmeralda’s body hanging in the background. And Gringoire just laughs it off saying the he survive to tell the tale. BAD ENDING!
Michelle Newell as Esmeralda & Kenneth Haigh as Frollo The Hunchback of Notre Dame 1977
But the ending is a symptom of a larger issue with the plot, sure it’s got in a lot of scenes from the book, like the scene where Frollo and Gringoire spirits Esmeralda out of Notre on the boat and Gringoire leaves her with Frollo, that scene is never don except slightly in the Jetlag version but to point the movie doesn’t elevate the scenes. The actors say their lines MAYBE emote a little and that is it. It’s like a very mechanical boring version of the book.
Kenneth Haigh as Frollo 1977 Hunchback of Notre Dame
The adherence to the book is it’s only selling point. There is nothing much this version has to offer but the plot. Aside from that there is no artistic vision, no mood, and no heart.
On March 15th 2017 Billboard ranked every song from the Disney Renaissance (1989-1999) and it was done by various staffers. Now everyone is entitled to their opinions but their opinions are wrong. You can read it here if you want.
For Hunchback the ranking are as follows; 42: God Help the Outcasts 41: Heaven’s Light/Hellfire 38: A Guy like You 37: The Bells of Notre Dame 34: Topsy Turvy 30: Out There
Clopin, Phoebus and Quasimodo Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Court of Miracles didn’t count as the article called it “Super Slight” but Trashin the Camp ranked #26 even though it’s just scat, just saying.
It’s important to know that the list was out of 45 songs, Hunchback didn’t get even in the upper half. Honestly it doesn’t really matter that as it seem the “staffers” have a very weird sense of what a “Disney” song should be.
Quasimodo during Out There Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
First off they said God Help the Outcasts was “sombre and flat.” Heaven’s Light/Hellfire was “it’s one least memorable tunes” Are they saying Hellfire is not memorable??? The Heck they say? They really didn’t say anything bad about “A Guy like you.” They said “The Bells of Notre Dame” “lacks a certain je ne sais quoi.” They called Topsy Turvy the “most Disney-like of the entire Hunchback film and soundtrack.” And “Out There” again nothing bad, though “Out There” is pretty much “Part of your World” 2.0 and that song ranked #9 so it’s really not surprising that these people would like it more that the other Hunchback songs.
Shock the Priest Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Just looking at the way they ranked the Hunchback song I’m not sure these people understand anything about anything. They seem to like either bright happy song, love songs or the I want type song, you know typically Disney stuff. Oddly the highest ranking Villain song was “Be Prepared” at #15. (2025 this isn’t that odd.)
Frollo singing Hellfire Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
With that in mind yes, their ranking make a weird sense but how does one say that “Hellfire” even if it’s paired with “Heaven’s Light”, is a worse song than “A Guy like you?” Sure, if you like bright happy things, but “Hellfire” is one of great villain songs and “Heaven’s Light” is the perfect foil. My guess is that these “staffers” collectively didn’t like Hunchback as much as other movies as Hunchback is one more a-typical Disney movies.
Clopin with Puppet Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
They can rank the songs however they want, with bias or not but but I take their credibility as critics into question with how they dismissed Hunchback songs as being “unDisney” because they are not as bright and colorful as the “popular” songs.
Prove these critics wrong and get the soundtrack and maybe if Hunchback products make money, Disney will see the merits of a Live-action movie. (Even in 2025 that holds some merits but no more live action remakes please…)
There has actually been some decent amount of Hunchback related stuff that popped up in 2015 opposed the last few years where there has been much other that Josh Brolin popping up to say something about his movie that will never be I’m guessing.
So 2015 started off with the sad news. On October 24th 2015 Maureen O’Hara, who played Esmeralda in the 1939 movie version of Hunchback passed away at the age of 95. The 1939 version is considered to be one of the best Hunchback version. It was also O’Hara’s American debut.
Musicals next; The Notre Dame de Paris 10 year anniversary tour in Korea which was French language. Notre Dame de Paris in Asian isn’t anything new but this was the first time in a while for a French Production to be presented. There also a new Italian cast the uses member from the original cast. But that is set not next year, but this cast has been catching my attention and just recently did that cast come out so yeah, I’m including it here.
There was also the Disney Hunchback musical at the Paper mills Play house in March and April. Since it didn’t go to broadway there will more local productions so keep an ear out if one should be performed near you and it still might go to broadway someday, never say die. Also the cast recording of the Paper Mills and Lo Jolla casting is coming out next month so preorder here.
Also in April, Josh Groban did a cover of Le Temps de Cathedral on his Stages album. I wouldn’t say it did much to help Notre Dame de Paris’ popularity but people who didn’t know might have heard it so that is great.
Let’s what else. Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling named their baby Esmeralda which they directly sited Hunchback as being a favorite novel of their. First is a little funning because I a while ago I was looking up Celebrities and their favorite books and Hunchback never came up. Les Mis did. I sort of abandoned the idea due to how pretentious and/or how self severing their picks were, so I’m glad some actors liked the book.
But the BIGGEST news of the year is that there are 2, not one but 2 Hunchback movies in the works. One has been in the works for a while and is a independent movie from some actor who was in the second Sex and the City movie, Max Ryan. This version I don’t even know what to say. Everyt ime I try to make sense of it I’m reminded that there is a giant and a figment in the cast list and The Mask directors is going to direct so my expectations for this movie are low to hoping ti hilariously bad, but we’ll see maybe we’ll be surprised and it will be a really good version. Strangers things happen.
The second movie seems to be an off-shot of an idea for Once Upon a Time from 2013, a movie for Esmeralda’s POV, which I’m excited about. There hasn’t been a Esmeralda centric Hunchback version since the 1950’s and that was mostly a French movie. For Hollywood there has been a Hunchback version focusing on Esmeralda since Theda Bara’s 1917 movie The Darling of Paris. Not much is known about this movie other than it’s being spearhead by Peter Cherin and will focus on Esmeralda. I hope this movie is good and happens, you never know with movies.
Gringoire picked Master Florain and got him Plant Theatre Herb Garden Seed Kit , Gringoire thought he was being clever but I can’t see the deaf judge caring for it.
Few things in Hunchback are a terrifying as bad version of Hunchback. There are actually many awful version of this story either though laziness of acting, writing production values, editing and directing but there is one version that takes it such a degree that it truly the stuff of Nightmares.
I of course mean the Dingo version. Doesn’t Djali look evil?
Esmeralda and Djali with Gringoire, Dingo Hunchback of Notre Dame
I mean just look at that, that is crap never known to the world before. One has to work to be so lazy, so bad. It someways it like a weird surreal art piece, some commentary of the human condition to wonder at the odd and sincere. To reveal in the discourse of humanity. It is true terror, or just lazy pile of shit.
We’ll get more in more into the Dingo version later, I’m too scared to review it after a month of scary stuff.
So for the next version let’s look at another infamously bad version of Hunchback.
Gargoyles sing to Quasimodo, The Secret of the Hunchback
More singing Gargoyles? This going to give me nightmare too.
.
album. I wouldn’t say it did much to help Notre Dame de Paris’ popularity but people who didn’t know might have heard it so that is great.
for Stalking Esmeralda better.
, so her can be fashionable and warm but it’s a shallow girt.
, He doesn’t know her at all.
, socks, not thoughtful at all.
, Gringoire thought he was being clever but I can’t see the deaf judge caring for it.
, Clopin is being wicked with this one.
, Notre Dame could use a new cute statue.
, gag gift
, she know he liked a good drink but it’s super misguided
, Djali likes words.
, who wouldn’t ant a new Christmas CD
, It’s useful but Jean won’t use it.
