10 Surprising Facts About Michael Jackson’s Iconic “Thriller”

More than 40 years since its release, Thriller remains the crown jewel of Michael Jackson’s career, reshaping music video history and pop culture. Directed by John Landis and released on December 2, 1983, the Thriller short film wasn’t just another music video — it was a cinematic event. But beneath the red jacket and choreographed zombies are some lesser-known facts that reveal how this legendary mini-movie came together.

1. It Was Originally Called “Starlight”
Before it became Thriller, the song and album were both titled Starlight. British songwriter Rod Temperton, who also penned Baby Be Mine and The Lady in My Life, changed the title late in the process, giving birth to the iconic name that defined the era.

2. Religious Conflict Sparked Panic
At the time of filming, Jackson was a devout Jehovah’s Witness. After hearing from his church elders that Thriller promoted demonology, he became so distraught he considered scrapping the entire video. His lawyer John Branca calmed him down and suggested adding a disclaimer stating the film didn’t reflect Jackson’s personal beliefs.

3. A Metaphor for Puberty
Director John Landis described Thriller as a coming-of-age tale. The werewolf transformation, he explained, represented adolescence — a time when young people undergo physical and emotional metamorphosis. For Jackson, it was a creative way to explore his own transition into adulthood.

4. Thriller’s Leading Lady Had a Secret
Actress Ola Ray, Jackson’s co-star in the video, had once been a Playboy playmate. Fearing that her past might disqualify her from the role, she kept it from Jackson during casting. Fortunately, her performance proved perfect for the part.

5. Fred Astaire Was a Fan
Hollywood legend Fred Astaire admired Jackson’s dance moves. Michael reportedly taught him the moonwalk and invited him to a Thriller rehearsal. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who was editing Jackson’s autobiography Moonwalk, was also spotted on set — hanging out in Jackson’s Winnebago during late-night shoots in a rough Los Angeles neighborhood.

6. The Choreographer Was a “Beat It” Gang Leader
Michael Peters, the choreographer behind Thriller, also appeared in Jackson’s Beat It video — playing the gang leader dressed in white with sunglasses and a mustache. He had choreographed the epic battle-dance scene in Pat Benatar’s Love is a Battlefield too.

7. It Was a Home Video Sensation
Beyond its broadcast success, The Making of Michael Jackson’s Thriller became a bestseller on VHS and DVD, selling over 9.5 million copies — a remarkable feat for a behind-the-scenes documentary at the time.

8. That’s Not a Werewolf
While Jackson transforms under a full moon, he doesn’t technically become a werewolf. Special effects artist Rick Baker crafted a more feline creature, drawing inspiration from a black panther. Jackson becomes what Baker called “a weird cat,” to avoid cliché werewolf tropes.

9. His Snake Mussels Made an Appearance
Jackson brought his pet boa constrictor, Mussels, to the Thriller set. Quincy Jones once recalled Mussels escaping into a parrot cage and swallowing its resident bird, only to get stuck afterward. Jackson’s fondness for exotic animals was well known and evident even during production.

10. Michael’s Frame Was Extremely Slim
At the time of filming, Jackson weighed just 99 pounds and had a 26-inch waist. His now-iconic red leather jacket — designed by Deborah Landis — became one of the most famous fashion pieces in music history. In 2011, it sold at auction for $1.8 million.