Scarecrow Mask and Hands from the Film "Goosebumps"
This Scarecrow mask is from the 2015 film Goosebumps directed by Rob Letterman (b. 1970). Visual effects for the film were created by Erik Norby (b. 1972) and the mask is believed to have been worn by John Herndon (b. 1955).
The Scarecrow from the Goosebumps book series made its first appearance in the 1994 R.L. Stine (b. 1943) novel The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight. This story centers around a farm where the scarecrows come to life, terrifying the young protagonists Jodie and Mark. The Scarecrow represents the classic horror trope of inanimate objects becoming dangerous and sentient, tapping into fears of the uncanny.
The Scarecrow was brought to life through the dark magic of a mysterious book, intended to help with farm work but resulting in a chilling nightmare instead. The character's eerie presence was later adapted into the 1996 Goosebumps TV series, where the scarecrows were portrayed by actors in costumes, emphasizing their menacing and otherworldly nature.
The Scarecrow also appeared in the Goosebumps film adaptations. In the 2015 movie, it was one of many monsters unleashed from R.L. Stine's books, contributing to the chaotic and frightening atmosphere. The character returned in the 2018 sequel, Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween, adding to the spooky events of the Halloween season.
The Scarecrow remains an iconic figure in the Goosebumps franchise, symbolizing the unintended consequences of dabbling in dark forces. Its role in the series highlights Stine's ability to blend horror with elements of childhood fear, making the Scarecrow a memorable and enduring character in the world of children's horror.