Released in 1987, The Princess Bride became a cult classic despite its rocky start. Packed with unforgettable moments, here’s a quick dive into the film’s most intriguing behind-the-scenes trivia:
- André the Giant was the only choice for Fezzik - despite needing line coaching and special accommodations after back surgery.
- Cary Elwes broke his toe riding an ATV on set but kept filming like a pro.
- The Cliffs of Insanity? They’re actually the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.
- Billy Crystal improvised most of his lines as Miracle Max, causing the cast (and even the director) to break into laughter.
- Sword fights took 3 months of training, with every move performed by the actors themselves.
- Robin Wright was cast as Buttercup after 500 auditions, standing out for her natural charm.
- R.O.U.S. drama: The actor in the rat suit was arrested mid-production and bailed out to finish his scenes.
- The 2020 cast reunion raised $4.26 million for charity, proving the film’s enduring appeal.
This timeless movie blends action, romance, and comedy, and its production stories are just as magical as the film itself. Ready to test your knowledge or host a trivia night? Keep reading for more fun facts and ideas.
10 INCONCEIVABLE Facts About The Princess Bride You ...
1. Andre the Giant's Custom-Written Role
When William Goldman created the character of Fezzik, he had only one person in mind: André the Giant. "Oh no, I want a giant like André the Giant", Goldman insisted when the casting team suggested other tall actors. Standing at 7'4", André's towering presence and natural charisma made him the perfect fit for the role.
As a non-native English speaker, André occasionally faced challenges with his lines. Director Rob Reiner came up with a clever fix:
"I auditioned him in a hotel room; he read a three-page scene, and though I couldn't understand a word, I knew he was perfect. So I recorded his entire part on tape, exactly how I wanted him to do it, and he studied the tape. He got pretty good!"
The production team also adapted to André's physical needs. Following back surgery in 1986, they used hidden ramps, wire rigs, and creative camera angles to minimize any strain during filming.
Even with no prior acting experience, André's wrestling background gave him the athletic ability to perform every movement with ease. His relaxed demeanor on set extended to off-camera moments too.
During cold shooting days, André would place his hand on Robin Wright's head to keep her warm without messing up her hair. Christopher Guest later joked that shaking André's hand was an unforgettable experience - like his own hand vanished into a massive mitt.
2. Cary Elwes's On-Set Accident
Just a week into filming, Cary Elwes faced an unexpected injury after a playful dare from André the Giant went wrong. Despite having no experience with ATVs, Elwes accepted the challenge. While riding uphill, his big toe got caught between the gear pedal and a rock, leading to a painful break.
"I got on the ATV - something I'd never done - and while ascending a hill, I hit a rock. As I shifted gears, my big toe was caught, bending it completely and snapping it. Every pore in my body opened; it was incredible. I was drenched in sweat."
Even with the injury, Elwes stayed professional and finished the scene before seeking medical attention. He later explained:
"I went to the hospital, but only after we shot that scene because you've got to make the day. The show must go on. Don't forget, we were an independent film, not a studio movie."
The injury forced adjustments to the production schedule. Director Rob Reiner postponed the demanding fight scenes to give Elwes time to recover. If you watch closely, you might spot him limping during the Fire Swamp scene. Reiner reassured Elwes, saying, "You're the only person who could play Westley", and made sure the schedule accommodated his recovery. This unexpected incident became just another memorable story from the making of the film, adding to its lasting appeal.
3. Real Location: Irish Cliffs
The unforgettable Cliffs of Insanity scenes from The Princess Bride were brought to life at the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland. Towering 702 feet above the Atlantic, these cliffs served as the perfect dramatic backdrop for the famous sword fight between Westley and Inigo Montoya. The actors spent months preparing for this sequence, which took a week to film on-site. Additional shots were completed at Shepperton Studios. This mix of stunning natural scenery and movie magic continues to captivate fans from around the globe.
If you're visiting, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience has plenty to offer. There's a 5-mile coastal walking trail (a 2- to 3-hour walk for most), a visitor center featuring exhibits on the cliffs' geology and history, and several viewing areas with breathtaking sights of the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, and the Twelve Pins. The site is open year-round, with the exception of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and St. Stephen's Day.
Visitor Tips:
- Adult admission is $7 (children under 16 get in free)
- Take bus #350 from Ennis Bus Station for easy access
- Wear sturdy shoes and pack warm, waterproof clothing
- Visit during quieter times to enjoy the views without the crowds
Keep in mind, climbing the cliffs is not allowed for safety reasons. These cliffs, formed over 300 million years ago, are now Ireland's second most-visited tourist destination.
4. Billy Crystal's Unscripted Lines
Billy Crystal's performance as Miracle Max is often celebrated as a masterclass in improvisation. Over a three-day shoot, he improvised his entire role, leaving a lasting mark on the film and his fellow cast members. Out of thirty hours of filming, only five minutes of footage made it into the movie . Throughout the shoot, Crystal came up with medieval-themed jokes on the spot, adding a unique flair to the character . His quick wit didn’t just elevate the scene - it created a ripple effect on set.
The humor caused some unexpected challenges. Mandy Patinkin ended up bruising a rib from trying to suppress his laughter, and Cary Elwes had to be replaced by a dummy in certain shots because he couldn’t keep a straight face .
Crystal’s energy was so infectious that even director Rob Reiner had to step off set multiple times because he couldn’t stop laughing.
"From the first shot in which cantankerous Max appears, poking his head through a wooden peephole in the door (very much like the doorman who greets Dorothy when she and her friends reach Oz), he began ad-libbing."
– Cary Elwes
One of Crystal's most iconic lines perfectly captures Miracle Max’s quirky personality:
"Sonny, true love is the greatest thing in the world - except for a nice MLT–mutton, lettuce and tomato sandwich, where the mutton is nice and lean..."
– Billy Crystal
To keep the laughter from ruining takes, the sound team restricted access to the set. Rob Reiner’s only direction to Crystal was: "Forget the lines, just go for it". This creative approach, while hilarious, also increased filming costs due to the need for additional takes.
5. Three-Month Sword Training
The unforgettable sword fight between Westley and Inigo Montoya required Cary Elwes and Mandy Patinkin to undergo intense preparation. Their training, led by sword masters Peter Diamond and Bob Anderson - known for their work with Errol Flynn and Star Wars - spanned three months of demanding daily sessions.
Each day, the actors trained for 8–10 hours, mastering ambidextrous fencing techniques so they could perform every move themselves. The choreography drew inspiration from historical fencing methods, with writer William Goldman weaving references to 17th-century masters like Bonetti, Capoferro, Thibault, and Agrippa into the script.
Bob Anderson, who famously doubled as Darth Vader in Star Wars, crafted sequences that combined authentic techniques with visual clarity for the screen.
"Every time Rob said those words, 'Cut. Print!', I was devastated, because that meant we weren't going to do that part of the sword fight again." – Mandy Patinkin
Their dedication even led director Rob Reiner to expand the originally short fight scene, adding more choreography and training. Despite Cary Elwes breaking his left big toe, he powered through, ensuring the final duel - filmed over several days - highlighted their hard-earned skills.
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6. Worldwide Search for Buttercup
Rob Reiner auditioned more than 500 women to find the right Princess Buttercup. Screenwriter William Goldman described the challenge of meeting the film's high expectations, saying:
"We had terrible trouble finding a Buttercup because she had to be so beautiful. We had all kinds of pretty girls come in but they weren't this staggering thing."
While some well-known actresses were considered, the team ultimately decided to focus on fresh talent. After an extensive search, they found their perfect match.
Robin Wright, with only one prior film credit, stood out as the ideal choice. Her effortless charm and minimal need for dialect coaching made her a natural fit for the role. Her impact on the cast was immediate. Co-star Cary Elwes recalled:
"I first met Robin at Shepperton Studios during a costume fitting. I knew immediately that she was perfect."
Chris Sarandon also praised Wright, saying:
"Robin always had a very strong sense of herself and yet there was always a sense of mystery about her as well. I'm sure everybody fell a little bit in love with Robin on the shoot, whether we were attached or not."
Wright herself reflected on the exhaustive audition process:
"I think I was literally the 500th ingenue to read for Rob, and I think he was so exhausted at that point from looking at all the girls he was like, Ugh, God, just hire her."
Goldman later confirmed the decision when Reiner called to share the news of Wright's casting:
"I remember, I was in New York and Rob called me and said, 'I think I've found her.'"
7. Unplanned 'As You Wish' Scene
At this time, there’s no verified information about an unplanned 'As You Wish' scene. If credible details surface, this section will be updated accordingly. Stay tuned!
8. R.O.U.S. Costume Mishap
The making of The Princess Bride was filled with unexpected moments, and the Fire Swamp scene with the Rodents of Unusual Size (R.O.U.S.) brought its own drama. Anthony, the performer inside the rat suit, suddenly became unavailable due to a personal crisis. After a heated argument with his wife, he burned down their kennel and was arrested at a critical point in filming.
"We need Anthony for this", and the crew said, 'Well, let's try the other guy,'" Reiner relayed. "I said, 'Whaddaya mean try the other guy? Anthony's good!' They said, 'We can't use Anthony. He got arrested this morning.' They said he got into a fight with his wife, and they owned a kennel, and he burned the kennel down. So we had to bail him out of jail so he could come and fight as an ROUS." - Rob Reiner
In a true display of quick problem-solving, the crew bailed Anthony out of jail so he could return to set. It was just another reminder of how unpredictable filmmaking can be - and how dedicated the team was to keeping the production on track.
9. Studio's Initial Rejection
Before becoming a cult classic, The Princess Bride struggled to win over Hollywood studios. Executives were unsure how to market its mix of romance, comedy, adventure, and fantasy. This hesitation led to multiple rejections early on.
Looking back, this period of doubt gave the team extra time to fine-tune the screenplay and perfect the film’s tone. Its eventual success - fueled by home video and cable TV - shows that stories blending multiple genres can still resonate deeply with audiences. This behind-the-scenes journey adds another layer to the film’s legacy, making it a favorite topic for trivia lovers.
10. 2020 Cast Online Reading
In September 2020, fans of The Princess Bride were treated to a special virtual reunion - a table reading featuring the original cast. Cary Elwes led the event, joined by Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, and Carol Kane.
The reunion also included guest appearances from Rob Reiner, Josh Gad, Eric Idle, and Whoopi Goldberg. Fred Savage, however, was absent as he was celebrating his brother's birthday. Mandy Patinkin delighted viewers by bringing out his original sword from the movie, while Cary Elwes added a humorous twist by wearing a mask during a key line. Despite minor technical hiccups, these moments captured the enduring charm of the film.
The event was a massive success, drawing over 60,000 live viewers and raising $4.26 million through more than 142,000 donations. Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, called it their "biggest grassroots fundraiser" ever.
This unforgettable reunion highlighted the lasting appeal of The Princess Bride, showing how it continues to bring people together and create cherished memories.
Conclusion
The Princess Bride continues to charm audiences with its rich behind-the-scenes stories, dedicated cast, and lasting legacy. From unexpected moments on set to the intense preparation by the actors, this trivia collection captures the heart of the film's unique journey.
For trivia enthusiasts and event planners, these facts are perfect for hosting themed trivia nights. The movie’s mix of action, romance, humor, and unforgettable quotes provides plenty of material for crafting challenging and fun questions that fans will enjoy.
"It was 1986 and my father died in 1972...I wanted to play Inigo because my mind immediately went, If I can get that six-fingered man, then I'll have my father back, in my imaginary world. He'll be alive in my imagination."
– Mandy Patinkin
To make your trivia event stand out, try organizing questions into themed rounds that highlight different elements of the film. Here are a few ideas:
| Round Type | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Classic Q&A | Production stories and cast trivia |
| Visual Round | Key scenes and iconic locations |
| Quote Challenge | Famous and lesser-known lines |
| Behind-the-Scenes | Production insights and challenges |
These formats make it easy to turn the film's diverse appeal into an engaging trivia experience. For those looking to save time, ready-made trivia packs are available for $14.99. Each pack includes over 40 trivia questions, visual challenges, and tie-breakers in PowerPoint and PDF formats.