Chernabog — Based on Bela Lugosi
In 1940, Disney released Fantasia, a film that may not be as widely recognized as some of its counterparts but still received positive acclaim. One of the memorable characters in the movie is the nocturnal devil known as Chernabog, which translates to “black god.” To infuse Chernabog with realism and menace,
Disney looked to the iconic Bela Lugosi, famous for his portrayal of Count Dracula in the 1931 film. Lugosi served as a real-life model for Chernabog, even though the film’s director had reservations about his acting style. Despite this, Lugosi’s distinctive appearance left an indelible mark on the sinister character, contributing to the film’s enduring appeal.
