Joel Schumacher’s The Lost Boys, released in 1987, quickly became a cult classic for its unique blend of horror, humor, rock ‘n’ roll sensibility, and the Frog brothers, but the famous siblings were originally supposed to be much younger. Set in the fictional Californian town of Santa Carla — a hub of supernatural activities — the film follows two brothers who move into the town only to discover its dark secret: it’s infested with vampires. The Frog brothers, self-proclaimed vampire hunters, assist the newcomers in navigating and ultimately confronting this hidden underworld.
With its blend of comedy, horror, and teenage angst, The Lost Boys is an unconventional vampire movie with a unique take on vampire mythology, resonating with audiences both during its release and in subsequent decades. The film originally set out to be a family-friendly adventure but evolved into a teen-focused vampire thriller that redefined the genre. As a result, The Lost Boys carved a niche for itself, striking a balance between fright and satire, and in doing so, became an iconic representation of 1980s youth culture and cinematic style, and that’s thanks in part to the Frog brothers.
In its earliest conception, The Lost Boys was quite different from the final product seen on screen. Initially planned as a G-rated family adventure similar to The Goonies, the movie featured much younger versions of the Frog brothers (via IndieWire). The original script, crafted by Janice Fischer and James Jeremias, envisioned these characters as chubby, Cub Scout-esque children in the 5th and 6th grades. The tonal shift from a whimsical children’s adventure to a darker, more mature theme came when screenwriter Jeffrey Boam was brought in. Schumacher explained (via The Hollywood Interview):
Boam reimagined the film as a teen-friendly thriller, elevating the ages of the characters to better fit this new vision. The decision to age the Frog brothers from young children to teenagers was pivotal. It allowed the film to explore the notion that comic book enthusiasts, often seen as less ‘cool’ or youthful outliers, could indeed be heroes in their own right. This change not only broadened the film’s appeal to a teenage audience, who could see themselves reflected in the protagonists but also intensified the film’s action and horror elements, making them more fitting for an R-rated setting.
The older Frog brothers, played by Corey Feldman and Jamison Newlander in The Lost Boys cast, were able to engage in more complex, riskier behaviors than their younger counterparts would believably have managed. This led to iconic scenes like wielding holy water balloon bombs and facing off against vampire foes in more direct, physical confrontations. Moreover, this age shift was critical in redefining the characters’ cultural impact. The teenage Frog brothers came to symbolize a form of adolescent rebellion and resourcefulness, turning what could have been a light-hearted tale into a coming-of-age story wrapped in a chilling horror movie.
Decades after The Lost Boys premiered, Corey Feldman and Jamison Newlander continue to cherish their roles as the iconic Frog brothers. Feldman returned for two Lost Boys sequels, Lost Boys: The Tribe and Lost Boys: The Thirst, and while Newlander was absent from The Tribe, he also returned for The Thirst. Both actors regularly attend fan conventions, including reuniting as recently as 2023 at the Liverpool Comic-Con, engaging with a fanbase that remains enthusiastic and expansive, evidencing the lasting impact of their performances.
These characters have not only endured in various sequels but have also made appearances in numerous other media, including comic books like Santa Carla Hunters’ Union and a currently in-development stage production (via Playbill). Corey Feldman, in particular, has spoken at length about his connection to the character of Edgar Frog. For Feldman, Edgar represented a significant departure from the typical roles offered to him by the Hollywood studio system, which often sought to pigeonhole actors into certain types. Feldman explained (via SyFy):
This opportunity to creatively explore and develop Edgar Frog allowed Feldman to deliver a performance that was both distinctive and memorable and not exactly what audiences would expect of him. Their ongoing involvement in the world of The Lost Boys underscores the profound connection they have with their characters and the film’s enduring appeal. The Frog brothers remain quintessential figures in the realm of horror cinema, epitomizing the blend of youthful audacity and comic relief that helped make the original a beloved classic.
Sources: IndieWire, The Hollywood Interview, Deadline, Playbill, SyFy