The Man Behind The Monster: Unmasking The Legendary Voice Of Audrey II In Little Shop Of Horrors (1986)

Few cinematic voices are as instantly recognizable and menacingly soulful as the man-eating plant, Audrey II, from the 1986 cult classic musical, Little Shop of Horrors. This deep, gravelly, and undeniably Motown-infused baritone transformed a giant puppet into a true screen villain, captivating audiences with songs like "Feed Me (Git It)" and "Mean Green Mother From Outer Space." As of late 2025, the film continues to be celebrated for its blend of dark comedy, catchy tunes, and incredible practical effects, leading many to constantly search for the identity of the legendary singer who brought the carnivorous plant to life.

The man who gave the alien plant its unforgettable voice was none other than a true icon of American music, a lead singer whose legacy extends far beyond Skid Row: the late, great Levi Stubbs. His casting was a stroke of genius by director Frank Oz, who perfectly matched the plant's insatiable hunger with Stubbs' powerful, commanding vocal delivery, creating one of the most memorable non-human characters in movie history.

The Legendary Career of Levi Stubbs: The Voice of Audrey II

Levi Stubbs, born Levi Stubbles on June 6, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, was a towering figure in the Motown era. His biography and career are a testament to the power of a singular, unforgettable voice.

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• Full Name: Levi Stubbles
• Born: June 6, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
• Died: October 17, 2008, in Detroit, Michigan, U.S. (Aged 72)
• Primary Occupation: Lead Singer of The Four Tops
• Vocal Range: Baritone
• Signature Motown Hits: "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)," "Reach Out I'll Be There," "Standing in the Shadows of Love," "Bernadette."
• Film Role: Voice of Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
• Other Voice Roles: Provided the voice for the animated character "The Mother Brain" in the television series Captain N: The Game Master.
• Legacy: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 as a member of The Four Tops.

Stubbs' distinct baritone was the driving force behind the success of The Four Tops, one of Motown Records' most enduring groups. His voice possessed a raw, soulful intensity that could convey both tender emotion and powerful, desperate urgency. It was this unique quality that director Frank Oz sought when casting the voice for the man-eating plant. Oz reportedly cast Stubbs because he wanted Audrey II to sound like a "street-smart, R&B-singing villain," a perfect contrast to the timid Seymour Krelborn, played by Rick Moranis.

The Unforgettable Sound: How Levi Stubbs Created a Carnivorous Icon

The role of Audrey II required a voice that could shift between smooth-talking temptation and roaring, monstrous hunger. Levi Stubbs delivered this duality flawlessly. His performance is a masterclass in vocal acting, making the plant one of the most beloved screen villains of the 1980s.

The Motown Influence on Audrey II's Music

The genius of the film's music, composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman, was to infuse the plant's songs with a classic R&B and Motown sound. Stubbs' presence anchored this style, giving the songs a genuine soulfulness that elevated them far beyond typical musical numbers. When he sings "Feed Me (Git It)," the track is a desperate, funky plea, while "Mean Green Mother From Outer Space" is a full-throttle, brassy, and utterly confident villain anthem.

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This casting choice provided a crucial layer of topical authority to the film's soundtrack. It wasn't just a voice actor; it was a Motown legend lending his immense credibility to a horror-comedy musical. The songs are now considered classics, largely due to Stubbs' powerful and commanding delivery.

The Technical Marvel of the Audrey II Puppet

While Stubbs provided the voice, the physical presence of Audrey II was achieved through groundbreaking practical effects and animatronics, directed by Muppets veteran Frank Oz. The colossal, flesh-eating plant required a massive team of puppeteers and technicians.

• Puppet Creator: The intricate designs and construction of the various stages of the Audrey II puppet were created by Lyle Conway.
• Filming Technique: For the scenes involving the largest, most complex puppet, the filmmakers employed a technique of shooting the footage at a slower speed (12 or 16 frames per second) while the actors performed their movements in slow motion. When the film was played back at the standard 24 frames per second, the plant's movements appeared unnervingly fluid, fast, and lifelike, a testament to the artistry of the puppeteers.
• The Team: The final, massive plant required an entire crew of puppeteers working together to control its lips, vines, and body movements, a logistical nightmare that resulted in cinematic magic.

The seamless combination of Levi Stubbs' voice and the intricate animatronics is what made Audrey II such a convincing and terrifying character, solidifying the 1986 film's place as a masterpiece of practical effects.

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The Enduring Legacy and Future of the Plant

The 1986 film, produced by David Geffen, is also famous for its dramatic change from the original Off-Broadway musical's bleak conclusion. The film’s theatrical release featured a happy ending where Seymour defeats Audrey II. However, the original, much darker ending—where Seymour and Audrey (played by Ellen Greene) are eaten by the plant, which then goes on to conquer the world—was filmed and later restored in the "Director's Cut."

This controversy only added to the film's cult status, ensuring its continued relevance decades later. The full cast, including Rick Moranis, Steve Martin (as the sadistic dentist Orin Scrivello, D.D.S.), Vincent Gardenia (Mr. Mushnik), and the trio of street urchins Crystal, Ronette, and Chiffon (Tichina Arnold, Michelle Weeks, and Tisha Campbell), are fondly remembered for their iconic performances.

The Next Generation: A Remake on the Horizon?

In a testament to the story's enduring appeal, a new film adaptation of Little Shop of Horrors has been rumored for years, and as of the latest updates, it remains a hot topic in Hollywood. The most significant recent news revolves around the casting of the new Audrey II.

Multiple sources have indicated that Emmy-winning actor and singer Billy Porter is being eyed to voice the new Audrey II. Porter, known for his powerful voice and theatrical presence, would be a formidable successor to Levi Stubbs, bringing a fresh, contemporary interpretation to the role. Other names rumored to be attached to the project include Taron Egerton as Seymour and Scarlett Johansson as Audrey, though no official casting announcements have been finalized.

The potential casting of Billy Porter highlights the deep respect Hollywood has for Levi Stubbs' original performance. Whoever takes on the role will be tasked with meeting the high bar set by the Motown legend, whose voice defined the "Mean Green Mother" for a generation. The 1986 film, with its star-studded cast and the unforgettable voice of Levi Stubbs, remains the definitive cinematic version, a perfect blend of horror, comedy, and R&B soul.