
In the 2021 Netflix comedy-action film *Thunder Force*, Melissa McCarthy's character Lydia must eat raw chicken to maintain her super strength. The raw chicken prop was not actually made of chicken, but rather thinly sliced pears treated with citric acid and food colouring. The prop was so realistic that it grossed out the cast and crew, and viewers took to Twitter to express their disgust.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredient | Pears |
| Consistency | Thinly sliced |
| Treatment | Citric acid and food colouring |
| Appearance | Convincing |
| Taste | Sweet |
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What You'll Learn

The raw chicken was made from thinly sliced pears
The raw chicken in the Netflix comedy-action flick "Thunder Force" was made from thinly sliced pears. The film stars Melissa McCarthy as Lydia, who gains superpowers and must eat raw chicken to maintain her super-strength. While the idea of consuming raw chicken is initially off-putting to Lydia, she eventually comes around to it and even shares a bonding moment over it with The Crab, played by Jason Bateman.
Creating the raw chicken prop was no easy feat. According to director Ben Falcone, the production team experimented with various substitutes before settling on thinly sliced pears. "The raw chicken is actually really thinly sliced pears treated with citric acid and food coloring," Falcone revealed. The result was strikingly realistic, eliciting a grossed-out reaction from both the cast and crew.
Indeed, the prop's believability presented a unique challenge for McCarthy, who knew the "chicken" was actually pear but struggled to separate the two in her mind. "I know it's a pear, but it's just hard not to imagine it as raw chicken," she said. The convincing nature of the prop also extended to the audience, with viewers expressing their disgust on Twitter and describing the scenes as "revolting" and "gag-worthy."
The process of simulating raw chicken was a painstaking one, with the crew spending a significant amount of time searching for the perfect substitute. Initially, they experimented with Mung beans, but the results were tricky for McCarthy to consume. Ultimately, the thinly sliced pear treatment proved to be the most effective method, showcasing the dedication and creativity of the props department in bringing this unique aspect of the film to life.
Overall, the use of thinly sliced pears treated with citric acid and food coloring to create the raw chicken in "Thunder Force" is a testament to the movie magic that can be achieved through clever prop design and an actor's commitment to their craft, even when faced with unappetizing scenarios.
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The pears were treated with citric acid and food colouring
The Netflix comedy-action flick "Thunder Force" features Melissa McCarthy's character Lydia eating raw chicken to maintain her superpowers. However, the production team used a substitute for raw chicken, which was made of thinly sliced pears treated with citric acid and food colouring. This substitute was crafted by the props department with striking accuracy, making it challenging for the actors to get through their scenes without imagining they were eating raw chicken. The process of creating this realistic substitute was painstaking, with one crew member spending a month and a half experimenting with different options, including mung beans.
The use of pears treated with citric acid and food colouring was a clever solution to create a believable raw chicken prop. Pears, when thinly sliced, can mimic the texture and appearance of uncooked chicken, especially with the addition of citric acid to enhance the resemblance. The food colouring likely added the pinkish hue often found in raw chicken. This combination resulted in a convincing visual effect, enhancing the film's comedic and intimate moments without requiring the use of actual raw chicken, which could be unappetizing for the cast and viewers alike.
The choice of pears as the base ingredient for the raw chicken prop was a strategic one. Pears are a sweet and delicious fruit, providing a stark contrast to the idea of consuming raw chicken. By using pears, the prop creators could transform a fruit that is typically appetizing into something that, when treated with citric acid and food colouring, became difficult to stomach. This transformation underscores the movie's comedic elements and adds to the absurdity of the situation.
The treatment of the pears with citric acid played a crucial role in achieving the desired effect. Citric acid is known for its ability to alter the appearance and texture of certain foods. In this case, it helped break down the pear slices, making them softer and more pliable, potentially enhancing their resemblance to raw chicken. The acid also added a tart flavour to the pears, further distancing their taste from the sweetness typically associated with the fruit.
The addition of food colouring to the pears was likely a key factor in selling the illusion. Food colouring is used to alter the appearance of food, and in this case, it probably helped the pears achieve a raw meat-like hue. The specific shades and combinations of food colouring used would have been carefully selected to match the colour of raw chicken, ensuring that the prop looked convincing on camera and to the viewers.
The process of treating the pears with citric acid and food colouring required experimentation and precision. The prop team had to find the right balance of ingredients and application techniques to create a consistent and believable effect. The success of this prop showcases the creativity and attention to detail that went into crafting the world of "Thunder Force," enhancing the film's overall impact and leaving a memorable impression on audiences.
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Melissa McCarthy's character Lydia eats the raw chicken
In the Netflix comedy-action film Thunder Force, Melissa McCarthy's character Lydia eats what appears to be raw chicken. The consumption of raw chicken is presented as a side effect of gaining superpowers, as it is one of the few things her stomach can handle. Despite her initial disgust at the idea, Lydia eventually acquires a taste for the uncooked meat, which becomes a recurring theme in the film.
The raw chicken scenes in Thunder Force sparked a range of reactions from viewers, with some expressing disgust and others praising the convincing nature of the prop. In reality, the "raw chicken" was created by the props department using thinly sliced pears treated with citric acid and food colouring. This substitute was crafted to resemble raw chicken as closely as possible, and its effectiveness resulted in a degree of discomfort for both the cast and the crew.
Melissa McCarthy's commitment to her character is evident in her willingness to consume the pear substitute, despite her awareness of its true nature. In an interview, she acknowledged the challenge of eating the prop, stating that it was difficult to separate the pear slices from the image of raw chicken in her mind. This attention to detail and dedication to her performance adds to the overall impact of the scenes.
The use of thinly sliced pears treated with citric acid and food colouring showcases the creativity and ingenuity of the Thunder Force production team. The success of this illusion highlights the importance of props and special effects in enhancing the storytelling experience and engaging the audience. The raw chicken scenes not only contribute to the comedic and bizarre tone of the film but also provide a unique element that has generated buzz and curiosity among viewers.
Overall, the scenes of Melissa McCarthy's character Lydia eating raw chicken in Thunder Force serve as a testament to the power of practical effects and the dedication of the cast and crew. The realistic portrayal of this unusual behaviour adds a layer of comedy and strangeness to the film, showcasing the ability of effective prop design to elevate a scene from simply memorable to truly unforgettable.
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The raw chicken is a side effect of gaining super strength
In the Netflix comedy-action film "Thunder Force," Melissa McCarthy's character Lydia gains superpowers through injections and must eat raw chicken to maintain her super strength. The raw chicken is a side effect of gaining super strength, and it becomes one of the few things her stomach can handle. Initially grossed out by the idea, Lydia eventually acquires a taste for it, and it even leads to a bonding moment with The Crab (Jason Bateman), who also develops a liking for the uncooked meat.
The raw chicken scenes in "Thunder Force" have sparked varied reactions from viewers, with some finding them disgusting and gag-worthy, while others praise the convincing nature of the prop. The prop was crafted from thinly sliced pears treated with citric acid and food coloring, creating a strikingly realistic simulation of raw chicken. The process of creating this realistic effect was not without its challenges, as the crew experimented with different substitutes before settling on the pear-based option.
The dynamic between McCarthy's character Lydia and The Crab, played by Jason Bateman, adds a layer of comedy to the film. Their intimate dance number and shared affinity for uncooked chicken contribute to the zany and unconventional tone of the superhero comedy. The inclusion of these bizarre elements sets "Thunder Force" apart from traditional superhero films, offering a unique and fresh take on the genre.
The raw chicken scenes also serve as a source of intrigue and curiosity for viewers. The realistic appearance of the prop has sparked discussions and speculations about its creation, with fans impressed by the convincing illusion. The attention to detail in crafting the raw chicken prop showcases the dedication of the film's crew to creating an immersive and entertaining experience for audiences.
Overall, the raw chicken in "Thunder Force" serves as a unique plot device that not only contributes to the character development of Lydia and her relationship with The Crab but also adds a layer of comedy and surprise to the film. The side effect of gaining super strength, though unusual, becomes a pivotal element in the story, showcasing the unpredictable and entertaining nature of the film's narrative.
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The raw chicken scene is described as revolting and gag-worthy
The raw chicken scene in Thunder Force has been described as revolting and gag-worthy. The scene features Melissa McCarthy's character, Lydia, eating raw chicken to maintain her super strength. While the prop was created using thinly sliced pears treated with citric acid and food colouring, it looked incredibly realistic and convinced viewers that McCarthy was actually eating raw chicken.
Director Ben Falcone commented on the scene, saying:
> "It was so believable that we all got completely grossed out every time we saw it, as did everybody who had to eat it. Melissa was like, 'I know it's a pear, but it's just hard not to imagine it as raw chicken. So that was difficult for her to get through."
The scene has sparked a range of reactions from viewers, with some expressing their disgust on Twitter. One person tweeted a gif of someone gagging, while another said they had to pause the movie because they couldn't stop gagging.
Despite the mixed reactions, the scene is a testament to the effectiveness of movie magic and the dedication of the cast and crew in creating a convincing illusion.
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Frequently asked questions
The raw chicken in Thunder Force was made from thinly sliced pears treated with citric acid and food colouring.
No, Melissa McCarthy did not eat raw chicken in the film.
In the film, McCarthy's character Lydia gains superpowers and, as a side effect, raw chicken is one of the few things her stomach can handle.
Yes, the cast and crew were grossed out by the realistic-looking raw chicken. Director Ben Falcone said, "It was so believable that we all got completely grossed out every time we saw it, as did everybody who had to eat it."











































