The 'Poltergeist' franchise is often cited as the most cursed in Hollywood history. The legend began when it was revealed that real human skeletons were used as props in the first film's swimming pool scene because they were cheaper than plastic ones. Following the release, four cast members died in a six-year span. Young star Heather O'Rourke died at age 12 due to medical complications, and Dominique Dunne was tragically murdered shortly after the first film's premiere. Two other actors from the sequels also passed away during production. This string of tragedies led to a widespread industry superstition that the production had been haunted by the use of real remains, creating a dark legacy for one of the most successful horror franchises of the 1980s.