Robert told the Ringer, “He wanted to eat the most frightening thing for him. I thought, ‘This is terrific!’ I sent my prop people down into the boiler room. … They brought me a box, divided up into little sections with tissue paper. The cockroaches were there lined up for me to cast. I think they’re actually called water bugs — they’re bigger than cockroaches.”
Nicolas said, “I really [wanted] to do something that would shock the audience, something you would never forget.”
Before shooting the scene, producer Barbara Zitwer made them consult a doctor to ensure Nic wouldn’t get sick. The doctor told them, “No. But have him drink some whiskey right after.” So, they had the actor wash his mouth out with 100-proof vodka after each take.
They only did two takes, but Nic actually ingested the bug both times. Co-producer Barry Shils lied to an animal rights group and said that they were still alive.