The Twisted Tale Of How Gruesome Prop From ‘Se7en’ Reappeared In ‘Contagion’ Many Years Later

Hollywood’s creepiest recycled prop.

Jesse

• Published in News
• September 18, 2024

What do a viral pandemic and a murderous rampage inspired by the seven deadly sins have in common? More than you think. 

Believe it or not, Contagion, the medical thriller that had us all washing our hands twice during the COVID-19 pandemic, shares a gruesome connection with Se7en, David Fincher's iconic psychological thriller. Both films share an eerie atmosphere of dread and a severed head prop of Gwyneth Paltrow. 

Let’s rewind a bit. In Se7en, Fincher crafted one of the most disturbing endings in cinematic history. We all remember Brad Pitt’s desperate question: “What’s in the box?” The answer, though never shown, was the severed head of Paltrow’s character, Tracy Mills—who was his pregnant wife.

While we never saw her decapitated head on screen, a prop of it was created just in case. However, Fincher decided to let the scene rest on the power of suggestion rather than gore.

The emotional impact hit even harder without the actual display of Tracy’s severed head, leaving viewers to squirm in their seats as Brad Pitt’s character crumbled.

But that infamous head prop didn’t end up in the archives collecting dust. Fast forward to Steven Soderbergh’s Contagion. In the early moments of the film, Paltrow’s character, Beth Emhoff, succumbs to a mysterious virus after returning from a business trip. 

Did you know? 'Contagion' featured a notable prop from 'Se7en'

In a chilling autopsy scene, doctors examine her head—except it wasn’t really Paltrow. It was the same prop head from Se7en, reused for a whole new kind of horror.

That’s right, the decapitated head of Tracy Mills got a second (if not morbidly ironic) life in Contagion.

‘Contagion’ and ‘Se7en’ each bring their own brand of fear."

Paltrow may have only briefly appeared in both movies, but the severed head prop made sure her presence was unforgettable.

This head prop serves as a bizarre, behind-the-scenes connection between two very different films. In Se7en, it represents the ultimate act of cruelty from Kevin Spacey’s villain. In Contagion, it underscores the fragility of life, as Beth’s unexpected death kicks off a global pandemic.

Paltrow’s death kicked off the pandemic in Contagion, but this wasn’t the first time her head had sent chills down our spine.

Matt Damon’s fight for his family was just one piece of the global survival puzzle

While the gruesome prop is an interesting piece of Hollywood trivia, what’s truly terrifying is how both films evoke horror in such contrasting ways.

Se7en leaves much to the imagination, heightening our dread by never fully revealing the gore. Meanwhile, Contagion reminds us that real-life horrors, like pandemics, can be disturbingly mundane and chillingly clinical.

Se7en proves that even the heroes aren’t safe—their loved ones included

Imagine making horror history twice over. Legendary!

When Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman team up as detectives, the result is cinematic gold.

A quiet dinner. Little do they know, the darkest chapter is already written

Let’s be honest; the fact that both scenes feature Paltrow makes this connection all the more haunting. It’s a small, grotesque detail that unites two of the most nerve-wracking films in very different ways.

One head, two iconic films—just another strange piece of movie trivia that’s bound to leave you equally disturbed and fascinated.

Jesse