The Hidden Easter Eggs in the ‘Stuart Little’ Movies

When Stuart Little first graced the big screen in 1999, audiences were captivated by the heartwarming tale of a little mouse navigating life with his human family. While the movie charmed viewers of all ages, it also included subtle Easter eggs and behind-the-scenes details that many fans may have missed. Here, we uncover some of the hidden gems tucked away in the Stuart Little films.
A Literary Nod to E.B. White
Eagle-eyed fans of E.B. White’s original novel may have noticed subtle tributes to the author sprinkled throughout the movie. For example, in the Little family’s library, there’s a copy of Charlotte’s Web, another beloved work by White. This inclusion is a clever homage to the author and serves as a reminder of his influence on children’s literature.

Stuart’s License Plate
In the second movie, Stuart Little 2, Stuart drives a toy convertible with a personalized license plate that reads ‘STU 4RD.’ This playful detail is both a nod to his name and a fun touch for sharp-eyed viewers paying close attention to his miniature car.

The Painting Mystery
One of the most surprising Easter eggs in the first Stuart Little movie involves a piece of art in the Little family’s home. The painting featured in the background of several scenes was discovered to be a genuine work by Hungarian artist Róbert Berény. The painting, titled Sleeping Lady with Black Vase, had been missing for years before being spotted by an art historian while watching the movie! It was later auctioned for a significant amount, making it one of the most unexpected movie-related art discoveries.

Mouse-Sized Details
The filmmakers paid extraordinary attention to Stuart’s perspective, ensuring the world around him felt authentic. Many of the props in the Little household were designed with Stuart’s size in mind. For example, Stuart’s bedroom furniture, including his bed and nightstand, was hand-crafted to match his scale while maintaining a whimsical design.

Snowbell’s Cat Humour
Snowbell, the Little family’s sarcastic cat voiced by Nathan Lane, is full of witty one-liners, but his character also hides some visual gags. In one scene, Snowbell can be seen batting around a tiny ball with ‘Mice Rule’ written on it—a hilarious nod to his grudging acceptance of Stuart as part of the family.
The Model Boat Easter Egg
In the iconic sailboat race scene from the first film, one of the competing boats is named ‘The Margalo’—a subtle foreshadowing of Margalo, the bird Stuart befriends in Stuart Little 2. This clever detail ties the two films together and rewards attentive viewers.

A New York Love Letter
The movies are set in New York City, and the filmmakers went out of their way to celebrate the city’s charm. From Stuart’s thrilling boat race in Central Park to the picturesque cityscapes, the movies offer a subtle love letter to NYC. Look closely at the city scenes, and you might spot famous landmarks, such as the Bethesda Fountain, used as subtle backdrops.

Michael J. Fox’s Improvisation
Michael J. Fox, who voiced Stuart, brought his trademark humour and warmth to the role. Many of Stuart’s quips and one-liners were improvised by Fox during recording sessions, adding a layer of spontaneity and charm to the character.
The Hidden Mouse Symbolism
Throughout the movies, subtle mouse-themed imagery appears in the background. For instance, the patterns on the wallpaper in Stuart’s room include tiny mouse ears, and the buttons on his toy car’s dashboard resemble cheese wheels. These small details underscore the filmmakers’ dedication to creating a cohesive and immersive world for Stuart.
Nathan Lane’s Ad-Libbed Comedy
Much of Snowbell’s humour stems from Nathan Lane’s natural comedic instincts. Lane reportedly ad-libbed several of Snowbell’s funniest lines, including his exasperated complaints about “living with a mouse.” His performance adds depth and humour to the character, making Snowbell a fan favourite.

Final Thoughts
The Stuart Little films are more than just heartwarming tales of adventure and family—they are intricately crafted works filled with hidden gems and clever details. Whether it’s a nod to E.B. White’s literary legacy or an Easter egg hidden in the props, these touches make the movies even more enjoyable for fans to revisit. Next time you watch Stuart Little, keep an eye out for these fun surprises!
–Silviya.Y