Four "Harry Potter" series alumni appear in this version of "Sweeney Todd" - Helena Bonham Carter (Mrs. Lovett / Bellatrix Lestrange), Alan Rickman (Judge Turpin / Severus Snape), Timothy Spall (Beadle / Peter Pettigrew), and Jamie Campbell Bower (Anthony HOPE / Gellert Grindelwald).
The address on Mrs. Lovett's shop - Number 186 - is a reference to the London legend of Sweeney Todd, which placed his barber shop at this very address.
When Mrs. Lovett is singing "The Worst Pies In London" she is seen pressing on dough on her counter from behind her hand. She leans over to push on it, and the shot changes to in front of her, where she leans over to push on it again.
Sweeney Todd: [sung]
They all deserve to die. Tell you why, Mrs. Lovett, tell you why! Because in all of the whole human race, Mrs. Lovett, there are two kinds of men and only two. There's the one staying put in his proper place and one with his foot in the other one's face. Look at me, Mrs Lovett! Look at you! No, we all deserve to die... Even you, Mrs Lovett, even I! Because the lives of the wicked should be made brief. For the rest of us death will be a relief. We all deserve to die... And I'll never see Johanna, no I'll never hug my girl to me... FINISHED!
What is written in the note that Sweeney sends to Judge Turpin?
A
The note reads: ;Honorable Judge Turpin, I write this urgent note to warn you that the young sailor has abducted your ward Johanna. Hoping to earn your favor, I have persuaded the boy to bring her here tonight to my shop. Hurry after nightfall, and she will be waiting.
Q
Why is "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd'' only in the film as an instrumental?
A
The Ballad serves as a "Greek chorus" providing back story for the stage show; yet, Burton has the luxury of showing us what happens to Benjamin Barker and his wife, so the chorus became obsolete.
Q
What is a beadle?
A
A beadle is a Parish bailiff. They don't exist anymore. A parish is the administrative area around a church. A bailiff is the officer of the parish who deals with the practicalities of the local laws - this film is set prior to the formation of the British police.