Feuding actors, script changes, near-miss casting choices - a lot went down that you don’t know about. Here’s a list of some of the juiciest behind the scenes facts, with some hot gossip on the side.
The Breakfast Club
In another universe, this teen classic would have been totally different. First, the janitor role was offered toRick Moranis(Ghostbusters), who wanted to do a Russian accent for comedic relief. DirectorJohn Hughesand other executives thought it would be too distracting for the serious tone of the film.
Another change was to the script. The film was originally racier, including a topless scene involving the school’s swimming instructor, and a scene involving the male students and an aerobics class filled with middle-aged women.
That’s not all. Read on to see whyJudd Nelsonwas almost fired from the movie!
Pretty In Pink
James Spader’s performance as Steff inPretty In Pinkwas very good. Almost too good. During his audition for the role, Spader was so into character that the producers thought he was a real-life jerk. So much so that they almost didn’t cast him.
On top of that, the movie wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t forMolly Ringwald’s taste in music. After filmingSixteen Candles, Ringwald told John Hughes to write a movie based on the song, “Pretty In Pink.” Hughes proceed to write the film after that conversation.
Yet the entire film would’ve been different ifJon Cryerhadn’t been cast as Duckie. Read on to know why.
A lot went into the casting of the movieHeathers. At one point there was this young guy at the table read of the script that played J.D. but didn’t get the role. That young guy turned out to beBrad Pitt.
The movie was also difficult forShannen Doherty. Due to her conservative upbringing, she had a hard time swearing on camera. Giving the number of f-bombs in this movie, this caused other members of the cast to giggle between takes.
License to Drive
The film starring The Two Coreys almost starred a Corey and a Ben.Ben Affleckauditioned for the role of Les Anderson, but it ultimately went toCorey Haim. Affleck would move on to winning Oscars and being Batman, so he’s doing fine.
Oddly enough, Corey Haim was also trying to get his driver’s license during filming, just like his character in the movie. The plot revolves Haim driving a Cadillac, but there were nine Caddys purchased for the film. There must have been a lot of on-set joyriding.
Risky Business
Tom Cruisereally wanted to help sell the fact he was a teenager inRisky Business, even though he was in his 20s. Cruise worked out to shed 14 pounds, then immediately stopped and ate fatty foods to “get a layer of baby fat” to appear younger.
Cruise also deserves credit for the most iconic scene in the movie. The entire dance sequence in his underwear, complete with slide, was entirely improvised by Cruise. Cruise even dusted the floor himself so he could slide into frame!
Weird Science
Weird Scienceasks, “What would happen if two teens made a robot girlfriend?” Yet there was a moment whereIlan Mitchell-Smithgot too into character. During a kissing scene withKelly LeBrock, he actually stuck his tongue into her mouth. After the take, LeBrock told him, “I’ll kick your ass” if he did it again.
If you’re an 80s teen movie super fan and thought the school looked familiar, that’s because you’ve seen it before. The film was shot at Niles East High School, the same school asSixteen CandlesandRisky Business.
Sixteen Candles
The role of Jake inSixteen Candlesalmost didn’t go toMichael Schoeffling.Viggo Mortenson(Lord of the Rings) impressed many with his audition but didn’t get the part. Reportedly, Molly Ringwald was especially impressed with Viggo’s kissing skills.
The movie also couldn’t have its cake and eat it too. The heavily frosted birthday cake used in the final scene was made of cardboard. How did not catch on fire from all of those lit candles?
Wait until you find out why and how John Hughes wrote this movie, later on in the list.
Say Anything
This modern romance tale was praised forJohn CusackandIone Skye’s performances, but the two lovers were almost played byRobert Downey Jr.andJennifer Connolly.The roles were reportedly offered to the actors but they had turned them down.
That’s not the only potential change. The memorable scene where Lloyd lifts up his boombox to playPeter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” was almost an entirely different song! Before choosing Gabriel’s song,Billy Idol’s“To Be a Lover” was considered.
Keep reading to learn aboutEric Stoltz’s role on theotherside of the camera.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Fast Times at Ridgemont Highwas not just a coming-of-age film for viewers, but an important film for several actors, too. It ended up being the first movie roles for Hollywood starsForrest WhittakerandNicolas Cage.Jennifer Jason-Leighalso took a job at a real Perry’s Pizza in order to get into character.
This was also an important movie forAmy Heckerling, who made her directorial debut withFast Times. Originally,David Lynchwas approached to direct the movie. Lynch turned it down, saying that he typically doesn’t direct teen comedies and it should go to someone better suited for that style.
Read on to learn Penn’s on-set antics onFast Times.
The modern-day wolfman tale surprisingly took only 21 days to shoot, but not without problems. In spite of having two weeks of basketball training,Michael J. Foxcouldn’t dunk to save his life. Luckily, those basketball scenes were shot with a double,Jeff Glosser,disguised under wolf makeup and fur.
While werewolves playing b-ball was made up, the don’t-try-this-at-home van surfing scene was derived from real life.Teen Wolfco-creator Jeph Loeb would go on “urban surfing” adventures as a college student. Upon reflection, Loeb called urban surfing “incredibly stupid.”
