17 Again: Fun Facts and Trivia from IMDb
The 2009 comedy film "17 Again" starring Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, and Leslie Mann was a box office hit, grossing over $130 million worldwide. But how much do you know about the making of this popular teen comedy? Here are some fun facts and trivia from IMDb:
The Original Script Was Very Different
The original script for "17 Again" was much darker and more serious, focusing on themes of depression and suicide. However, the producers decided to tone down the script and make it a more lighthearted, family-friendly film.
Zac Efron's Rapid Weight Gain
To play the role of Mike O'Donnell, Zac Efron had to gain 15 pounds in just three weeks. He achieved this by eating every two hours and consuming a high-calorie diet.
Matthew Perry's Real-Life Injury
Matthew Perry, who played the adult Mike O'Donnell, suffered a real-life injury during filming. He slipped and fell on the set, injuring his ribs and forcing the producers to rewrite some scenes to accommodate his recovery.
The Basketball Scene
The iconic basketball scene where Mike O'Donnell (Zac Efron) plays against his own teenage self (Hunter Parrish) took 14 hours to film. Efron had to learn how to play basketball left-handed, as the script required him to play with his non-dominant hand.
Leslie Mann's Improvisation
Leslie Mann, who played Scarlett O'Donnell, improvised many of her lines throughout the film. Her comedic timing and ad-libbing added to the film's humor and charm.
The High School Setting
The high school scenes were filmed at John Burroughs High School in Burbank, California. The school was chosen for its nostalgic, 1980s vibe, which fit perfectly with the film's plot.
Zac Efron's First Day on Set
On Zac Efron's first day on set, he was so nervous that he threw up in his trailer. Despite his nerves, he went on to deliver a standout performance as the lead character.
The Script Was Changed for Zac Efron
The script was rewritten to accommodate Zac Efron's distinctive voice and mannerisms. The film's writers wanted to take advantage of Efron's strengths as a performer and make the character more relatable to a teenage audience.
The Movie's Original Title
The working title for "17 Again" was "Seventeen". The title was changed to make it more catchy and memorable for audiences.
These fun facts and trivia from IMDb offer a behind-the-scenes look at the making of "17 Again". From Zac Efron's impressive physical transformation to Matthew Perry's real-life injury, there's more to this teen comedy than meets the eye.
