Buzz
Following the success of Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby, Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, and director Adam McKay reunited for Step Brothers. The hilarious chaos of adult-children Brennan Huff and Dale Doback navigating their new family dynamic captivated audiences, earning over $100 million at the box office. Here are some intriguing details about the film to spark conversations at your next social gathering.
1. ADAM MCKAY'S IDEA SPARKED DURING TALLADEGA NIGHTS POST-PRODUCTION.
While working on the final edits of Talladega Nights, Adam McKay, Will Ferrell, and John C. Reilly brainstormed ideas for their next collaboration. The concept of Step Brothers emerged when someone casually mentioned “bunk beds,” inspiring McKay to create a story about two immature stepbrothers.
2. JON HAMM WAS NEARLY CAST AS DEREK.
The role of Derek, the obnoxious brother, was a toss-up between Jon Hamm, Thomas Lennon, and Adam Scott. Ultimately, Scott landed the part.
3. WILL FERRELL SANG LIVE, AND JOHN C. REILLY PLAYED THE DRUMS HIMSELF.
Reilly had previously mastered the drums for his role in Georgia, where the music was performed live on set.
4. ADAM SCOTT DIDN’T SING HIS OWN PART.
During the car scene where Derek’s family belts out “Sweet Child O' Mine,” everyone except Adam Scott sang live. Scott mimed to a vocalist positioned outside the car’s windshield.
5. JOHN C. REILLY HAS A RICH MUSICAL BACKGROUND.
Reilly’s brother formed a band named Shark Fighter, with John as the lead vocalist. While his brother handled the drums, he forbade John from using his drum set. Reilly confessed on NPR that he secretly played the drums whenever his brother wasn’t around.
6. RICHARD JENKINS ONCE WORKED FOR REILLY’S FATHER.
During the final stages of filming, Jenkins—who portrayed Dr. Robert Doback, Reilly’s on-screen father—learned from Reilly that his real father was also from Chicago and had worked in the linen industry. Jenkins then recalled that he had been employed by John Reilly Sr. in the summer of 1969 and had even met a young John Jr. when he was just four years old.
7. BRENNAN’S PROSTHETIC TESTICLES WERE COSTLY.
The prosthetic testicles had a production cost of $10,000, and Ferrell decided to keep them after filming.
8. THE COSTUME DESIGNER HAD TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX.
Susan Matheson faced the challenge of sourcing vintage T-shirts that avoided making Brennan and Dale appear like they were trying to be hipsters. She crafted Brennan’s pajama bottoms from retro Star Wars sheets she found on eBay.
9. PABLO CRUISE PERFORMED AT THE PREMIERE.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
The 1970s pop-rock band was thrilled to spot one of their T-shirts featured in the movie’s trailer and volunteered to perform at the film’s premiere.
10. ADAM MCKAY REUSED HIS OLD HIGH SCHOOL’S NAME IN THE FILM.
Brennan’s talent show performance took place at Great Valley High School, the same school McKay attended in Malvern, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1986.
11. NFL ANALYST CRIS COLLINSWORTH DECLINED TO USE PROFANITY.
Collinsworth filmed a brief cameo as Brennan’s boss, delivering two lines. Whenever McKay suggested a line with swearing, Collinsworth adjusted it to avoid cursing.
12. JENKINS REQUIRED A TETANUS VACCINE.
During filming, one of the dogs bit Jenkins on the buttocks, prompting the need for a tetanus shot. When he returned, Jenkins asked McKay if he should limp in the next scene for continuity. McKay replied that the dog scene might not even make the final cut.
13. THE CATALINA WINE MIXER WASN’T FILMED ON CATALINA ISLAND.
The iconic scene was shot at the Trump National Golf Course in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Admittedly, “The Rancho Palos Verdes Wine Mixer” doesn’t sound nearly as catchy.
14. THE INITIAL CUT OF THE MOVIE RAN FOR FIVE HOURS.
The film was eventually trimmed to 98 minutes for its theatrical release.
15. A RAP ALBUM WAS INITIATED BUT NEVER RELEASED.
McKay collaborated with the music producer behind “Boats ‘N Hoes” and chart-topping tracks for artists like Rihanna and Katy Perry. However, the project was abandoned due to scheduling conflicts among the team.
