Trivia / Neighbors (1981)

• Cast the Runner-Up: John Belushi was originally cast in the role of Vic and Dan Aykroyd in the role of Earl. The two decided to switch roles just prior to filming the movie. As such, Belushi and Akroyd starred in this movie acting against type, loud-mouthed Belushi played a quiet character whilst the meeker Aykroyd played an over-the-top character.
• Channel Hop: The film was originally pitched to 20th Century Fox but then-head Sherry Lansing turned it down as she didn't think it was funny. Producers David Brown and Richard D. Zanuck had a long-term exclusive deal with the 20th Century Fox film studio but they were not interested in making this movie. Moreover, even after reading the first draft screenplay written by Larry Gelbart, Fox still declined on the picture.
• Creator Backlash:
  • John Belushi ended up hating everything about the film, from its director to its music score. Regarding the latter, he lobbied for a punk rock music track, not the jaunty trombone jazz score that Bill Conti came up with.
  • Screenwriter Larry Gelbart disapproved of how much his script was rewritten.
  • Dan Aykroyd and Richard D. Zanuck have also confessed that they didn't care for the film, mostly due to its post-production problems.
• Direct to Video: The film was never shown theatrically in the UK when first released and went straight to video.
• Playing Against Type: John Belushi saw this film as an opportunity for him to shake off the Bluto image that he had gained from Animal House.
• Release Date Change: The film's December 1981 wide release date was pushed back from the fourth of the month until the eighteenth as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
• Troubled Production: Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi argued with John G. Avildsen, who argued with the producers and everybody tried to rewrite the screenplay. Though the script is credited to Larry Gelbart, much of it was re-written, and Gelbart publicly aired his disapproval. At one point, Belushi accused Gelbart of drinking too much. In a tragic turn of events, Belushi, who had briefly refrained from drug use, found himself on a set where most of the crew was using cocaine, relapsed hard, and died of a speedball-induced overdose less than four months after filming wrapped.
• Wag the Director: John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd argued constantly with director John G. Avildsen (as they believed that he had no understanding of comedy), and lobbied to have him removed from the picture. Belushi also allegedly attempted to have Avildsen removed.
• What Could Have Been:
  • Rodney Dangerfield was considered for Earl Keese.
  • The producers considered Gene Wilder and Steve Martin for the lead roles.
  • It was reported in Daily Variety that Gilda Radner turned down a role.
  • Penny Marshall auditioned for the role of Enid Keese.
  • John Belushi got so sick of John G. Avildsen's directing style that he called John Landis late one night and asked if he could take over the movie. When Landis heard they were already filming, he explained that he couldn't do it, due to Landis directing An American Werewolf in London. Belushi wanted either Dan Aykroyd, Landis or himself to direct the film.
  • Belushi unsuccessfully tried to have the film finish with a song written and performed by F.E.A.R.. Upset with Belushi's antics and believing that Fear's music was inappropriate for Neighbors, the movie studio eventually forced the band off the soundtrack project. To make up for it, Belushi got them a guest spot on Saturday Night Live.

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