How a 2008 Comedy Transformed From a Troubled Script Into a Box Office Hit
In short: Before it became a beloved comedy about unlikely mentors, Role Models faced a chaotic production history. Originally titled Big Brothers, the film underwent multiple script retools and title changes before director David Wain and star Paul Rudd finalized the version that earned over $92 million at the global box office.
The film follows Danny and Wheeler, two jaded energy drink salesmen forced into 150 hours of community service after a series of legal mishaps. They are assigned to Sturdy Wings, a mentorship program for children, where they are paired with Ronnie and Augie. The narrative centers on their initial resistance to the program and their eventual growth as they bond with their respective 'littles' through shared interests, including the band Kiss and a medieval live-action role-playing game called LAIRE.
Development was far from straightforward. Announced in December 2006 as Big Brothers, the project saw several writers and directors attached before Paul Rudd was commissioned to rewrite the script. The film was later retitled Little Big Men before Universal Pictures settled on Role Models. Despite these behind-the-scenes hurdles, the final product resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and the title of Best Comedy Film of 2008 from IGN.
Beyond its narrative, the film features a notable musical running gag involving a song titled 'Love Take Me Down (to the Streets).' While a character in the film insists the track is a 1970s hit by the band Wings, it was actually an original composition by Charles Gansa and A. D. Miles, designed to mimic the style of the real band. The song was performed by Joey Curatolo, a Paul McCartney soundalike, highlighting the film's commitment to its specific, often absurd, comedic tone.
The film's financial success extended well beyond its theatrical run. After grossing $92.5 million worldwide, its home media release proved highly lucrative. By August 2011, the DVD had sold over 2.5 million copies, generating more than $40 million in revenue. This enduring popularity solidified the film's status as a standout comedy of the late 2000s, proving that even a project born from a troubled script could find a lasting audience.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Role Models
- Also: Wikidata — Role Models · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Role Models · CC0
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