Trivia for
Evolution (2001) More at IMDbPro »

• Initially written as a serious science-fiction thriller, Ivan Reitman hired David Diamond and David Weissman to re-write the project as a comedy. The original writer, Don Jakoby, actually enjoyed the changes so much, he continued working on the film alongside the other writers.
  
  
• During the lengthy shooting in Page, Arizona, Dan Aykroyd entertained the local folk by carding guests at a bar, unofficially greeting people at Wal-Mart, and visiting locals for a cup of coffee in their homes.
  
  
• Shot in December, DreamWorks asked the locals to delay putting up their Christmas decorations. Following the shoot, DreamWorks paid the city employees overtime to light up the town in time for Christmas.
  
  
• The clumsiness in Julianne Moore's character was her idea.
  
  
• The three main characters perform a commercial for "Head and Shoulders". The idea to this came from the son of Ivan Reitman.
  
  
• David Duchovny improvised the "baring of the ass" scene and director Ivan Reitman decided to write it in to the shot. Unfortunately the scene had to be re-done so many time that Duchovny took a Polaroid picture of his rear end and held it up to the camera when it was required because it was too cold to pull his pants down over and over on cue.
  
  
• The placement of the element selenium in Head and Shoulders shampoo is technically correct. Though regular Head and Shoulders shampoo does not have any of the element, Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment Shampoo actually does consist of approximately 1% selenium sulfide.
  
  
• David Duchovny turned down a role in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) to appear in this movie.
  
  

• SPOILER: Early in the film, the character Nadine says she wants to be Miss Arizona. As the Governor of Arizona is presenting awards to the heroes at the end, Nadine can be seen in the background wearing a "Miss Arizona" sash.
  
  
• SPOILER: Kevin Dunn appeared as a doctor in an unused alternate ending where it was revealed that Dr. Block had been impregnated by the alien "dragonfly."
  
  

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