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Farrelly: Rocky, Dumb & Dumber Scripts Faced Huge Rejection
15 Nov
Summary
- Peter Farrelly's 'I Play Rocky' script was initially championed by his daughter's ex-boyfriend.
- The Dumb and Dumber script was rejected by every studio and actor for five years.
- The iconic hair gel scene in There's Something About Mary was initially opposed by the studio.
Director Peter Farrelly recently discussed his celebrated career, highlighting the persistence required to bring beloved films to fruition. He shared that the script for his latest project, 'I Play Rocky,' focusing on Sylvester Stallone, was first introduced by his daughter's former partner, who deemed it the best script he had ever read. Farrelly pursued the project, securing Stallone's quick approval.
Farrelly recounted significant challenges with earlier works, noting that the script for the 1994 comedy 'Dumb & Dumber' was initially rejected by numerous studios and actors for five years. He even tried altering the title to 'A Power Tool Is Not a Toy' to attract interest before the original title was reinstated, largely due to star Jim Carrey's input. This experience underscored his belief in trusting one's own vision amidst widespread rejection.
Reflecting on 'There's Something About Mary,' Farrelly recalled the studio's initial reservations about the now-famous hair gel scene and an opening joke, both of which pushed the film towards an R rating. Despite studio concerns, Farrelly advocated for retaining these elements, which ultimately contributed to the film's iconic status and commercial success. His career is marked by a consistent theme of overcoming creative and commercial obstacles through unwavering conviction.
