Corissa Disney

Written by Corissa Disney

Modified & Updated: 05 Mar 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

48-facts-about-the-movie-twins
Source: Plex.com

If you’re a fan of classic comedy movies, then chances are you’ve heard of the iconic film “Twins.” Starring the legendary duo of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito, this 1988 comedy has left a lasting impact on the genre. Directed by Ivan Reitman, “Twins” tells the hilarious story of long-lost twin brothers who are total opposites in every way.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of “Twins” and uncover 48 fascinating facts about the movie. From behind-the-scenes trivia to interesting tidbits about the cast and production, get ready to be entertained and amazed by the secrets behind this beloved film. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the making of this comedy gem, join us on this journey as we explore the incredible world of “Twins.”

Key Takeaways:

  • Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito’s hilarious chemistry in the movie Twins, along with its unique storyline, made it a commercial success and a beloved cult classic in the comedy genre.
  • Twins not only delivered laughter and entertainment but also explored deeper themes of identity, family, and the power of friendship, leaving a lasting legacy as a heartwarming comedy classic.
Table of Contents

Dan Aykroyd was originally cast as Det. Mancini

Did you know that Dan Aykroyd was initially chosen to play the role of Detective Mancini in the movie Twins? However, due to scheduling conflicts, the role was later given to Ed O’Neill.

Twins was directed by Ivan Reitman

Ivan Reitman, known for directing popular comedies like Ghostbusters and Stripes, took the helm as the director of Twins.

The movie stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito

The dynamic duo of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito played the unforgettable roles of long-lost twins in the movie. Their on-screen chemistry was a major highlight of the film.

Twins was released in 1988

This hilarious comedy hit the big screens in 1988, delivering laughter and entertainment to audiences worldwide.

The movie was a commercial success

Twins was not only well-received by the audience but also performed exceptionally well at the box office, grossing over $216 million worldwide.

Twins was written by William Davies and William Osborne

The screenplay of Twins was written by the talented duo William Davies and William Osborne. They successfully crafted a unique and comedic storyline.

Arnold Schwarzenegger gained weight for his role

In order to convincingly portray the character of the physically imposing and genetically superior twin, Arnold Schwarzenegger purposely gained weight for the film.

The idea for Twins originated from an unlikely source

The concept of Twins was actually inspired by a scientific article about genetic engineering, proving that great ideas can come from unexpected places.

Twins received mixed reviews from critics

Although the film was a commercial success, critics had mixed opinions about Twins. Some praised the performances while others found the humor lacking.

The movie’s soundtrack featured the hit single “Twins” by Philip Bailey

The movie’s soundtrack included the catchy song “Twins” performed by Philip Bailey. The upbeat track added to the overall charm of the film.

The filming locations included Los Angeles and Santa Monica

The movie was primarily filmed in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, capturing the vibrant and iconic locations of California.

Twins was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award

Despite its commercial success, Twins received a nomination for a Golden Raspberry Award in the category of Worst Original Song.

The film was inspired by the concept of nature vs. nurture

Twins explores the age-old debate of nature vs. nurture by showcasing the stark differences between the characters played by Schwarzenegger and DeVito.

The movie had a unique promotional campaign

In a creative marketing move, promotional materials for Twins featured Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito dressed as twins to emphasize the film’s central concept.

Twins has become a cult classic

Over the years, Twins has gained a loyal following and is now considered a cult classic in the comedy genre. Its memorable characters and comedic moments have stood the test of time.

The film explores themes of identity and family

Beyond the comedy, Twins delves into deeper themes of identity and the meaning of family, providing audiences with a poignant and thought-provoking experience.

Twins was a collaborative effort between Universal Pictures and Montecito Picture Company

The movie Twins was a joint production between Universal Pictures and Montecito Picture Company, bringing together the talents and resources of both companies.

Schwarzenegger and DeVito improvised some of their scenes

The incredible comedic chemistry between Schwarzenegger and DeVito resulted in several improvised scenes that added an extra layer of humor to the film.

Twins spawned a proposed sequel titled Triplets

Due to the popularity of the first film, plans for a sequel titled Triplets were announced. However, as of now, the sequel remains in development.

The movie’s tagline is “Only their mother can tell them apart.”

The catchy tagline perfectly captures the central premise of the film, highlighting the comical confusion surrounding the long-lost twins.

Twins marked the first collaboration between Schwarzenegger and DeVito

Prior to Twins, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito had never worked together on-screen. This movie marked the beginning of their successful partnership.

The film had a budget of $17 million

Considering the success of Twins, it’s impressive to note that the film was made on a relatively modest budget of $17 million.

Twins was a departure from Schwarzenegger’s action movie roles

Known primarily for his action-packed roles, Twins showcased a different side of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s acting talents, displaying his comedic skills to great effect.

A TV pilot based on the movie was produced

In 1988, a television pilot based on Twins was produced, but unfortunately, it was not picked up for a full series.

The movie’s storyline revolves around a scientific experiment

The plot of Twins revolves around a genetic experiment in which twins are separated at birth and raised in contrasting environments, resulting in remarkable differences.

Schwarzenegger and DeVito’s height difference plays a significant role in the film

The stark contrast in physical appearance between Schwarzenegger and DeVito’s characters becomes a central aspect of the movie’s humor and creates many comedic moments.

The movie received a PG-13 rating

Twins was given a PG-13 rating, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences to enjoy the lighthearted comedy.

Lindsey Buckingham composed the score for the movie

Talented musician Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac fame composed the score for Twins, adding a touch of musical excellence to the film.

The movie’s original title was “The Experiment”

Prior to its release, Twins was originally titled “The Experiment,” reflecting the central premise of the film.

Twins was the fifth highest-grossing film of 1988 in the United States

Despite facing tough competition, Twins managed to secure a spot as one of the top-grossing films of 1988 in the United States.

The movie’s script had been in development for several years

The concept for Twins had been in development for quite some time before it finally came to fruition, with multiple versions of the script being written and revised.

Twins showcases stunning cinematography

The visual aesthetics of Twins are noteworthy, thanks to the creative and skillful work of the cinematographer, capturing the vibrant and diverse settings of the film.

The film tackles themes of self-discovery and acceptance

Beyond the comedy and laughter, Twins carries a heartfelt message about self-discovery, acceptance, and embracing one’s uniqueness.

Schwarzenegger and DeVito trained together for the movie

Prior to filming, Schwarzenegger and DeVito embarked on a training regimen together to get into character, forging a bond that enhanced their on-screen chemistry.

The movie features memorable supporting characters

From Linda’s eccentric personality to the amusing antics of Vincent’s friends, Twins boasts a well-rounded ensemble cast of memorable supporting characters.

Twins inspired a line of merchandise

Capitalizing on the film’s popularity, a variety of Twins-themed merchandise, including t-shirts, posters, and action figures, were released for enthusiastic fans.

The film’s comedic moments are a result of perfect timing

The comedy in Twins relies heavily on well-timed dialogue delivery and comedic situations, highlighting the skills of both the actors and the director.

The movie’s running time is approximately 107 minutes

Twins provides just the right balance of humor and heart within its concise running time of around 107 minutes.

Schwarzenegger initially had doubts about accepting the role

Arnold Schwarzenegger was initially hesitant about taking on the role in Twins due to concerns about his image as an action star. However, he ultimately embraced the opportunity, and it paid off.

The film’s opening weekend was a major success

Twins had a strong opening weekend, grossing over $11 million in its first three days, solidifying its place as a crowd-pleasing comedy.

A novelization of the movie was released

For fans who wanted to delve deeper into the world of Twins, a novelization of the film was published, allowing readers to experience the story in a different format.

Twins features a heartwarming reunion

One of the most touching moments in the film is the eventual reunion of the long-lost twins, showcasing the bonds of family and the power of connection.

The film’s humor appeals to a wide range of viewers

Twins strikes a balance between slapstick comedy, witty banter, and heartwarming moments, making it enjoyable for viewers of all ages.

Schwarzenegger and DeVito received praise for their performances

The performances of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito were widely praised by both critics and audiences alike for their comedic timing and memorable portrayals.

Twins tackles societal expectations and stereotypes

Underneath its comedic exterior, the movie subtly addresses societal expectations and challenges stereotypes by exploring the unique qualities and capabilities of each twin.

The film’s screenplay went through several rewrites

To ensure the perfect blend of comedy and heart, the screenplay for Twins underwent multiple revisions to refine the story and enhance the humor.

Twins is a testament to the power of friendship

Beyond the biological bond shared by the twins, Twins emphasizes the importance of friendship and the impact it can have on one’s life.

The legacy of Twins lives on

Even after many years since its release, Twins continues to entertain and bring joy to audiences, leaving a lasting legacy as a beloved comedy classic.

Conclusion

Twins is a classic 1988 comedy film that continues to captivate audiences with its unique story and memorable characters. With Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito in the lead roles, the movie offers a perfect blend of humor, heart, and unexpected twists.

Through this article, we have delved into 48 fascinating facts about Twins, shedding light on various behind-the-scenes details and interesting trivia. From the casting choices to the challenges faced during production, these facts give us a deeper appreciation for the film’s creation and success.

Whether you’re a die-hard Twins fan or simply curious about this iconic movie, these facts provide a comprehensive look into the world of Twins and the incredible work that went into creating it. So next time you watch Twins, keep these facts in mind and prepare to enjoy this timeless comedy in a whole new light!

FAQs

Q: What is the plot of the movie Twins?
A: The movie Twins follows the story of fraternal twins, Julius and Vincent Benedict, who were separated at birth and raised in different environments. Despite their contrasting appearances and personalities, they embark on a journey to find each other and discover their true identities.

Q: Who are the main actors in Twins?
A: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito play the lead roles in Twins. Arnold portrays Julius Benedict, an intelligent and physically strong individual, while Danny portrays Vincent Benedict, a small-time hustler with a knack for trouble.

Q: Where was Twins filmed?
A: Twins was predominantly filmed in Los Angeles, California. Some scenes were also shot in various locations, including Santa Monica, Houston, and San Francisco.

Q: When was Twins released?
A: Twins was released on December 9, 1988.

Q: Who directed Twins?
A: The movie was directed by Ivan Reitman, known for his work on other popular comedies such as Ghostbusters and Stripes.

Q: Did Twins receive any awards?
A: Twins was not a major award winner but was well-received by audiences and became a box office success, grossing over $216 million worldwide.

Q: Is there a sequel to Twins?
A: While no official sequel has been made, there have been discussions and rumors about a possible sequel titled Triplets, which would introduce a third brother played by Eddie Murphy.

Q: What is the significance of the movie Twins?
A: Twins is significant for its successful blend of comedy and heartwarming moments, highlighting the importance of family bonds and acceptance. It remains a beloved film that continues to entertain audiences of all ages.

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