Ever since 1993, director Scott Derrickson had hopes and dreams of remaking “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” as he was a fan of the science-film director Robert Wise. In this list of trivia and facts concerning the movie, you will encounter information that deals with the actors and actresses, as well as the filming locations of the film.
There was no need to look any further; Jennifer Connelly was the first choice of the director to play the role of Helen Benson.
The bridge that serves as shelter for the heroes at the end of the movie is the same structure used in the finale of another alien-related movie, “Cloverfield.”
If you pay attention, most of the film was produced using various shades of green and blue, which are the natural colors of the Earth.
In the original movie, Klaatu makes his way to Earth in a spaceship, but preferring a more mysterious angle, Derrickson nixed the ship idea and replaced it with a glowing orb.
Filmmakers were skeptical about using John Cleese in a serious movie, as he is best known for his comedic roles. However, Cleese was able to execute a dramatic role with undertones of humor rather than to take on a character centered on a crazed old man. Interestingly, Cleese has said that he does not care to ponder on the existence of extraterrestrial life.
Serving as a consultant for the film, Seth Shostak looked over the script to make sure there were no errors and also gave suggestions on how to make the scientists more likable to audiences.
Usually, phone numbers shown in movies are fake or start with 555; however, the toll-free number that appears on the television directing people to use if they spotted Klaatu is actually the NOAA’s National Weather Service Alaska Weather Information Line.
Will Smith’s son Jaden plays in the movie and it is known that he turned down the lead to “The Matrix,” which Keanu Reeves (who plays the main character in “The Day the Earth Stood Still”) became a household character.
“The Day the Earth Stood Still” was marketed as a drama, science fiction, and thriller movie.
The movie was marketed under the tagline, “12.12.08 is the Day the Earth Stood Still.”
“The Day the Earth Stood Still” was given a PG-13 rating for some of the sci-fi disaster images and violence that the movie included.
Filming locations for “The Day the Earth Stood Still” took place all over the world and included sites in California, New York City, Australia, and Canada. Cities and places include: Brooklyn, New York City; Deer Lake (British Columbia, Canada); Downey Studios – 12214 Lakewood Boulevard (Downey, California); Harbour Bridge (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia); Los Angeles, California; McDonald’s (Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada); Opera House (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia); Pacific National Exhibition Grounds (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada); Simon Fraser University (Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada); Surrey (British Columbia, Canada); Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The Bridge Studios (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada); University of British Columbia (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada); Vancouver Film Studios (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada); Vancouver (British Columbia, Canada); and White Rock (British Columbia, Canada).