“Give me… a keg… of beer.” Welcome, fellow 80s movie fanatics and children of the MTV generation! Today, we’re hopping in the Wolfmobile, cranking up the Beach Boys, and taking a joyride back to 1985 for a look at a film that is pure, unadulterated fun: Teen Wolf. In a year dominated by his star-making turn in Back to the Future, the incomparable Michael J. Fox also gave us this wonderfully quirky and heartfelt supernatural comedy. The story of Scott Howard, an average, overlooked high school student who discovers that his family has a furry little secret, captured the hearts of audiences everywhere. It wasn’t just a monster movie; it was a charming coming-of-age tale that used lycanthropy as a wild metaphor for the awkwardness of puberty and the struggle to fit in. From epic van-surfing to winning the championship basketball game, Scott’s journey from geek to wolf to hero is an 80s classic. But behind the fur, fangs, and keg parties lies a production story as fast-paced and improbable as the film itself. So, let’s do the “Wolf-Do” and uncover 10 surprising, little-known facts about the making of Teen Wolf.
1. The Film Was Shot in Just 21 Days
In the world of filmmaking, speed is rarely a luxury. But the production schedule for Teen Wolf was less of a shoot and more of a dead sprint. The entire movie was filmed in an astonishingly brief 21 days (some reports say 24, but either way, it was incredibly fast). This breakneck pace was a necessity dictated entirely by the schedule of its star, Michael J. Fox. At the time, he was still committed to his full-time job on the hit sitcom Family Ties. The producers of Teen Wolf had to squeeze the entire production into his short hiatus from the show, just before he was scheduled to begin work on another little movie called Back to the Future. This tight schedule meant there was no time for extensive rehearsals or multiple takes. The cast and crew worked long, intense hours to get everything they needed. This frantic energy is palpable in the final film, contributing to its raw, almost documentary-like feel and its unpolished charm.
2. The Werewolf Makeup Was a Gruelling Ordeal
Becoming the wolf was no easy task for Michael J. Fox. The iconic werewolf makeup was a marvel of 80s practical effects, but applying it was a lengthy and arduous process. Each transformation required a team of makeup artists, led by the talented Jeff Dawn and Louis Lazzara, to spend over four hours meticulously applying layers of prosthetics, glue, and hand-laid hair to Fox’s face and body. The full transformation included custom-made fangs, yellow contact lenses that were incredibly uncomfortable to wear, and even prosthetic ears. The process was so gruelling that Fox, already exhausted from his punishing work schedule, often had to arrive on set in the very early hours of the morning, long before anyone else. The heavy makeup was hot, itchy, and restrictive, making it difficult for him to emote. His ability to deliver such a charismatic and funny performance from underneath all that fur is a testament to his professionalism and talent.
3. Michael J. Fox Had the #1 and #2 Movies in America Simultaneously
The summer of 1985 was officially the summer of Michael J. Fox. Back to the Future was released on July 3rd and became an instant cultural phenomenon, rocketing to the top of the box office. Just seven weeks later, on August 23rd, Teen Wolf was released. The film’s producers cleverly timed the release to ride the massive wave of Fox’s newfound superstardom. The strategy worked better than anyone could have imagined. Teen Wolf opened at number two at the box office, right behind Back to the Future. This created the incredible and rare situation where one actor was starring in the top two highest-grossing films in the country at the same time. It was an unprecedented display of star power that cemented Michael J. Fox as the biggest movie star in the world and made Teen Wolf a surprise smash hit.
4. Another Actor Was Originally Cast as Scott Howard
While it’s now impossible to imagine anyone else in the role, Michael J. Fox was not the first choice to play Scott Howard. Initially, the producers had cast another young actor in the lead role. However, as pre-production continued, the filmmakers felt that their original choice wasn’t quite right for the blend of comedy and heartfelt sincerity they were aiming for. At the same time, Michael J. Fox’s popularity on Family Ties was exploding. The producers knew he would be perfect for the part and made a bold decision. They let the original actor go and made a play for Fox, offering him the role and agreeing to accommodate his incredibly tight schedule. It was a risky move that completely paid off, as Fox’s natural charm and comedic timing became the undeniable heart and soul of the film.
5. Stiles’s Infamous “Dork” T-Shirt Was a Studio Compromise
One of the most memorable and beloved characters in the film is Scott’s scheming, entrepreneurial best friend, Stiles, played with hyperactive glee by Jerry Levine. In the movie, Stiles capitalizes on Scott’s newfound fame by selling “Teen Wolf” merchandise, including t-shirts. The shirt he wears in the film features a wolf-like drawing and the phrase “What are you looking at, dork?” However, this was not the original shirt intended for the character. The initial design, which can be seen in some promotional stills, featured a much more offensive phrase. Fearing that the original slogan would alienate audiences and jeopardize the film’s family-friendly appeal, the studio executives at Atlantic Releasing Corporation insisted that it be changed. The “dork” version was a last-minute compromise, and it ultimately became an iconic piece of 80s movie memorabilia.
6. The Famous Van Surfing Scene Was Performed by a Stuntman
The scene where Scott, fully wolfed-out and full of newfound confidence, surfs on top of Stiles’s van is one of the most iconic moments in 80s cinema. It’s a pure expression of joyous, reckless freedom. While Michael J. Fox was game for many of the physical demands of the role, this incredibly dangerous stunt was not one of them. The van surfing was performed by a professional stuntman named Jeff Dashnaw, who was disguised in the full Teen Wolf costume and makeup. The sequence was carefully choreographed and filmed on a closed-off street to ensure the safety of everyone involved. The result is a seamless and exhilarating movie moment that perfectly captures the character’s wild transformation.
7. The Film Was Made on a Shoestring Budget
Unlike the blockbuster Back to the Future, Teen Wolf was a decidedly low-budget affair. The movie was produced for a mere $1.2 million. This modest budget explains the film’s somewhat rough-around-the-edges aesthetic. There were no expensive special effects for the transformations; they are mostly handled with simple cross-fades and editing. The basketball games have a gritty, realistic feel because they were shot with minimal setup and lighting. This lack of polish, however, became one of the film’s greatest strengths. It feels grounded and authentic, like a real glimpse into a suburban high school that just happens to have a werewolf on the basketball team. The film’s incredible financial success—it grossed over $80 million worldwide—made it one of the most profitable films of 1985, proving that you don’t need a massive budget to create a movie that audiences will love.
8. The Other Basketball Players Had Their Lines Cut
While Scott Howard is the undeniable star of the Beavers basketball team, he was, in fact, part of a team. Several actors were cast as the other players, and they were originally given lines and small character arcs. However, due to the incredibly tight shooting schedule and the focus on Michael J. Fox’s story, their roles were significantly reduced in the final edit. According to some of the actors, they were completely unaware that their speaking parts had been cut until they attended the film’s premiere. They watched in surprise as their characters were relegated to the background, serving mostly as set dressing for Scott’s heroic on-court antics. It’s a classic example of how the ruthless process of film editing can change the scope of a story.
9. The Original Script Was Darker
While Teen Wolf is beloved for its light, comedic tone, the original screenplay, written by Jeph Loeb and Matthew Weisman, was reportedly a bit darker and more horror-focused. The initial concept leaned more heavily into the frightening and isolating aspects of lycanthropy, in the vein of classic monster movies like I Was a Teenage Werewolf. However, once the charming and eminently likeable Michael J. Fox was cast, the tone of the film shifted. Director Rod Daniel and the writers reworked the script to play to Fox’s comedic strengths, emphasizing the funny, awkward, and ultimately positive aspects of Scott’s transformation. This decision transformed the movie from a straightforward teen horror film into the heartfelt comedy that became a box office smash.
10. The Wolf’s “Howl” Was a Happy Accident
One of the key moments in the film is Scott finally embracing his inner wolf and letting out a triumphant howl after winning the championship game. However, the sound of the howl wasn’t something that was meticulously planned. During post-production, the sound designers were experimenting with different animal noises to create the perfect wolf cry. According to director Rod Daniel, they tried various wolf and coyote sounds, but nothing felt quite right. Then, by chance, they played a recording backwards, and the resulting sound had the unique, almost human quality they were looking for. It was a happy accident that created the perfect, memorable sound for the film’s emotional climax, a howl that was less about a monster and more about a kid finally finding his voice.
Conclusion
Teen Wolf is a perfect slice of 8. It’s a film that shouldn’t have worked—made on a shoestring budget with a punishing schedule—but it succeeded beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. It’s a testament to the sheer star power of Michael J. Fox, who carried the film with his immense charm, even under pounds of fur and glue. It’s a film that reminds us that the things that make us different are often the things that make us special, and that true confidence doesn’t come from being popular, but from being yourself. Whether you’re a wolf or not. Its enduring appeal lies in its sincerity, its humour, and its big, goofy heart. So, the next time you feel like an underdog, just remember the story of Scott Howard, the average teen who became the big wolf on campus. What is your favourite moment from this beloved 80s classic? Let us know in the comments below!
Dive Deeper
- Back to the Future (1985 film): To fully appreciate the “Summer of Michael J. Fox,” you must watch the film that made him a global superstar. Seeing Back to the Future and Teen Wolf back-to-back is the ultimate 1985 movie experience.
- Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie (2023 documentary): This critically acclaimed documentary provides a deeply moving and insightful look into the life and career of Michael J. Fox. It features behind-the-scenes footage and his own reflections on the whirlwind period when films like Teen Wolf changed his life forever.
The ’80s: The Decade That Made Us(National Geographic documentary series): For a broader look at the cultural landscape that made a film like Teen Wolf possible, this series explores the politics, technology, and entertainment that defined the 1980s, providing great context for why these films continue to resonate.
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