Where Was Due Date Filmed: Exploring the Locations and Behind-the-Scenes of the Hilarious Road Trip Movie
Released in 2010, “Due Date” is a comedy film that takes viewers on a wild road trip across the United States. Starring Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis, this film showcases the hilarious misadventures of two unlikely companions as they travel from Atlanta to Los Angeles. While the plot and performances are undoubtedly entertaining, the filming locations play a significant role in adding depth to the story. In this article, we will explore where “Due Date” was filmed, along with five interesting facts about the movie.
Filming Locations:
1. Los Angeles, California: The majority of “Due Date” was filmed in the City of Angels. Various iconic locations such as LAX Airport, Downtown Los Angeles, and the Santa Monica Pier were utilized to capture the essence of the journey.
2. Atlanta, Georgia: The movie begins in Atlanta, where the character played Robert Downey Jr. resides. Several scenes were shot in the city, including the airport scenes and the highway chase.
3. New Mexico: The filmmakers chose New Mexico to represent other parts of the United States. Albuquerque, specifically, stood in for parts of Arizona and California. The picturesque landscapes of New Mexico added visual appeal to the film.
4. Las Cruces, New Mexico: Another significant location in the movie is Las Cruces, where some memorable scenes, including the gas station confrontation, were filmed. The charming small-town atmosphere added a unique flavor to the story.
5. California State Route 14: The highway scenes in the film were shot on California State Route 14, also known as the Antelope Valley Freeway. This scenic road provided the perfect backdrop for the road trip adventure.
Interesting Facts:
1. Director’s Inspiration: Director Todd Phillips drew inspiration from the classic comedy film “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” (1987). While “Due Date” has its unique storyline, the comedic road trip theme pays homage to the beloved Steve Martin and John Candy movie.
2. Alternate Casting Choices: Initially, the role of Ethan Tremblay (played Zach Galifianakis) was offered to actor Will Ferrell. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Galifianakis ultimately took on the role, leading to his memorable performance in the film.
3. On-Set Pranks: Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis developed a close friendship during the filming of “Due Date.” They often played pranks on each other between takes, keeping the set atmosphere light-hearted and fun.
4. Improvised Scenes: Several scenes in the movie were improvised, allowing the actors to showcase their comedic talents. The memorable scene in which Ethan’s dog “Sunny” is accidentally drugged was entirely improvised, generating genuine reactions from the cast.
5. Real Pregnancy: Actress Juliette Lewis, who plays a small but pivotal role in the film, was actually pregnant during the shooting. This added an extra layer of authenticity to her character’s storyline.
Common Questions:
1. Is “Due Date” a sequel to “The Hangover”?
No, “Due Date” is not a sequel to “The Hangover.” However, both films share the same director, Todd Phillips, and feature actor Zach Galifianakis.
2. Are the characters based on real people?
The characters in “Due Date” are fictional and not based on real individuals. They were created the screenwriters and brought to life the actors.
3. Where can I watch “Due Date”?
“Due Date” is available for streaming on platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. It can also be rented or purchased through various online platforms.
4. How long did it take to film “Due Date”?
The filming of “Due Date” took approximately three months, from February to May 2010.
5. What is the age rating for “Due Date”?
“Due Date” is rated R for strong language, drug use, and sexual content. It is not suitable for younger audiences.
6. Did the actors perform their own stunts?
While some of the stunts were performed the actors themselves, most of the dangerous or intricate stunts were done professional stunt doubles.
7. Are there any blooper reels available for “Due Date”?
Yes, a blooper reel for “Due Date” was released as part of the DVD and Blu-ray extras. It showcases the fun and light-hearted moments behind the scenes.
8. Did the movie receive any awards or nominations?
“Due Date” did not receive any major awards or nominations, but it was well-received audiences and became a commercial success.
9. Who composed the music for “Due Date”?
The music for “Due Date” was composed Christophe Beck, known for his work in various comedy films and television shows.
10. Are there any deleted scenes from “Due Date”?
Yes, several deleted scenes were included in the DVD and Blu-ray release of the film. These scenes provide additional character development and comedic moments.
11. Did Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis reunite for any other projects?
After “Due Date,” Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis collaborated again in the 2014 film “The Judge.” They have expressed interest in working together in the future as well.
12. Did “Due Date” inspire any spin-offs or sequels?
No, “Due Date” did not inspire any spin-offs or sequels. The film is a standalone comedy, and its story was wrapped up the end.
13. What is the message or moral of “Due Date”?
While “Due Date” is primarily a comedy film, it highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and the unexpected connections that can arise from unlikely friendships.
In conclusion, “Due Date” takes viewers on a hilarious and chaotic road trip across the United States. The filming locations, including Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New Mexico, add depth and authenticity to the story. With interesting facts such as improvised scenes and on-set pranks, the making of the film was just as entertaining as the final product. Whether you’re a fan of comedy films or simply looking for a good laugh, “Due Date” is a must-watch that will leave you in stitches from start to finish.