Creative lightning can strike when you least expect it: while you’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, attempting to survive another awkward family gathering, or even while you’re, let’s say, indisposed in the bathroom. Yes, some of our most iconic moments of genius seem to prefer the porcelain throne as their stage. But what about the birth of our beloved media juggernauts, the shows and films that have defined generations? Hold on to your seats because you’re about to discover that these entertainment phenomena were born out of inspirations so wild, so unexpected, you’ll be questioning reality itself. From literary classics to a speech disorder, get ready to dive into the uncanny origins of our favorite pop culture franchises you thought you knew so well.
Could You Believe? ‘The Office’ Owes its Wit to ‘The Sopranos’
Just when you thought Michael Scott couldn’t be any more unexpected, brace yourself for this bombshell: ‘The Office’ found its true north in ‘The Sopranos’—the legendary HBO mafia drama. According to B.J. Novak, the multi-talented mind behind and in front of the camera of ‘The Office,’ the mispronunciations and straight-faced humor of Michael Scott are spiritually aligned with Tony Soprano’s unique brand of comedy.
Novak even spilled the beans that James Gandolfini was actually considered to fill Steve Carell’s shoes as the quirky manager! But Gandolfini thought himself too blue-collar for a white-collar role—plus, HBO purportedly coughed up a whopping $3 million to keep him from taking the gig. Ah, the crossover that could have been!
Plot Twist: ‘Old School’ is ‘Fight Club’ in Disguise!
Hold onto your hats! ‘Old School,’ the laugh-riot comedy of the early 2000s, is essentially ‘Fight Club’ wrapped in a comedy cloak. Creator Todd Phillips has confirmed that this hilarious saga about Mitch, Bernard, and Frank “The Tank” is a comedic homage to David Fincher’s cult classic.
Mitch is the lighter side of Edward Norton’s gloomy Narrator, while Vince Vaughn’s Bernard embodies the chaos of Brad Pitt’s Tyler Durden. The storyline uncannily mirrors that of ‘Fight Club,’ from the male bonding fiasco to rebelling against corporate overlords. Next time you laugh at Old School, remember, it’s probably because Fight Club already shook you!
Iconic 007: James Bond’s Legendary Code is Courtesy of a British Bus!
It’s a story as British as they come: Ian Fleming found the inspiration for James Bond’s iconic “007” designation from a public bus in Kent! That’s right, one of the coolest spy codes in history owes its genesis to something as ordinary as a bus route.
Fleming, the genius author behind Bond, took this bus number to London during his time in Kent. Six decades and countless movies later, Bond is still as cool as ever—and so is that bus, which amazingly still operates today!
Predator’s Legendary Lore: Born Out of a Joke on Stallone!
Here’s something you might not have known: the birth of the Predator franchise was actually the result of a cheeky joke about Sylvester Stallone! Post-‘Rocky IV,’ industry insiders joked that the next logical step for Stallone’s character would be to fight an alien.
Inspired, screenwriters Jim and John Thomas sketched out ‘Hunter,’ a screenplay featuring an alien willing to face only worthy adversaries. Enter Arnold Schwarzenegger as that worthy adversary; thus, the Predator franchise was born. Talk about an inside joke leading to an iconic film series!
‘Logan’ Unveiled: The Dark Superhero Story Inspired by ‘Little Miss Sunshine’!
Can you picture Wolverine in a family comedy? James Mangold could! ‘Logan,’ the film that gave Wolverine a fitting, emotional sendoff, took its cues from an unexpected muse: ‘Little Miss Sunshine.’ Mangold envisioned superheroes grappling with mundane yet compelling situations.
Imagine Wolverine, Professor X, and Laura stuck in a van, navigating conversations with “convenience store clerks and bank tellers,” just like the quirky family in ‘Little Miss Sunshine.’ The result was a superhero film that was as visceral as it was relatable, proving that extraordinary heroes can thrive in ordinary settings.
The Laughter of Friends’ Janice Was Inspired by Flipper and Woody Woodpecker
We all remember Janice, Chandler’s unforgettable ex-girlfriend from ‘Friends,’ but did you know that her annoying laugh was an ingeniously crafted fusion? Maggie Wheeler, the actress behind Janice, concocted that infamous giggle by merging elements from Arnold Horshack of ‘Welcome Back, Kotter,’ Flipper the Dolphin, and even Woody Woodpecker!
Wheeler had to invent this unignorable laugh to hold her own against Matthew Perry, who was so funny that she would constantly break character. Now, that’s what we call a legendary T.V. laugh!
A Nightmare on Elm Street Was Inspired by Real-World Sleep Deaths – and a Soft Rock Song
Would you ever expect ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ to be rooted in harrowing real-life events? Probably not, but that’s precisely what makes the creation of Freddy Krueger spine-chillingly fascinating. Wes Craven, the mastermind behind the horror icon, didn’t just conjure this nightmarish world from thin air. Craven was inspired by real cases of Southeast Asian refugees mysteriously dying in their sleep in Los Angeles.
He posited that these individuals suffered from terrible PTSD-induced nightmares that might have led to their untimely deaths. As if that wasn’t eerie enough, Craven found the missing piece to his horror puzzle in Gary Wright’s 1975 soft rock song “Dream Weaver,” merging the concept with haunting melodies to craft Freddy Krueger, the nightmare we all know but would rather not dream about.
E.T. Was Based on Steven Spielberg’s Own Life
Did you know that ‘E.T. the Extraterrestrial’ was more than just a sci-fi blockbuster? Yes, it was an intimate exploration of director Steven Spielberg’s own life. In a 2023 revelation, Spielberg posited that the idea of extraterrestrial life isn’t just mere fiction; it’s a mathematical certainty. Yet, the core of this beloved movie wasn’t an alien but rather a story of emotional vulnerability.
Young Elliott’s journey echoes Spielberg’s own emotional struggle during his parents’ divorce, giving life to an imaginary alien friend who serves as the big brother and father figure Spielberg yearned for as a child. It’s not just a sci-fi adventure; it’s an emotional tapestry woven from the fabric of Spielberg’s own life.
Golden Girls Was Basically a Spinoff of Miami Vice
Would you ever think ‘Golden Girls,’ a show about lively retirees in Miami, would have roots intertwined with the crime-busting drama ‘Miami Vice’? Well, it does! During a 1984 NBC special, a comedic skit misinterpreting ‘Miami Vice’ as ‘Miami Nice,’ featuring elderly people taking cha-cha lessons and playing cards, had the executives in stitches.
Recognizing the untapped goldmine of appealing to older demographics, NBC swiftly greenlit ‘Golden Girls,’ and the rest is iconic T.V. history. Honestly, the inspiration behind these fabulous women enjoying their golden years came from the most unexpected of places: a gritty Miami-based cop show!
The Little Mermaid’s Ariel Was Modeled After Alyssa Milano
Your jaw will drop when you find out who the Disney animators had in mind while creating Ariel from ‘The Little Mermaid.’ It was none other than Alyssa Milano! Yes, the Charmed actress herself served as the visual template for Ariel, bringing this iconic princess to life.
This whimsical revelation came to Milano’s own astonishment when she hosted a Disney special years later, discovering her unwitting role in shaping one of the most beloved characters in the Disney universe. With Milano as her real-world doppelganger, Ariel was destined to capture hearts and imaginations across the globe.
Star Wars Ripped Off Everyone, from the Lincoln Memorial to the Beastie Boys
Have you ever wondered how Star Wars, the colossal cinematic juggernaut, drew from such diverse sources? It’s like George Lucas had a cultural buffet at his fingertips. From Akira Kurosawa’s ‘The Hidden Fortress’ shaping the epic’s foundation to the more peculiar: Jar Jar Binks inspired by Disney’s Goofy.
Even modern pop culture wasn’t left out; J.J. Abrams drew from his love of the Beastie Boys to name Resistance pilot Ello Asty. But wait, there’s more! The regal Supreme Leader Snoke? His throne pose is an homage to Abraham Lincoln’s iconic memorial! Star Wars, it turns out, is a delightful melting pot of inspirations.
Prometheus’s Alien Engineers Were Modeled After Elvis and the Statue of Liberty
Director Ridley Scott’s ‘Prometheus’ wasn’t just a dive into the Alien universe; it was a surreal exercise in design. The Engineers, those godlike entities, presented an aesthetic riddle: how do you make an alien species that embodies classical beauty?
Enter production designer Arthur Max, who mixed Michelangelo’s David, Elvis Presley, and the Statue of Liberty in Photoshop to visualize a race so extraordinary they could only be born from the collaboration of icons. With no nose bridge—consistent among classical statues—the Engineers were born, looking like nothing we’ve ever seen, yet curiously familiar.
Game of Thrones’ Ramsay Bolton Was Part Joker, Part Dennis the Menace, and Part Oasis Frontman
Before Game of Thrones spiraled into a storytelling abyss, it was T.V.’s crown jewel. Among its gallery of unforgettable villains, Ramsay Bolton takes the cake, chilling us to the bone with his sadistic antics. Actor Iwan Rheon didn’t just wing it; he melded three iconic influences to bring Ramsay to life.
First up, Heath Ledger’s enigmatic Joker lent an unpredictability to Ramsay’s actions. Then, Rheon turned to Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher for that distinctive walk, adding rock-star swagger to his villainy. But what about that naughty glint in his eyes? That’s a leaf taken straight out of Dennis the Menace’s book of Mischief!
Andy Serkis’s Gollum Voice Is Basically Just a Cat Coughing Up a Hairball
Andy Serkis is no small name, with a filmography boasting a staggering $15 billion in earnings, even if you don’t often see his face. Serkis’ motion-capture roles are legendary, from Caesar in Planet of the Apes to Supreme Leader Snoke in Star Wars. But nothing surpasses his portrayal of Gollum.
Where did the inspiration for that voice come from? His cat. In an aha moment, Serkis found the perfect raspy tone for Gollum while watching his cat deal with a hairball situation. You’ll never look at your own cat the same way again!
The Twisted Reality Behind Cruella De Vil
Who could inspire a character as wicked as Cruella de Vil, a woman fantasizing about a Dalmatian fur coat? It turns out her origins lie in two real-life personalities. Joyce Kennedy, a friend of author Dodie Smith, once remarked that Smith’s Dalmatian would make a stylish fur coat.
Two decades later, Smith created Cruella in her book The Hundred and One Dalmatians. As for her infamous cackle? It was borrowed from Tallulah Bankhead, a theater actress who even received a tribute in the 2021 live-action adaptation of Cruella.
The Good Place’s Huge Twist Came from an Existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre Play
If The Good Place’s major twist left you reeling, here’s something even more mind-blowing. The whole premise was inspired by existential philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre’s play No Exit, where three individuals are trapped in an unpleasant afterlife designed to make them miserable.
Michael Schur, the show’s creator, flipped that concept on its head. Michael, played by Ted Danson, tricks everyone into believing they’re in a heavenly realm while actually in a personal hell. The layers of deception in the show make the original existential dread seem like child’s play.
Nicolas Cage’s Ghost Rider Was Inspired by His Cobras
Nicolas Cage, a man whose eccentricities range from buying dinosaur skulls to pyramids, brought an equally quirky inspiration to his Ghost Rider character. Believe it or not, the blazing anti-hero drew inspiration from Cage’s own albino king cobras.
According to Cage, the snakes have a rhythmic movement reminiscent of rock legend Axl Rose. Thus, his Ghost Rider wasn’t just another comic book adaptation; he was an “ancient pharaoh from another dimension” inspired by slithering reptiles.
The Purge: Born from a Moment of Road Rage
The Purge franchise, a pop-cultural phenomenon with five films and a T.V. show, finds its roots in something as mundane as road rage. While driving in Brooklyn, creator James DeMonaco and his wife had a close encounter with a reckless drunk driver.
This incident fueled his wife to ponder, “What if we could have one free murder a year?” DeMonaco spun that unsettling thought into a dark tale where lawlessness rules for 12 hours once a year, spawning an entire universe of chaos and violence.
Tom Hardy’s Venom: A Marvelous Cocktail of Woody Allen, Conor McGregor, and Redman
When Tom Hardy took on the role of Venom, he didn’t just slap on some CGI and call it a day. He created a character stew that includes Woody Allen’s neurotic humor, Conor McGregor’s ferociousness minus the excessive banter, and Redman’s free-wheeling spirit.
The result? An anti-hero that’s as intriguing as he is terrifying. Hardy kept his recipe for Venom’s persona a secret from Sony, and can you blame him? Knowing the ingredients doesn’t make the magic any less spellbinding!
Mario’s Magic Mushrooms Were Based On… Well, Actual Magic Mushrooms
Move over, Alice in Wonderland! The Mario franchise is turning heads and sparking conversations, especially in light of its smashing 2023 film. Have you ever wondered why mushrooms make Mario grow?
Mario’s creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, turned to Lewis Carroll’s classic and the psychedelic Amanita Muscaria mushroom for inspiration. A hallucinogenic toadstool is behind one of gaming’s most iconic power-ups!
The Entire “Saw” Franchise Came from Its Creator’s Migraines
When it comes to franchise goldmines, the “Saw” series is a titan with ten films under its belt. But did you know its inception was far more ordinary?
Co-creator Leigh Whannell found inspiration for Jigsaw from his own agonizing migraines. During a grim hospital stay, Whannell pondered what a terminally ill madman might do with his final days. Cue the twisted, sadistic tale of John ‘Jigsaw’ Kramer!
The Simpsons’ Mr. Burns Was Based on a Fox Exec – and an Insect
The Simpsons have etched their cultural legacy with sharp satire and unforgettable characters, like the notorious Mr. Burns. But did you know he’s a blend of Fox’s then-CEO Barry Diller and, bizarrely, a praying mantis?
Animator David Silverman captured Diller’s corporate ruthlessness, while Harry Shearer added vocal layers inspired by Lionel Barrymore and Ronald Reagan. Top it off with Jim Downey’s iconic “Excellent!” and you’ve got a character that’s both eerily lifelike and laughably absurd.
Tom Hardy Based His Inception Character on the Movie’s Director
Tom Hardy’s chameleon-like abilities shine in ‘Inception,’ where he portrays the sharp-witted Eames. Who would’ve thought that the character is a tribute to the film’s director, Christopher Nolan?
According to Hardy, Eames’s mannerisms are pure Nolan. Hardy even jokingly speculated that the entire cast might be versions of the famed director, including the lead, Leonardo DiCaprio, who resembles Nolan.
Ursula: The Disney Villain Inspired by Drag Queen Divine and a Golden Girl
‘The Little Mermaid’ reignited Disney’s cinematic magic, and a large part of its success was its bewitching antagonist, Ursula. This sea witch was modeled after drag queen Divine and was initially meant to be voiced by Bea Arthur of ‘The Golden Girls.’
Arthur’s agent, however, was not thrilled at the idea of her playing a witch. With only six tentacles (to save animation costs!), Ursula became a villainous icon, eventually voiced by the remarkable Pat Carroll.
Zohan from You Don’t Mess with the Zohan Was Based on Zohan’s Real-Life Equivalent
Prepare to be amazed: Adam Sandler’s ludicrous character Zohan wasn’t just a figment of comedic imagination. He was based on an Israeli ex-commando named Nezi Arbib, who traded his army boots for hair scissors. Arbib, an Israeli native with a flair for hairstyling, owns salons in the trendy landscapes of San Diego and Los Angeles.
Sandler went full Method Actor for this role, spending two weeks at Arbib’s salon, mastering the art of the perfect cut and absorbing his unique mannerisms. Far from Hollywood fiction, Zohan draws life from an individual, making the comedy much more incredible.
The Castaways on Gilligan’s Island Are Stand-Ins for the Seven Deadly Sins
Sherwood Schwartz, the genius behind the iconic ’60s show “Gilligan’s Island,” had more in his creative mind than just shipwrecked misadventures. He spilled the beans in his memoir: Each hapless castaway represents one of the Seven Deadly Sins.
From the arrogant Professor as Pride to the ever-angry Skipper embodying Wrath, each character serves as a playful yet insightful commentary on human folly and desire. Who knew behind the show’s slapstick exterior lay a complex web of symbolic representation?
Back to the Future’s Doc Brown Was Inspired by a Philadelphia Conductor
The name Emmett “Doc” Brown conjures up images of flying DeLoreans and the flux capacitor. Although many associate Christopher Lloyd’s portrayal with Albert Einstein, another less obvious inspiration comes into play—Leopold Stokowski, a renowned conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Lloyd saw an album cover featuring Stokowski as a child. He was captivated by the conductor’s wild mane and intense demeanor. The essence of this musical maestro found its way into Lloyd’s unforgettable performance, adding a unique flair to the time-traveling scientist we all adore.
Yes Man May as Well Have Been a Documentary
In “Yes Man,” Jim Carrey says “yes” to life, but did you know his role mirrors the real-life experience of Danny Wallace? Wallace, an Englishman, spent an unbelievable six months saying “yes” to every opportunity, all sparked by advice from a stranger on public transport.
Wallace’s quirky real-life escapade lent the film a surprising layer of authenticity, making audiences wonder if they should also start saying “yes” more often.
Chuckie Finster from Rugrats Was Based on a New Wave Band’s Keyboardist
Forget about baby dolls or famous tots; Chuckie Finster of “Rugrats” owes his inspiration to an adult—Mark Mothersbaugh, the keyboardist of Devo. Distinguished by his iconic red hair and thick-rimmed glasses, Chuckie drew his visual cues from the band members.
Even more astonishing, Mothersbaugh lent his musical talent to the show, composing its memorable theme. Next time you hear the opening chords of “Rugrats,” remember the cool guy behind those timeless melodies.
The Devil Wears Prada’s Miranda Priestly Was Based on Clint Eastwood
Though it’s widely speculated that Miranda Priestly from “The Devil Wears Prada” is a carbon copy of Anna Wintour, Meryl Streep had a different muse: Clint Eastwood. Why? Eastwood never raises his voice.
His calm, subdued manner forces everyone to lean in, magnetizing all attention toward him and making him the room’s silent power center. Streep adopted this tactic to craft Miranda’s steely, imposing aura, adding an unexpected but compelling layer to her character.
Supernatural Is Really Just Beat Generation Classic ‘On the Road’
When you dig into the origins of “Supernatural,” the long-running show about two brothers fighting demons, you’d be astonished to find that its DNA lies in Jack Kerouac’s iconic novel “On the Road.” Creator Eric Kripke was influenced by Kerouac’s story of two restless friends, Dean and Sal, wandering across America.
The show’s Dean Winchester and Sam (almost “Sal”) reflect this essence as they traverse the American landscape in their 1967 Chevy Impala. Of course, the stark difference is that the Winchester brothers are combatting supernatural entities, which were conspicuously absent in Kerouac’s work.
The Lord of the Rings’ Ents Were Born of Tolkien’s Frustration with Shakespeare
When you consider the Ents in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” you might be surprised to learn their origin story is rooted in Tolkien’s frustration with William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” Specifically, the play prophesies that Macbeth will not be defeated until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Hill.
When the trees didn’t actually “move,” Tolkien decided to breathe life into a forest, thus creating the Ents. These arboreal beings stand as a literary response to Shakespeare, adding depth to Tolkien’s mythical world.
Lupita Nyong’o Used Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Disorder for Her Performance in ‘Us’
Lupita Nyong’o’s dual role in Jordan Peele’s “Us” is a masterpiece of acting, with each character having its own unique voice. One of these voices was inspired by an unexpected source: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s neurological condition, spasmodic dysphonia.
Struck by his speech at a fashion event, Nyong’o decided to incorporate this into her portrayal of Red, her character’s menacing doppelgänger. The condition’s guttural rasp added a layer of unsettling realism to the thriller, proving inspiration can come from the most unexpected corners.
Robert Pattinson’s Batman Voice Was Inspired by Willem Dafoe
Each actor who dons Batman’s cape brings something unique to the table, and Robert Pattinson is no exception. Surprisingly, he looked to his “The Lighthouse” co-star Willem Dafoe for inspiration.
Pattinson searched for a “piratey” voice for Batman, and Dafoe’s vocals served as his muse. However, take this with a grain of salt; Pattinson is known to throw curveballs in interviews. If it’s true, Dafoe’s influence adds a fascinating nuance to the latest Dark Knight incarnation.
Anne Hathaway’s Character in The Hustle Came from Stewie Griffin
Anne Hathaway, known for her impressive range, chose an unexpected source for her British accent in “The Hustle”—Stewie Griffin from “Family Guy.” While Hathaway also channeled Joanna Lumley and Julie Andrews, Stewie predominantly shaped her character.
This unique combination led to an eccentric performance that makes “The Hustle,” a remake of a remake, stand apart from its predecessors in an unusual but entertaining way.
Thor’s Korg Was Modeled After Polynesian Nightclub Bouncers
Taika Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarok” was a breath of fresh air in the MCU, in part due to his portrayal of Korg. The rock-like alien’s voice was based on New Zealand-accented Polynesian bouncers.
Waititi described these bouncers as “giant hulking dudes” with “delicate souls,” perfectly encapsulating Korg’s gentle yet imposing demeanor. Waititi’s decision adds a layer of authenticity to Korg, making him one of the most memorable side characters in the MCU.