1999's "American Pie" was a surprisingly huge success, grossing over $101,000,000 during its theatrical release. "American Pie 2" debuts in theaters on August 10, 2001. The two films have a lot more than just their titles in common. The entire cast of characters returns, working with a script from the same writer as from the first "American Pie," Adam Herz.
The "American Pie 2" cast took time out of their busy schedules to sit for interviews at a recent press junket. Here's a collection of some of the best quotes and info from stars Jason Biggs, Shannon Elizabeth, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Eugene Levy, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Tara Reid, Seann William Scott, Mena Suvari, and Eddie Kaye Thomas.
JASON BIGGS (Jim)
You've said before you couldn't imagine doing another movie like the original "American Pie."
I lied. At the time I did not anticipate Adam Herz coming up with any of this. I don't know, I just didn't think it was possible, but he did it.
Were you a little nervous when you got the script that they were going to push the envelope a little further?
Oh no, I was hoping they were. I was nervous that they weren't going to push it enough. I mean, with the sequel to "American Pie," you've got to try and go above and beyond. We have to take the risks, you know? Especially for my character - I was really curious to see what Jim was going to be up to this time around, and pleasantly surprised to see that he was once again involved with some tomfoolery. I love that word - tomfoolery.
Was there a lot of improv during the gags in the film, or was it all tightly scripted?
There is definitely a lot of our own stuff.
The trombone scene?
Yeah, the trombone scene, the crazy glue scene, and a large portion of the lesbian kissing scene with Sean just sort of happened.
Did you have trouble keeping a straight face during scenes with Eugene Levy?
Yes, my toughest job on the movie was keeping a straight face with Eugene. Absolutely, he's hilarious. He's so deadpan, such a dry, witty sense of humor. His facial expressions, his timing, and his delivery are the best there is.
How was your experience on "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back?"
It was great.
How did they approach you for that?
I don't know how it started. I think it can more from my end, pursuing the project. I heard about a new Kevin Smith movie and before I even read anything, I'm like, “Get me in it.”
When he writes your speech about "No one ever says I loved you in 'Loser,'" how much of that was him and how much was you?
That was him. There were only a few ad-libs on my part. Kevin is pretty tight about improv. There were actually quite a few times James and I went off paper a little bit and Kevin comes in and I thought we were going to get in trouble. But, he said he loved it. Kevin is brilliant and the sweetest man, and it was a great two days and I like that I was able to be very self-deprecating and make fun of the fact that I'm known as the "Pie Guy." To realize it on film was pretty cool.
Speaking of directors, on this one you are being directed by the person who was the 1st Assistant Director on the first film. What did he bring to the table?
Relationships, number one. We knew him and he was very much involved creatively on the first one. You don't find that all the time with 1st ADs. 1st Asssistant Director is probably the toughest job on the movie set because it's like you are running the physical production of the set, and you are working against the clock. A really good 1st AD, like J.B. Rogers, will also be very much involved creatively. And he was, and so it was a very natural choice for him to direct this one. He came in with the understanding of the "American Pie" movie, and the characters, and also the relationships that he'd already had with us. It was perfect.
What would they dream up for you in another sequel?
See, I don't know. As far as "American Pie 3," the diplomatic answer - and the one I'm going to give you is - I have no idea. I'll remain hesitate, just as I did with this sequel, up until I - maybe - see a script that's amazing and hear that everyone's coming back, and hear that Michelle and Jim get married.
More Interviews with the Cast of "American Pie 2" - > Page 2
Photos@2001 Universal Pictures
