Forgetting Sarah Marshall presents a quirky romantic comedy amid the background of breathtaking Hawaiian scenery. It is one of Jason Segel's highest-rated movies, and it is of little surprise to fans who love the comedy. Several idiosyncrasies make the movie interesting, from its spirited cast to unique elements like Peter Bretter's vampire musical.
Many different moving parts come together in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and some fans might be wondering how the movie came to be. Behind-the-scenes facts and hidden details might give devotees an even greater understanding of one of their favorite comedies from the late 2000s.
The State Fish Of Hawaii Is Real
Diehard fans of Forgetting Sarah Marshall probably remember Da'Vone McDonald's Dwayne, one of the Turtle Bay Resort's bartenders. He is often on display advising Peter and the other guests. During one scene, he boasts about his knowledge of Hawaiian fish.
To those not in the know, his naming of Hawaii's state fish might not seem real. However, he is accurate in calling it Humuhumunukunukuapua'a. This is the true name of the state fish of Hawaii, also known as a reef triggerfish.
Mila Kunis' Nude Topless Photo Is Fake
Some fans might say Forgetting Sarah Marshall's hilarious quotes make for its funniest moments. However, others might point to physical gags like Peter and Rachel Jansen's cliff leap, or Peter's memorable nude scene in the opening moments of the film.
However, Jason Segel's Peter isn't the only character who appears to bear all in the movie. In a bar sequence, a photo of a topless Mila Kunis is introduced and later becomes a plot point. However, BlackBook revealed that this photo was made on a computer and that Kunis doesn't appear topless in the movie.
A Prophetic Muppet Moment
Party of Jason Segel's impressive performance in Forgetting Sarah Marshall comes with his musical talent. He plays piano and sings in the film, making for several musical moments. At one point, he plays a part of the theme to The Muppet Show from the late 1970s.
Fans of Jason Segel know he stars in one of the highest-rated Muppet movies, The Muppets. Forgetting Sarah Marshall was released three years prior, so Segel's addition of the tune makes for a moment seeming to predict the future of his career. Nick Stoller directed both films.
The Naked Breakup Was Based On Real Events
One of the most shocking surprises of the movie appears early on. During Peter and Sarah Marshall's breakup, Jason Segel's Peter drops his towel and is shown full-frontally naked on screen. The moment makes for an unexpected laugh, but there is more to the moment than shock.
The New York Times revealed that the hysterical sequence comes from real life. Jason Segel says he experienced a real-life naked break-up before the filming of the comedy. Perhaps the moment wasn't as funny in real life, but it makes for a great scene.
It Was Filmed On Location
Part of the pleasant nature of Forgetting Sarah Marshall comes from its scenery. Most of the film takes place at a resort in Hawaii, and the film's cast and crew all made their way to the beautiful islands to film the movie.
Furthermore, the story takes place at the Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu. The resort is a real place, and many scenes are shot there. The resort also appears in Dave and Mike Need Wedding Dates, one of Adam Devine's most hilarious movies.
A Grammy-Winning Hawaiian Musician Helped Write The Soundtrack
Music is a big part of Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Russell Brand's Aldous Snow is a musician, Peter Bretter is a musician, and there are several musical sequences throughout the film. Some of its Hawaiian music comes from a pro.
Daniel Ho wrote several tracks for the film. He specializes in ukulele and Hawaiian music and has received several accolades for his work, having made over 50 albums. He is credited under the fake name the Coconutz for his tunes.
Cynthia Nixon Makes A Cameo
Fans of the movie might remember a moment when Peter Bretter makes a Sex and the City reference. Peter gets drunk at the bar during his resort stay and says "what's up, Miranda?" before doing a Samantha Jones impression while holding a martini glass.
Eagle-eyed fans will notice Cynthia Nixon, who plays Miranda, quickly walk behind Peter before his impression is even finished.
Jason Segel Wrote Music For The Movie
Perhaps the quirkiest plot arc in Forgetting Sarah Marshall comes with Peter's dream of producing a Dracula musical using a cast of puppets and featuring a full catalogue of original songs. Fans hear Peter perform one of the songs in full in Hawaii.
Audiences also get to listen to other tidbits of tracks throughout the story. Segel is credited for "Dracula Lament" on the movie's soundtrack and also worked on songs for Infant Sorrow, Aldous Snow's fictional band.