Ten years have passed since EuroTrip stormed into cinemas, becoming a defining raunchy teen comedy of the early 2000s. The film, notorious for its no-holds-barred humor and unforgettable scenes, remains a cult classic for a generation. Recently, the cast and creators of EuroTrip gathered in Hollywood to celebrate this milestone and participate in a Q&A session, offering fans a hilarious and insightful look back at the movie’s production. The Euro trip cast members, along with producers and other key figures, shared anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories that even die-hard fans might not know.
Here are some of the most surprising and entertaining revelations from the EuroTrip reunion:
Matt Damon’s Prague Cameo: Serendipity and Short Summer Nights
Matt Damon’s memorable cameo as the shaven-headed band leader who steals Scotty’s girlfriend (Kristin Kreuk) was a stroke of luck born from Harvard connections and geographical convenience. Producers Jeff Schaffer, Alec Berg, and David Mandel knew Damon from their Harvard days. Crucially, Damon happened to be filming The Brothers Grimm in Prague, where EuroTrip was also being shot.
The production team was facing budget constraints and time limitations. “No one wanted to fly over and we didn’t have the money to have anyone fly over,” Schaffer explained. They capitalized on Prague’s acting talent pool, casting Jeffrey Tambor and others who were already working in the city. Damon’s availability was incredibly tight, limited to the shortest night of the summer. “We literally had from 10:45 at night…and the sun would come up at 3:45,” Schaffer recounted. The entire Damon cameo scene was filmed in a mere 4.5 hours, a testament to the efficiency and resourcefulness of the EuroTrip production.
The Search for Scotty and Trachtenberg’s Airplane Audition
Casting Scotty, the lead role, proved to be a significant challenge. The producers’ search became so desperate that, as Mandel humorously recalled, “we were going to restaurants, staring at our waiters.” Salvation arrived in the form of Scott Mechlowicz, then a UCLA student, who, in Mandel’s words, “rode in on a white horse” to secure the part.
Michelle Trachtenberg, who played Jenny, credited her physical comedy during the audition for landing her role. The audition scene was the airplane sequence where Jenny awkwardly climbs over Cooper to reach the bathroom. “And I blew them,” Trachtenberg quipped, eliciting laughter from the audience with her characteristic EuroTrip-style humor. Producers emphasized their commitment to casting authentic teenagers. Schaffer stated, “We didn’t want 35-year-olds playing high school kids,” highlighting their desire for relatable and genuine performances from the euro trip cast.
Jackie Collins and the Book Everyone Read
An amusing detail revealed was Scotty’s book choice on the train: Jackie Collins’ Sinners. This wasn’t a deliberate character trait but rather a matter of legal clearance. According to Schaffer, “Sinners was the only book we could clear [legally], so everyone was reading it.” This quirky production constraint became an unexpected and humorous element of the film.
The “Anne Frank Sex Scene” That Never Was
Despite EuroTrip‘s reputation for pushing boundaries, one scene was deemed too controversial by the studio: the infamous “Anne Frank sex scene.” While never filmed, the scene’s script is available on the original DVD, according to the producers. The scene involved Cooper mistaking the Anne Frank House for a sex club called “The Secret Room.” He enters, expecting a sex worker, only to find himself naked in front of a tour group, which, to make matters worse, included Anne Frank’s last living relative.
The scene escalated with Cooper grabbing a mannequin, intended to resemble Anne Frank, to cover himself, creating an even more shocking and inappropriate visual. This scene was ultimately replaced by the equally outrageous Club Vandersexxx sequence, demonstrating the filmmakers’ commitment to pushing comedic limits, albeit within studio constraints.
Fred Armisen’s Instant Cameo and the Creepy Foreigner
Fred Armisen’s iconic cameo as the unsettling foreigner was a last-minute casting triumph. Mandel revealed that Armisen was cast and on a plane to Prague within 24 hours, filming his scenes the very next day. “We were lucky the suit fit,” Mandel joked, highlighting the speed and spontaneity of the cameo’s creation. Travis Wester praised Armisen’s performance, saying he was “the only actor to ever make me fall out of a seat completely” with laughter.
The Nickel Scene and the “Dustin Hoffman of the Czech Republic”
Miroslav Táborský, the actor in the memorable nickel scene, is apparently considered “the Dustin Hoffman of the Czech Republic.” Interestingly, he initially resisted filming the scene, particularly the pimp-slap. His hesitation stemmed from not wanting to slap the actor playing his boss with the back of his hand, which he considered deeply disrespectful. Mandel recounted, “We had to go into a very long explanation of American prostitution and pimpdom and the origins of the pimp-slap and how it was the worst thing you could do to another human,” emphasizing the cultural nuances and comedic direction required for the scene.
From Ugly Americans to EuroTrip: Title Troubles
The original title for EuroTrip was Ugly Americans. However, the studio rejected the title, disliking the word “ugly” and any hint of sarcasm or irony. Schaffer described the title dispute as a “knock-down, drag-out fight,” comparing it to a child arguing with parents who ultimately have the final say. The studio prevailed, leading to the more straightforward title EuroTrip.
“Berts” and Budgetary Humor
A humorous anecdote about budgeting emerged involving the character Bert, Scotty’s brother. The producers jokingly adopted “Bert” as a unit of currency after paying young actor Nial Iskhakov “about $175” for the role. Schaffer recalled the running joke: “‘Can we put a tree in that window?’ ‘Well, it will be six Berts,'” illustrating the lighthearted approach to budget constraints during filming.
More Nudity, More Comedy: The Nude Beach Evolution
The nude beach scene, a EuroTrip highlight, was initially intended to be less revealing. However, during filming, the producers realized that strategically placed surfboards and objects, meant to conceal nudity Austin Powers-style, detracted from the humor. Mandel explained the comedic shift: “We thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be funnier if it was just wall-to-wall penises?'” This decision led to the uninhibited and hilariously awkward nude beach scene that became iconic. Trachtenberg added to the anecdote by mentioning the lack of shyness among extras between takes, creating an unusual atmosphere at craft services.
Barney’s Robot Skills and the Robot Fight Scene
The unexpected robot fight scene owes a debt to Barney the dinosaur. The actor inside the Barney suit was apparently Mechlowicz’s acting teacher and possessed “mad robot skills.” Mechlowicz explained, “so I picked it up early,” suggesting an unusual source of inspiration for the film’s quirky humor.
EuroTrip’s Enduring Legacy
The EuroTrip reunion Q&A provided a treasure trove of hilarious and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, reaffirming the film’s enduring appeal. From casting challenges and unexpected cameos to title debates and on-set improvisations, the anecdotes shared by the euro trip cast and creators painted a picture of a production as irreverent and funny as the movie itself. Ten years later, EuroTrip continues to resonate with audiences for its outrageous humor and its memorable euro trip cast of characters.
