Michael Chiklis was chosen over 200 other candidates for the role of John Belushi. Chiklis first auditioned in 1985 and was finally cast in 1988 after numerous rounds of auditions. This was the first film Chiklis auditioned for.
James Belushi went to producer Edward S. Feldman's office and trashed his desk in protest of this film. Feldman was not in his office at the time but Belushi told Feldman's secretary "Tell him I was here".
Comedy Coach: John, there's a light within you. I want you burn it out. BURN IT OUT! BURN IT OUT! In Vietnam, Monks set themselves on Fire. Artoll. Artoll said that actors should perform like they are on fire. Signaling through the flames... THAT'S our job as comedians! To burn brightly and stand as a symbol. I will not give in to this consensous reality! Cut the demons loose, John! Let 'em loose! That's were your characters come from. Comedy is aggression. You think that's an empty phrase? Run out and kill 'em. Knock 'em dead. Hey, hey, murder them! Bullshit! Comedy is an assault. God given gift of laughter, my ass. Kill 'em. Make 'em laugh till it hurts. Fuck 'em where they breathe! Make 'em laugh! Make 'em laugh till it hurts! Make 'em laugh till they piss their goddamn pants! Make 'em laugh till they have a fucking hemorage! That's comedy.