john candy and tom hanks were cast, but hanks dropped out, and candy recommended eugene levy, his costar in "second city television" and "going berserk", to replace hanks. john carpenter was initially attached to direct, according to candy. ramis said the film "was not good. i tried to take my name off it. i took my name off in one place", referring to his executive producer credit, which was removed prior to release. ramis is still credited as a screenwriter, despite his objections.