Evan Almighty (2007)
- Tom Shadyac originally wanted a completely different ending for the film, but test audiences preferred the one we see today.
- During the filming of Evan Almighty, Steve Carell improvised one of the most famous lines in the movie.
- Before Steve Carell was cast, several major A-list stars turned down the lead role because they felt the script was too risky.
Evan Almighty is a 2007 American fantasy comedy directed by Tom Shadyac, a spin-off of Bruce Almighty. Steve Carell stars as Evan Baxter, now a newly elected U.S. congressman who has moved his family to a Virginia suburb and prayed to God to help him "change the world." God, played again by Morgan Freeman, answers by commanding Evan to build an ark โ animals begin arriving in pairs, lumber is delivered to his property, and Evan's appearance gradually transforms into a wild-haired, bearded prophet no matter how many times he shaves. Evan Almighty was the most expensive comedy ever made at the time, budgeted at approximately $175 million, partly due to the cost of housing and handling hundreds of real animals on set alongside CGI enhancements.
Steve Carell brought his trademark blend of physical comedy and genuine likability to Evan's incredulous, reluctant prophet. The film earned $174 million worldwide, a commercial disappointment given its enormous budget.
