Night at the Museum (2006)
- The original script for Night at the Museum was written over a decade before production finally began in 2006.
- Eagle-eyed viewers have noticed a hidden easter egg referencing Shawn Levy's previous film in the background of the opening scene.
- Before Ben Stiller was cast, several major A-list stars turned down the lead role because they felt the script was too risky.
Night at the Museum is a 2006 American fantasy comedy film directed by Shawn Levy. Ben Stiller stars as Larry Daley, a divorced, chronically underemployed dreamer who takes a job as the night security guard at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, only to discover that an ancient Egyptian artifact in the museum's collection causes all the exhibits to come alive after dark. Larry must manage chaos as a T-Rex skeleton wants to play fetch, Attila the Hun's warriors rampage through the halls, miniature Roman and Western diorama figures wage war, and historical figures including Theodore Roosevelt, played by Robin Williams, Sacagawea, and an Easter Island head demand attention.
Night at the Museum was a family-friendly high-concept comedy that used its premise to create an entertaining tour through history and natural science. Robin Williams's warm, avuncular portrayal of Teddy Roosevelt provided the film's emotional center and moral compass, and the actor's genuine affection for the role was evident. The visual effects brought dozens of museum exhibits to life with impressive detail.
Ben Stiller's befuddled everyman performance anchored the chaos effectively. The film earned $574 million worldwide on a $110 million budget, far exceeding expectations and launching a franchise. The American Museum of Natural History reported significant increases in attendance following the film's release.
