American Pie changed the careers of both Jason Biggs and Shannon Elizabeth. Jason Biggs was rushed to a doctor during the film, but clearly, it didn't hurt his experience, as the actor had a blast shooting the films.
Shannon Elizabeth had other memorable cameos, including That '70s Show. However, like Biggs, her major breakout took place in American Pie.
In the following, we're going to take a closer look at both Jason and Shannon's experience working together. Biggs admits that was a certain scene that wouldn't fly today, while Elizabeth on the other hand revealed that she felt as though the film was going to ruin her career.
We'll take a look at their experiences, and how they feel about reuniting again.
Shannon Elizabeth Thought Her Career Was Ruined After Her Performance In American Pie
Back in 1999, off a budget of $11 million, American Pie was able to turn a huge profit, bringing in $235 million at the box office. Not only that, but it would open the door to a major franchise.
Despite the success, there was some uncertainty early on, at least from some cast members. Shannon Elizabeth had low expectations early on, especially given that the film had tampered with her accent.
The actress revealed with Variety, “When I did American Pie, they called me in to do ADR,” Elizabeth said.
“They were like, ‘We’re gonna play with the accent.’ So I’d say something and then they’d go, ‘Ok, do less of an accent.’ I was like, ‘Why are they messing with this accent so much?’ I had worked really hard with a dialect coach on this.”
“I told all my friends, ‘This movie’s gonna suck’ because they messed with my accent so much!” she continued. “I was like, ‘No, they’re ruining it, don’t watch it.’ I was devastated after ADR…A lot of people did say my accent was terrible and I’m like, ‘Yeah, ‘cause they messed with it – they didn’t let me do what I wanted to do.’”
Of course, the result wasn't what Elizabeth expected, as the film made a fortune. Given her boost in popularity, Elizabeth took a different approach for the sequel after having made little income for the first film.
“I walked away from a lot of offers many times,” Elizabeth said. “My lawyer and my manager and agent all thought I was crazy. They were pushing me to say yes. I just kept saying no. I don’t know why – I guess I had a number in my head I felt like they should pay and I got them to that number. You get 15 minutes, so you gotta milk it.”
Her tactic worked, and fans were happy to see the star in the sequel.
Jason Biggs Revealed That The Webcam Scene With Shannon Elizabeth Would Not Have Made The Cut Today
As expected, Jason Biggs had a positive relationship with Shannon Elizabeth and the two are very much on amicable terms, reuniting in 2019. However, Biggs revealed that circumstances would be different if the two were filming American Pie today. That's especially true for their edgy webcam scene.
Biggs reveals, “It wouldn’t get made now and it couldn’t get made now. It would be unacceptable what that represents.”
“[A]t the time,” he said, “I remember reading the script and reading that part and being shocked that there was cameras on computers! That’s what I took away from it originally!”
Co-star Shannon Elizabeth also agreed that things would be different, “If this had come out after the #MeToo movement, there would definitely be a problem,” she said. “I think that it would have gone down differently.”
Despite the differences today, both revealed that they'd be open to a reboot of sorts while on the red carpet for the Jay and Silent Bob Reboot premiere.
Both Shannon Elizabeth And Jason Biggs Are Open To Working Together Again In The Future
Back in 2019, fans were smiling as Jason Biggs and Shannon Elizabeth reunited at the Jay and Silent Bob Reboot premiere at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Both discussed a possible American Pie reboot. The two had interest, though Elizabeth revealed it would have to be with an entirely different cast, or, the money would become the primary issue for the returning.
As for Biggs, he saw things differently. The actor revealed that the script was a major part to a possible reboot.
"Listen, I'm always down. I'm down, I'm down, I love that cast, I love that role," Biggs raved. "Those four movies remain the most fun I've ever had doing what I do, so yeah, I'm down to do more."
"I think the right script of course," he said. "I think that's sort of No. 1, and then it's sort of making sure everyone else is involved. But I think if we could get everyone back together and if the script is great... we'll see," he added.
Clearly, the actor was fond of his role in the film throughout the years.
