FILM 1998: SMALL SOLDIERS

FILM 1998: SMALL SOLDIERS

TRIVIA: Joseph Mazzello was the original choice to play Alan Abernathy.

The piranha next to Alan's computer is a reference to Piranha (1978), also directed by Joe Dante.

Burger King agreed to market the film with its kids meals, before it was rated PG-13. The film was released soon after Oregon teen Kip Kinkel killed his parents, then went on a shooting rampage at Thurston High School in Springfield, killing two students and wounding 25. The Kip Killigan action figure was not distributed in Oregon.

This movie featured music by Led Zeppelin, a band notoriously strict about how their music is used in films, games, and other media.

Joe Dante originally wanted the cast of Predator (1987) to voice the Commando Elite. Arnold Schwarzenegger would voice Chip Hazard, Shane Black would voice Kip Killagin, Carl Weathers would voice Butch Meathook, Jesse Ventura would voice Brick Bazooka, Sonny Landham would voice Nick Nitro, and Bill Duke would voice Link Static.

The murder of Phil Hartman before the premiere caused some minor changes before release. 

WILHELM SCREAM: When Brick Bazooka is firing at Alan's bike to attack Archer, and ends up getting chewed up by the tire spokes and chain, Brick lets out a Wilhelm scream as he flies away. A Commando Elite soldier emits the same scream, as he breaks apart from the EMP on Stuart Abernathy's chest.