When Stephen Colbert was a struggling comedian living in Chicago, he auditioned for J.J. Abrams’ first screenplay, for the 1990 movie “Taking Care of Business,” but lost that role to Jim Belushi.
“I will say that I think it worked out for you,” Abrams told Colbert on Saturday at a Q-and-A during a fundraiser for the Montclair Film Festival in New Jersey.
The movie, initially called “Filofax,” is about a die-hard Cubs fan (Belushi) who tries to break out of prison to see the team play in the World Series. The film made $20 million at the domestic box office, according to box-office tracker Box Office Mojo.
Belushi, who grew up in Wheaton, went on to star in the sitcom “According to Jim,” which aired from 2001-09. He is slated to appear in the upcoming “Urban Cowboy” TV pilot for Fox.
Colbert, a Second City and Northwestern University alumnus, became the host of CBS’ “The Late Show” this year after hosting “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central for nearly 10 years.
Abrams’ next directorial effort, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” is scheduled to hit theaters next month.
Variety contributed.
