The Rewatch Podcast: RW347 - Austin Powers Rewatch - Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

In this episode of the Austin Powers Rewatch, Cory and Nathan get a bit groovy as they discuss "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery."

Trailer:

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Mike Myers created the character of Austin Powers for the faux 1960s rock band Ming Tea that Myers started with Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs following his Saturday Night Live stint in the early 1990s. Myers said that the movie and the character were inspired by the British films, music and comedy of the 1960s and 70s his father had introduced him to as a child.

Myers sought Jim Carrey to play Dr. Evil, as his initial plan was not to play multiple characters in the series. Carrey was interested in the part, but had to turn the role down due to scheduling conflicts with Liar Liar.

Dr. Evil's appearance is based on Bond's archnemesis Ernst Stavro Blofeld portrayed by Donald Pleasence in You Only Live Twice (1967), while his voice and mannerisms are based on longtime Saturday Night Live (1975) executive producer Lorne Michaels. Ironically Pleasance was the star of the Halloween (1978) series of films where his archnemesis was named 'Michael Myers'

Filming locations included Riviera Hotel and Casino and Stardust Resort & Casino in Winchester, Nevada

Daniel Craig, who has portrayed James Bond on screen since 2006, credited the Austin Powers franchise with the relatively serious tone of later Bond films.

This fared poorly at the UK box office when it was released in the wake of Princess Diana's tragic death. Ironically, The Full Monty (1997) was a colossal hit in Britain for the same reason, as it was felt that British audiences needed cheering up in such sad times. This movie went on to be a huge seller on the UK DVD market.

A few actors who played memorable Seinfeld (1989) characters have roles in this movie. Larry Thomas, who played the Soup Nazi on Seinfeld, portrays the blackjack dealer. Brian George, who played Babu Batt on Seinfeld, plays the U.N. Secretary. Patrick Bristow, who played the Wigmaster on Seinfeld, portrays Bolton the Virtucon tour guide. Robert Wagner also guest starred in "The Yada Yada".

Joe Son, the actor who played Random Task, is serving a lifetime in prison for torture of a 19-year-old woman in 1990. He went uncaptured until 2008 when a DNA match linked him to the crime. According to the victim, she unknowingly had a copy of this movie in her home until her attacker's identity was revealed. In 2017, he was sentenced to an additional 27 years for murdering his cellmate.