13 Real Truths About "The Truman Show"

I’ve always kind of been fascinated by films with darker themes. I’m not saying that I don’t enjoy a good romcom or just a completely ridiculous comedy every once in a while, but for the most part I tend to enjoy films that make me think about my life, society and what it has become. One movie that always triggers those thoughts is 1998’s The Truman Show. This Jim Carrey comedy-drama sees the usually goofy star take on a much more serious role that ultimately questions our privacy in the modern age. But did you know that there are many secrets about the filming process that most viewers don’t know about?

1. It was originally called The Malcolm Show.

The first draft of the script was written way back in 1991, and was much, much darker.

2. It was written with Gary Oldman in mind. 

Screenwriter Andrew Niccol admitted that when he first wrote the script, he pictured Gary Oldman playing the lead. 

3. Ed Harris was a last minute replacement.

The role was initially given to Dennis Hopper, but when he dropped out after two months of filming the producers had to seek a replacement. 

4. Jim Carrey and Ed Harris actually never saw each other throughout filming. 

Carrey was actually done all of his scenes long before Harris had even visited the set.