Part 1:

  • Actor Allusion: The use of Kanye West's "Can't Tell Me Nothing" in the first film may be in reference to Zach Galifianakis's earlier music video for the song.
  • Star-Making Role: Basically all three leads. Zack Galifianakis got the most immediate attention; Bradley Cooper got equal billing with Liam Neeson in the film version of The a Team; Ed Helms has a number of lead comic roles in production and received an increased role on The Office.
    • Additionally counted as a Breakout Role for Ken Jeong, who saw himself cast as a supporting player in a number of major Hollywood films immediately afterward. He also ended up becoming a main cast member on Community.
  • Written in Infirmity: Ed Helms (Stu) actually does have a missing tooth in real life. He had his prosthetic tooth pulled out for the movie.