24 Movies That Were Written By People You’d Never Expect
You’ll never believe what J.J. Abrams wrote way before Star Wars.
1. J.J. Abrams — Gone Fishin’
Gone Fishin’ writing credits: Jill Mazursky, J.J. Abrams
Before Star Wars, Star Trek, Super 8, Lost, Alias, and Felicity, J.J. Abrams — then known as Jeffery Abrams — wrote the slapstick buddy comedy Gone Fishin’ starring Joe Pesci and Danny Glover.
2. Louis C.K. — Pootie Tang
Pootie Tang writing credits: Louis C.K.
Back in 2001, Louis C.K. was a writer for The Chris Rock Show, where he created the character Pootie Tang — which was made into the critically panned but cult favorite movie by the same name.
3. Shonda Rhimes — Crossroads
Crossroads writing credits: Shonda Rhimes
Before Shonda Rhimes created Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, and Scandal, she was a young screenwriter penning the Britney Spears vehicle Crossroads and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.
4. Judd Apatow — Heavy Weights
Heavy Weights writing credits: Judd Apatow, Steven Brill
Before he wrote and directed The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, and Funny People; produced Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Superbad, and Pineapple Express; and created Freaks and Geeks, Judd Apatow co-wrote one of the more memorable kids movies of the ’90s.
5. Justin Theroux — Tropic Thunder
Tropic Thunder writing credits: Justin Theroux, Ben Stiller, Etan Cohen
In addition to his diverse and prolific acting career, the star of HBO’s The Leftovers is also an accomplished screenwriter. Theroux has helped write Tropic Thunder, Iron Man 2, and Rock of Ages.
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Gone Fishin’ writing credits: Jill Mazursky, J.J. Abrams
Before Star Wars, Star Trek, Super 8, Lost, Alias, and Felicity, J.J. Abrams — then known as Jeffery Abrams — wrote the slapstick buddy comedy Gone Fishin’ starring Joe Pesci and Danny Glover.
2. Louis C.K. — Pootie Tang
Pootie Tang writing credits: Louis C.K.
Back in 2001, Louis C.K. was a writer for The Chris Rock Show, where he created the character Pootie Tang — which was made into the critically panned but cult favorite movie by the same name.
3. Shonda Rhimes — Crossroads
Crossroads writing credits: Shonda Rhimes
Before Shonda Rhimes created Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, and Scandal, she was a young screenwriter penning the Britney Spears vehicle Crossroads and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.
4. Judd Apatow — Heavy Weights
Heavy Weights writing credits: Judd Apatow, Steven Brill
Before he wrote and directed The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, and Funny People; produced Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Superbad, and Pineapple Express; and created Freaks and Geeks, Judd Apatow co-wrote one of the more memorable kids movies of the ’90s.
5. Justin Theroux — Tropic Thunder
Tropic Thunder writing credits: Justin Theroux, Ben Stiller, Etan Cohen
In addition to his diverse and prolific acting career, the star of HBO’s The Leftovers is also an accomplished screenwriter. Theroux has helped write Tropic Thunder, Iron Man 2, and Rock of Ages.
