It’s a movie that’s so bad it’s good. Let’s talk about the 1986 film SpaceCamp. Although most of the cast went on to become quite famous, they were relatively unknown at the time. Read on to find out more interesting facts about the cult classic.
#1 – The cast became stars
Although Kate Capshaw had played the female lead in the 1984s Raiders of the Lost Arkshe wasn’t really a star. Side note: She met her future husband Steven Spielberg in this film. And while Lea Thompson had just finished filming Back to the future, it hasn’t been published yet. The most famous face was that of Tom Skerritt, who played an experienced astronaut, camp manager and Capshaw’s husband.
Kelly Preston and Tate Donovan were newcomers, although both would go on to work on much larger productions. Her dating life also became the talk of the town. After high-profile relationships with George Clooney and Charlie Sheen, Preston later married John Travolta. Meanwhile, Donovan dated Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Aniston.
Here’s another fun fact: Tate Donovan lives right here in Austin, Texas.
See who else is at ATX here.
#2 – Introducing Leaf Phoenix
The role of Max was played by Joaquin Phoenix in his first major feature film role. Phoenix was nicknamed “Leaf” early in his career because he wanted a nature-themed name that fit his siblings. As you may already know, they are called: River, Rain, Liberty and Summer.
#3 – The cast received real NASA training
To prepare for their roles, the actors underwent real astronaut training, including underwater simulations. In addition, the interior of the Atlantis shuttle was filmed in the real simulator at the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville. The life-size flight deck and middle deck of the space shuttle built for the film were donated to the camp and used there as a simulator until 2012.
#4 – It had an epic score
Did you know that the score was composed by the legendary John Williams? Yes, THAT John Williams. The same guy who composed the score for the STar Wars Saga, Jaw, AND, Jurassic Park, Home Alone, Harry Potter and more!
The soundtrack is pretty good too. It contains two songs from Dire Straits and Eric Clapton’s “Forever Man”.
#5 – The release date had to be pushed back
The film was scheduled for release in 1986 but was postponed following the tragedy challenger Explosion on January 28, 1986. Despite the delay, it was a major box office bomb, as viewers thought The act was insensitive and poorly timed. However, tThe film significantly increased the popularity of the real Space Camp program, with attendance doubling following its release.
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