Now and Then Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

In honor of the 1995 coming-of-age classic's anniversary, dive into every secret about Now and Then. This film, featuring Christina Ricci and Thora Birch, is a nostalgic reminder of deep friendships.

Nostalgia Calls

Nearly thirty years ago, this definitive film about female friendship hit theaters. A rewatch is a must.

Directed by Lesli Linka Glatter and penned by Marlene King, the story unfolds around four friends. Set in a small Indiana neighborhood, Gaby Hoffmann, Christina Ricci, Thora Birch, and Ashleigh Aston Moore portray youthful characters. Tragically, Moore passed away from an accidental overdose in 2007.

Set in the summer of 1970, the teens navigate love and loss during transformative experiences. Fast forward, and you see adult versions played by Demi Moore, Rosie O'Donnell, Melanie Griffith, and Rita Wilson, reuniting to illustrate the eternal nature of friendship.

Behind-the-Scenes Revelations

Birch humorously shared with Us Weekly in 2022 about the sisterly squabbles while filming. "We were all 12 to 14. If you know teens, it doesn’t go well," she noted. Nevertheless, their bond continues. "I love those ladies," Birch expressed.

Just a year before its 30th anniversary, here are some intriguing behind-the-scenes secrets you might not know about Now and Then, including Leonardo DiCaprio's initially secured role and a secret crush.

1. Marlene King crafted the script at just 10 years old, drawing inspiration from her life. "I had friends, we did séances, and my parents were divorcing," she shared during a 2015 Q&A.

2. The younger versions of the girls were cast first. Ricardo secured the part of Roberta early. The adult counterparts — Demi Moore, Rosie O'Donnell, Melanie Griffith, and Rita Wilson — appeared later, studying footage to inform their performances.

3. The child actors and adult stars never shared set time.

4. O'Donnell initially hesitated to join as Roberta. Producer Jennifer Todd and Moore’s efforts took them to see O'Donnell in Grease on Broadway, convincing her over dinner.

5. Birch confirmed that the four actresses developed a sisterly closeness, despite erupting into arguments. "That’s how we knew we were close," she said, noting their ability to fight well.

6. The four stars had a "wild crush" on Devon Sawa. "Wasn’t everyone in the '90s crazy for Casper?" Birch asked.

7. While Sawa opted for "no comment," Birch noted Ricci won the contest to "get with" Sawa, preferable to the other girls.

8. Sawa reciprocated Ricci’s help in securing his role. "We got along while working on Casper," he explained.

9. Leonardo DiCaprio was initially set for the role of a Vietnam veteran but dropped out. Producer Todd recalled, "An agent pitched Matt Damon, but we ended up liking Brendan Fraser."

10. A bird scared the girls in a cemetery scene — it was supposed to be an owl, but King noted that an owl's death led to a hawk's replacement.

11. Birch humorously noted that the balloons in the movie actually contained pudding. "It’s about the texture," she joked.

12. One young star revealed her embarrassment about not knowing how to ride a bike prior to filming. "I flopped on skinnier tires," Birch admitted.

13. The iconic bike ride set to "Knock Three Times" was originally written for a Diana Ross song. King explained, "No one could sing it; it was too hard."

14. The film was first titled The Gaslight Addition, which reflects the characters' subdivision.

15. The tidphoto of Roberta's deceased mother featured producer Jennifer Todd.

16. Sawa debunked the rumor about a potential moment in the movie, insisting he wore protection during filming. "It's not true; it was embarrassing!"

17. The cast shared a peculiar obsession with Pulp Fiction. Birch admitted flashing that Ricci saw it 14 times, claiming the title of biggest fan.

18. Moore's daughter, Rumer Willis, portrayed Samantha's little sister in the film.

19. Some LGBTQ elements altered late. King revealed that audience discomfort led to changes regarding Roberta's character. "They freaked out over her profession during a sensitive scene," she explained.

Through these revelations, the themes of friendship and nostalgia continue to resonate today, showcasing Now and Then's lasting legacy.