June 18: DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story (2004)

Milestone Years

• 20th Anniversary: June 18, 2024
• 25th Anniversary: June 18, 2029
• 30th Anniversary: June 18, 2034
• 40th Anniversary: June 18, 2044

Inspiration Behind the Movie

Writer-director Rawson Marshall Thurber drew on classic underdog and sports‑tournament tropes, blending them with exaggerated ’80s-style physical comedy. The script channels the feel of cult comedies but is purely fictional, with no real‑life basis—though it became a cultural touchstone for its irreverent style.

You Might Not Know

• Ben Stiller’s White Goodman was a variation of his Tony Perkis character from Heavyweights, though he embraced it despite its familiarity.
• The climax was re‑shot after test audiences disliked the original ending where Average Joe’s lost; the famous sudden‑death win was added later.
• Shooting lasted roughly three months from September 2003 across L.A., with gym drills intensively rehearsed by the cast.
• Chuck Norris only filmed a single cameo scene in Long Beach—and initially declined due to the drive.
• The movie inspired GSN’s game show “Extreme Dodgeball,” which premiered around the time of the film’s release.

Food Ideas

• “Pirate’s Booty” popcorn flavored with aged cheddar—tribute to Steve “The Pirate.”
• Mini dodgeball meatballs—spiced meatballs on skewers as fiery as the tournament.
• Cheerleader cupcakes—decorated in school colors for a sweet sideline snack.
• “Globo Gym” green smoothies—blend spinach, apple, and kiwi for that corporate-health vibe.
• Patches’ power protein bars—homemade peanut‑oat bars to fuel your “training.”

Ways to Celebrate

• Host a backyard dodgeball match with friends—encourage pirate costumes!
• Play the director’s commentary or watch bloopers during commercial breaks.
• Stage a “Globo Gym vs Average Joe’s” costume showdown—best villain and hero wins.
• Hold a snack-off featuring the themed foods above.
• Quiz friends on movie trivia—like Chuck Norris’ cameo and original ending.

Filming Locations

• Long Beach, CA – Cabrillo High Gym hosted the Vegas tournament scenes.
• Los Angeles, CA – Average Joe’s gym was a warehouse in the San Fernando Valley.
• Downtown L.A. – Globo Gym lobby scenes filmed at Westin Bonaventure Hotel.
• L.A. Convention Center – doubled as the tournament arena.
• Various L.A. streets – residences and bar exteriors, including Peter’s house and The Dirty Sanchez bar in Culver City.