Juno: Behind-The-Scenes Facts About The Movie

Juno has drawn in fans since the movie was released in the late 2000s. The film has been heralded as a modern cult hit and has presented divisive fellowship regarding its themes and subject material.

Many say Juno is one of Michael Cera’s best movies, and the story of Juno MacGuff and Paulie Bleeker coming from director Jason Reitman has captivated several moviegoers since its release. Some fans might be surprised to learn the details behind the film that helped make it come to a widespread audience.

Diablo Cody’s Ex-Husband Was Adopted

Writer Diablo Cody drew from several real-life experiences of her own and others in developing the script for Juno. She spoke with adoptive parents and adopted folks. Cody’s husband at the time of filming, Jonny Hunt, was adopted.

Daily Mail reported that after Juno became developed, Hunt reconnected with his biological parents after a period of resisting. However, just before the movie was released, the couple broke up.

The Ultrasound Scene Was Based On Real Events

While Diablo Cody drew from the experiences of adoptive parents in writing Juno, she also researched high school students who experienced unplanned pregnancies. Some of their experiences made it to the script and appear in the movie in memorable sequences.

When Juno MacGuff gets an ultrasound with her mother Bren MacGuff and her best friend Leah, the technician makes a judgemental remark to the group. The Age reported this scene came from real life. Cody’s friend who became pregnant in high school experienced a similar situation, leading her to write the exchange.

J.K. Simmons Was Ready To Take Any Part

J.K. Simmons’  Mac MacGuff is one of the more likable characters in Juno. He is Juno’s father and presents several funny lines in the film. He also makes for heartwarming moments. However, Simmons had no idea he was going to have a significant role in the film.

After reading the script, the actor was captivated and wanted to sign on for any role. He told Flipside he was so invested in the script, he “literally would have played the high school teacher that Olivia Thirlby flirts with [who has no lines in the film]. I had to be in this movie.”

Mark Reads Diablo Cody’s Blog In A Scene

Juno turned 15 in 2022, and to many fans, the movie feels like a modern classic. However, writer Diablo Cody’s career has roots in internet writing. Before Juno, Diablo Cody wrote a blog called The P*ssy Ranch.

There is an easter egg eagle-eyed Cody fans can spot in a quick scene featuring Jason Bateman’s Mark Loring. When he is sitting at his computer, Cody’s blog is briefly shown on his screen as he appears to be catching up on her latest writing.

Elliot Page Shaped The Soundtrack

Juno is one of Elliot Page’s highest-rated films. Fans of the movie might say they can’t imagine it with any other star. They might be surprised to know that page was instrumental in putting together Juno‘s soundtrack. It’s hard to argue that music doesn’t shape the whimsical feel of the film, and Elliot Page is largely responsible.

Director Jason Reitman told Product-Reviews that Page suggested using music from The Moldy Peaches in the film and that he “fell in love” with the tunes after hearing them. The Moldy Peaches’ Kimya Dawson ended up providing a large part of the movie’s soundtrack.

The Ultrasound Footage Was From A Crewmember’s Wife

Fans perhaps remember the ultrasound sequence from Juno. Juno, her mother, and friend Leah have a short confrontation with the technician after footage of Juno’s development is presented in cloudy black and white footage on a screen.

Scott Sanders was a sound engineer on Juno, and he gave production footage from his wife’s ultrasound to use in the film. His son Matthew Sanders is credited as “Ultrasound Baby.”

Burger Phones Were Sent To Critics For Promotion

Perhaps one of the most memorable props from Juno appears in the titular character’s bedroom. She talks on a hamburger-shaped phone, one exactly like Diablo Cody told Entertainment Weekly she had as a teen.

The phone gained further relevance as the movie’s promotion continued during its release. Social Media Ready reported that the people behind Juno sent critics promotional burger phones to critics to try and get them to review the movie. They even appeared to be functional.

Green Day Used A Line From The Movie

Juno has become increasingly culturally relevant in the years following its release. Some of the cast reunited to speak a the 2022 Academy Awards, and fans who came of age when the film dropped might say it is nostalgic for them to watch it now.

Green Day perhaps helped solidify Juno‘s legacy by naming a song after a line in the film. During a scene between Juno and Bren, her mother asks why she drove out to “East Jesus nowhere.” A song called “East Jesus Nowhere” was released on Green Day’s 21st Century Breakdown.

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