The Coen brothers dreamed of casting Marlon Brando in the lead role.
Early discussions about the film included a splash of astonishing names for the role of the Dude. Robert Duvall declined the part because the script didn’t sit right with him, British star Anthony Hopkins declined because he preferred not to portray an American, and Gene Hackman was tied up in another project. Yet the most ambitious wish for the Coen brothers was to secure Marlon Brando as the lead. They even practiced the rhythm of his performance while shaping the screenplay. In the end, Jeff Bridges stepped into the iconic role.
One of the movie’s roles could have been played by Charlize Theron.
Theron was considered for the part of Bunny Lebowski, the young wife whose presence fills the story with a sense of confusion for the protagonist, played by Bridges. At the time, the character Bunny is portrayed by a rising Tara Reid, who would soon reach greater fame with another teen favorite. The reasons Theron did not join the project remain unconfirmed. It may have been a clash of schedules or perhaps concerns about portraying Bunny, a character with ties to the adult industry.
Julianne Moore’s character draws inspiration from a provocative artist and an iconic figure.
Maude Lebowski, brought to life by Moore, channels the spirit of avant-garde figure Karoly Schneemann, known for performance and multimedia work that tackled body, sexuality, and gender themes. Schneemann earned recognition at major venues for her influence on contemporary art, while echoes of Yoko Ono also shape the inspiration for the character. The blend of influences creates a persona that mirrors an experimental edge in art history.
The word “dude” appears 161 times in the film.
There is a morgue scene where the character asserts his full name, Jeffrey Lebowski, instead of the nickname. This is the sole moment where the alias is dropped. Throughout the movie, the f‑word is uttered 292 times. While this is not a record for Hollywood, it sits above some other famous films and sits below a few of the most explicit scripts in cinema history.
The phrase “my friend stays” carries biblical overtones
The line echoes Ecclesiastes 1:4, which speaks to the idea that one generation passes another, yet the world endures. The filmmakers have explained that this moment points to a larger theme: the Dude can stir up change and chaos around him while still remaining essentially the same at his core.
A following for the hero Jeff Bridges gave rise to a cultural movement
Dudeism emerged around 2005, centered on the philosophy and lifestyle associated with Lebowski. Its full name is the Dudeist Church of the Last Days, and it has grown to include a sizeable following. The founder, journalist Oliver Benjamin from Los Angeles, has stated plainly that the movement is not a joke or mockery but a sincere expression of a way of living. Since late 2008, the movement has published its own newspaper, The Dudespaper. In 2009, a version of the Tao Te Ching adapted to the Dude ethos was released, later renamed The Dude De Ching. The idea behind it is a modern reinterpretation rather than a straight religious doctrine.
Connections to the film and historical events
In a scene involving a check, the hero notes a date that fans often discuss in relation to historical context. The storyline includes a dated moment that viewers sometimes link to larger events, inviting reflections on how the film weaves contemporary moments into its own mythology.
The Big Lebowski and its lasting influence on culture
The film’s impact on popular culture extends far beyond its premiere. The creators themselves have observed that audiences connected with the film in unexpected ways, sometimes more passionately than the filmmakers anticipated. The Dude’s signature drink, the White Russian, has inspired bars and drink menus around the world. In Reykjavik there exists a bar named after the movie, themed around bowling culture and the famous carpet motif that decorates the Dude’s living space. The homage reflects the enduring affection fans hold for the film.
Private screenings and fan rituals
In San Francisco, late-night screenings of The Big Lebowski became a ritual with a playful dress code inspired by the film’s heroines. The event is known for celebrating the characters and the distinctive wardrobe choices that defined the movie, including Bridges’s own wardrobe choices that shaped the Dude’s laid-back look. The gatherings show how deeply the film has resonated with audiences who keep returning for the experience.
A shift from rejection to cultural icon status
In 2014, The Big Lebowski was named part of the National Film Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. Critics and scholars alike recognize the movie as a quirky tale about kidnapping, mistaken identity, and bowling that also explored themes of class and social dynamics. When first released at a prominent festival, the film drew mixed reactions from critics who debated its humor and dialogue, yet it has endured as a beloved classic in film history.