17 things you probably didn't know about 'Grease'

Martha SorrenSep 6, 2020, 20:24 IST

Olivia Newton-John wasn't sure if she could pull off playing Sandy.Paramount Pictures

The movie-musical "Grease" premiered in 1978 and starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
One director wanted to turn the story into an animated film.
Iconic actors Henry Winkler and Carrie Fisher almost landed the lead roles in the film.
Elvis Presley was considered for a cameo, and there's an eerie connection between him and the film.

"Grease" (1978) is an iconic movie-musical filled with talented leads and catchy tunes.

It's the type of movie that most people have seen once or twice, but even if you know the words to every song, you may not know these behind-the-scenes secrets.

Here are some interesting facts about "Grease":

The movie is based on the Broadway musical of the same name.

"Grease" opened on Broadway in 1972 and was revived in 1994 and 2007. Jeff Christensen/AP Photo

Many of the leading cast members were much older than the high-school characters they were playing.

Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta in "Grease." Paramount Pictures

"Grease" could've been an animated film.

The film still has a lengthy animated opening sequence. Paramount Pictures

Henry Winkler was offered the role of Danny Zuko.

Henry Winkler is known for his role on ABC's "Happy Days." Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

And Carrie Fisher was almost in the running for Sandy.

Carrie Fisher was considered for the role of Sandy in "Grease." Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Danny Zuko wasn't Travolta's first "Grease" role.

John Travolta in "Grease." Paramount Pictures

Newton-John said wasn't sure she could handle the role at first.

Olivia Newton-John in "Grease." Paramount Pictures

Elvis Presley could have played Frenchy's guardian angel.

Elvis Presley may have been considered for an iconic cameo in "Grease." NBCUniversal/Getty

Elvis still got a shout-out in the film, but it ended up being a little eerie.

Stockard Channing in "Grease." Paramount Pictures

There was almost another iconic musical cameo in the film.

The Beach Boys almost sang "Greased Lightnin'." Getty/Hulton Archive

Travolta ended up singing the number instead, which differs slightly from the source material.

John Travolta performing "Greased Lightnin'." Paramount Pictures

Travolta got his sister a small role in the film.

Ellen Travolta appeared in "Grease." Paramount Pictures

"Hopelessly Devoted to You" wasn't in the original Broadway production — and neither were a few other songs.

Olivia Newton-John as Sandy in "Grease." Paramount Pictures

Conaway gave Channing a real hickey during filming.

Jeff Conaway and Stockard Channing in "Grease." Paramount Pictures

The production team rented a real carnival for the iconic finale.

The film's final scenes were shot using real carnival rides. Paramount Pictures

Sandy and Danny almost didn't sing "You're the One That I Want"

They originally planned on singing "All Choked Up." Paramount Pictures

Newton-John had to be sewn into her tight black pants.