Flubber is a 1997 American science-fiction comedy film written by John Hughes and directed by Les Mayfield (who had previously helmed another John Hughes authored adaptation, Miracle on 34th Street).
The film was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and stars Robin Williams, Marcia Gay Harden, Christopher McDonald, Ted Levine, Raymond J. Barry, Wil Wheaton, and Clancy Brown, with Jodi Benson supplying a voice in the remake of The Absent-Minded Professor (1961). Despite unfavorable reviews, the picture grossed $178 million worldwide.
The Pepper Ann episode “Old Best Friend” was shown before the film in some theatres. Production began in 1996 on Treasure Island in Building 180 and Hangar 3 in San Francisco. The basketball court, a replica of the Professor’s house with some exterior and all interior shots, a second set depicting the house’s basement, and Hoenicker’s library were among the sets built there.
Many of the exterior images of Brainard’s residence were taken in San Jose at a house that had been temporarily remodeled, including the building of an observatory on the top. Sara Jean’s office, Hoenicker’s living room, and most of the outdoor campus images were shot on the San Francisco peninsula at a private girls’ high school.
Flubber grossed $178 million worldwide, with $93 million in the United States and Canada and $85 million in other markets. In its five-day Thanksgiving opening weekend, the film was expected to gross roughly $32.5 million, alongside Alien Resurrection. It went on to gross $26.7 million in its first weekend (for a total of $36.4 million for the five days), putting it at the top of the box office. In its second weekend, it dropped 58 percent to $11.3 million, but it remained in top place.
