It might surprise some, but Trading Places holds a special place among holiday classics—arguably one of the most underappreciated Christmas comedies of all time.
The film gave us an unforgettable trio: Eddie Murphy at the peak of his comedic rise, Dan Aykroyd in top form, and a breakout performance from a then-25-year-old Jamie Lee Curtis, who stunned both with her acting chops and on-screen presence. The chemistry between Murphy and Aykroyd was pure gold—so much so that it’s almost tragic we never saw them share the spotlight again.
But here’s what many fans don’t know: some of the movie’s funniest moments were completely unscripted.
It’s hard to imagine Trading Places working with anyone else. The casting was lightning in a bottle—Murphy’s razor-sharp wit, Aykroyd’s slick delivery, and Curtis’ unexpected comedic flair all aligned to create something truly magical.
Despite being released nearly four decades ago, the film holds up brilliantly today. Many viewers still make it part of their holiday traditions, proof that its humor and heart are timeless.
So let’s peel back the curtain on some behind-the-scenes gems, happy accidents, and quirky details that helped turn Trading Places into the comedic landmark we know and love.
A Story Rooted in a Bet—and Tennis
At its core, Trading Places is a clever take on the “nature vs. nurture” debate. Two filthy-rich brothers, Randolph and Mortimer Duke, place a cruel wager: can environment alone shape success, or is it built into someone’s character?
To test their theory, they sabotage the life of their wealthy employee, Louis Winthorpe III (Aykroyd), and replace him with street-savvy hustler Billy Ray Valentine (Murphy). When the pair discover they’re being manipulated, they team up with quick-witted sex worker Ophelia (Curtis) to turn the tables.
Screenwriter Timothy Harris revealed that the plot was inspired by two real-life doctor brothers he played tennis with—wealthy, miserly, and always bickering. The dynamic annoyed him so much, he used it to build the Duke brothers’ characters, pitching the idea to writing partner Herschel Weingrod. The rest is comedy gold.
Pryor and Wilder Were the First Choice
Originally, the film was intended as a vehicle for Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder. When that fell through, director John Landis tapped Aykroyd and then-newcomer Eddie Murphy, fresh off Saturday Night Live and about to break out with 48 Hrs.
But Landis had one worry—Ophelia, the “hooker with a heart of gold,” felt like a fantasy trope. He wondered aloud how he’d make it believable.
Jamie Lee Curtis, known for scream queen roles in horror flicks, wasn’t the studio’s top pick. Landis pushed hard for her, even showing executives a bikini photo to help sell the idea that she could carry a mainstream role. The risk paid off—it launched Curtis’ A-list career.
She later shared, “No one else would have cast me in that part. John Landis gave me my break.”
Eddie Murphy Was Unknown to Landis
It’s hard to believe now, but Landis had no clue who Eddie Murphy was during casting. Studio execs, who’d seen a rough cut of 48 Hrs., pushed Murphy for the part. When asked, Landis replied, “Who’s Eddie Murphy?”
Needless to say, Murphy crushed it. He later joked that Trading Places was the most fun he ever had on set, and that everything after felt more like “work.” He was reportedly paid $350,000, though some reports claim closer to $1 million.
Callbacks, Cameos, and Murphy’s Classic Joke
Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche were perfectly cast as the pompous Duke brothers. They were so good that Murphy brought them back as homeless versions of their characters in Coming to America (1988).
Fun trivia: Trading Places was Bellamy’s 99th film and Ameche’s 100th. Murphy quipped, “Between the three of us, we’ve made 201 movies!” Classic.
Not-So-Consistent Philadelphia
Filming took place in Philadelphia, chosen for its symbolic ties to liberty and equality—perfect for a film critiquing wealth and power.
But during production, weather proved unpredictable. The movie opens with snow-covered streets, only to later show sunny shots and green grass. One aerial shot of Constitution Hall even has leafy trees in full bloom. Continuity? Not so much.
For eagle-eyed viewers, around the 3-minute mark, you’ll spot the famous Rocky statue—an unintentional Easter egg leftover from Rocky III.
When Real Life Clashed with the Script
Don Ameche, a devout Catholic, had a tough time filming the scene where he yells “F**k him!” He insisted on doing it in one take and never repeating it.
Ameche had taken a 13-year break from acting before Landis asked him to join the cast. “I thought he was dead,” Landis admitted. Neither Murphy nor Aykroyd knew who Ameche was, and vice versa—a fun blend of old and new Hollywood.
Murphy Tweaks the Dialogue
Murphy didn’t love some of the stereotypical lines written for his character, like “jive turkey” and “sucker.” He rewrote many of them himself for authenticity.
One line that almost didn’t make the cut? “Who put their Kools out on my Persian rug?” The studio feared it would come off as racist, but Murphy insisted it stay.
Accidents That Made the Final Cut
Several mistakes actually improved the film. One example? When Don Ameche fumbles the money clip—it wasn’t scripted, but it worked so well they kept it.
In another scene, Mortimer signs paychecks first with his left hand, then right, then left again—and even his hair part flips! An editing oversight, but it’s now a favorite fan goof.
The Swedish Mix-Up
When Curtis’ Ophelia pretends to be “Inga from Sweden,” the cast noticed she was oddly wearing lederhosen—German attire, not Swedish. Turns out Curtis struggled with the Austrian accent, so they changed it to Swedish instead.
Curtis on Going Topless
Trading Places marked Curtis’ first topless scene. In a 1990 interview, she said her breasts got more attention than their brief screen time deserved.
But by 2022, her view had changed: “I was embarrassed. I did what was required, but I wouldn’t do it now.”
Family Cameos and Hidden Tributes
Jamie Lee Curtis’ sister, Kelly Curtis, played Muffy, and her future brother-in-law, Nicholas Guest, appears briefly as Harry.
Dan Aykroyd’s mugshot number? It’s the same as John Belushi’s in The Blues Brothers—a subtle tribute to his late comedy partner. Jim Belushi even pops up as a man in an ape suit.
The Scene That Didn’t Make Theaters
Some TV broadcasts of the film include a deleted scene: Clarence Beeks knocks out a security guard and steals the crop report from a vault. It wasn’t in the original release, likely trimmed for pacing, but adds an extra layer to his shady character.
The “Eddie Murphy Rule”
In 2010, Trading Places inspired a real financial law. The “Eddie Murphy Rule” was added to the Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act, cracking down on insider trading—just like what the Dukes tried to pull off.
Ironically, Murphy admitted he had no idea how commodities trading worked at the time. He was just reading lines!
Final Thoughts
They really don’t make comedies like Trading Places anymore. It had brains, heart, and unforgettable performances—wrapped in a wild story that’s just as relevant now as it was in 1983.
Whether you’re watching it for the laughs, the deeper messages, or the sneaky bloopers, Trading Places is a holiday staple that deserves every bit of its cult-classic status.
Long live the ‘80s—and long live Trading Places.
