In the scene where Vinny is trying to tell the judge his “real name”, he ends up knocking over the chessboard the judge was so clearly enjoying.
This was an accident and didn’t appear in the script, but director Jonathan Lynn felt the moment was so authentic and funny, he decided to use it in the film.
Bollywood Made a Film Based on the Story
The film 'Banda yeh bindaas hai' (“This Guy is Fearless”) which was directed by Ravi Chopra and starred Govinda, Lara Dutta, and Sushmita Sen was based on 'My Cousin Vinny'. Chopra claims that they reached out to Fox in 2007 for approval to produce the remake, and were granted permission to make a film loosely based on the original idea.
However, Fox sued the film’s production company, B.R. Films, for $1.4 million, in May 2009, claiming that the remake had not been approved, and that a script review showed the film to be “a ‘substantial reproduction’ of the U.S. film” with an identical story-line, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. B.R. Films denied the claims and insisted that their version featured different characters and settings. The issue was finally settled in August 2009, with B.R. agreeing to pay the studio $200,000.
Patriots Coach Compared Himself to Mona Lisa Vito During Deflategate
When asked about the pressure of the footballs, Bill Belichik said, “I would not say that I am Mona Lisa Vito of the football world.”
When Marisa Tomei heard the reference, she immediately texted Joe Pesci. She told The Rich Eisen Show, “We thought it was pretty funny.”
Production Gave a Shout Out in the Film to the Jasper County Sheriff
When the trial is nearing its end, Sheriff Farley tells the court that, "two boys, who fit the defendants' description, were arrested two days ago by Sheriff Tillman in Jasper County, Georgia."
'Mack' Tillman was the actual Jasper County sheriff at the time, and his name was used in the film to show thanks for all his help during filming.
Lorraine Bracco Was the First Choice for Mona Lisa Vito
While she was at the height of her success, actress Lorraine Bracco was offered the role of Mona Lisa Vito. She refused due to personal issues, and the role was then offered to Geena Davis, who also turned it down.
When they passed, they opened the door for newcomer Marisa Tomei to be cast, and eventually win an Oscar for the role.