At the time, Hess reportedly told Heder, “Yeah, it’s going to be the climax for the film you dancing.” One of the most famous is the scene where Napoleon does his dance in front of the school. The film also had several iconic scenes and quotes. Stores like Kohl’s and Walmart still carry their version of the shirt. And well, that cultural moment has persisted. Heder’s iconic hair (which was permed and had to be re-curled, according to Hess in the Deseret News) and “Vote for Pedro” shirt had all the makings of a cultural moment. In fact, after the film premiered at Sundance, HuffPost reported his mother came up to him and said, “Well, that was a lot of embarrassing family material.” When all’s said and done, he’s comfortable with who he is and doesn’t notice his awkwardness.Įven though the film follows fictional characters, it’s also based on director Jared Hess’ life. But one of the differences is Napoleon doesn’t seem to long to fit in. The film is a realistic coming-of-age movie that shows Napoleon struggling to fit in, experiencing classic high school events like prom and searching for his own independence. While he appears nerdy, he’s not a savant like other similar characters (example - Sheldon Cooper from “The Big Bang Theory” and “Young Sheldon”). He’s a lanky teenager who stuffs tater tots in his pockets and is awkward around girls.

You know, like nunchuck skills, bow hunting skills, computer hacking skills,” Napoleon Dynamite says in the film. Why do so many people like Napoleon Dynamite?

The event, which takes place in Clearwater, Florida, is already sold out. Decider said cast members Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), Jon Gries (Uncle Rico) and Efren Ramirez (Pedro) will gather at the Bilheimer Capitol Theater in February 2024 for a screening of the film and a discussion afterwards.

Now the film is approaching its 20th anniversary and the cast has plans for a reunion. It grossed over $46 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo, and has become a classic. It’s one of those movies that exploded even though it was completed on a small budget. The film entered the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. Before there was the “Wednesday” dance, there was the “ Napoleon Dynamite” dance - the dance that showcased the relatable awkwardness of the film’s eponymic character.Īfter graduating from Brigham Young University, Jared and Jerusha Hess started filming the classic film “Napoleon Dynamite.” In the rural town of Preston, Idaho, where Jared Hess attended high school, the tater-tot eating and socially awkward Napoleon Dynamite was created - in an indie film.

Napoleon dynamite dance