This scene is unedited—look closely and brace yourself for the unexpected twist…

Grease isn’t just a movie; it’s a cultural touchstone that has captivated audiences for decades. From its catchy soundtrack to its unforgettable characters, this 1978 classic continues to resonate with fans old and new. But beyond the iconic songs and scenes, there’s a treasure trove of fascinating behind-the-scenes trivia. Ready to learn more? Let’s dive into 17 surprising facts about Grease.

1. Grease Began as a Broadway Musical
Before Grease hit the big screen, it was a Tony-nominated Broadway sensation. Premiering in 1972, the musical celebrated the rebellious spirit of the 1950s and quickly became a hit. Its success led to multiple revivals, including a star-studded live TV adaptation in 2016 featuring Julianne Hough and Vanessa Hudgens.

2. The “Teen” Cast Was Far From Teenage
Rydell High’s students were played by actors much older than their characters. Stockard Channing (Rizzo) was 33, Jamie Donnelly (Jan) was 30, and Olivia Newton-John (Sandy) turned 29 during filming. Surprisingly, John Travolta was one of the youngest, at just 23.

3. Grease Almost Became an Animated Film

Believe it or not, Grease was initially considered as an animated movie. Ralph Bakshi, known for his edgy cartoons, pitched an adult-oriented animated version. Thankfully, producer Allan Carr opted for live-action instead, though the animated opening sequence nods to its original concept.

4. Henry Winkler Could Have Played Danny Zuko
The role of Danny Zuko was first offered to Henry Winkler, best known as Fonzie on Happy Days. Winkler turned it down, fearing it was too similar to his TV character. This decision paved the way for John Travolta, who made the role his own.

5. Carrie Fisher Was Considered for Sandy
Director Randal Kleiser, a friend of Star Wars creator George Lucas, briefly considered Carrie Fisher for Sandy. Ultimately, Olivia Newton-John landed the role after her chemistry with Travolta wowed producers during a screen test.

6. John Travolta’s Grease Roots Run Deep
Before stepping into Danny Zuko’s leather jacket, Travolta played Doody in the Broadway production of Grease. This background made his transition to the leading role even more significant.

7. Olivia Newton-John Had Initial Doubts
Although Newton-John was an established singer, she hesitated to take on Sandy’s role due to her limited acting experience. After requesting a screen test with Travolta, she gained confidence and delivered a performance that cemented her as a Hollywood icon.

8. Elvis Presley Was Nearly Teen Angel

Producers wanted Elvis Presley to play Teen Angel in Frenchy’s “Beauty School Dropout” scene. Although scheduling conflicts prevented his casting, Elvis still got a shoutout in “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee.” Sadly, he passed away on the same day the scene was filmed.

9. The Beach Boys Were Considered for “Greased Lightnin’”
Initially, producers wanted The Beach Boys to perform “Greased Lightnin’.” However, John Travolta insisted on singing it himself, adding his star power to one of the film’s most memorable numbers.

10. Travolta’s Sister Made a Cameo
Travolta pulled some strings to get his sister, Ellen Travolta, a small role in Grease. She appears as a waitress during the dance contest and delivers the line, “Oh, there’s Danny and Sandy!”