Synopsis

Irresponsible law school graduate Sonny Koufax adopts five-year-old Julian after the boy is left on his doorstep. Initially using fatherhood to impress his ex-girlfriend, Sonny soon discovers that caring for Julian demands real maturity. As their improvised life becomes increasingly complicated, Sonny must decide whether he is willing to give up his carefree habits and become the father Julian needs.

Factoids & Trivia

• Principal photography took place in New York from September 24 to December 21, 1998. Interior scenes were filmed at Silvercup Studios in Long Island City.

• The screenplay was originally titled Guy Gets Kid and was once considered as a possible project for Chris Farley.

• "Scuba Steve" was inspired by a childhood doll Adam Sandler owned called Diver Dan. A version of Diver Dan can also be seen briefly in Problem Child.

• Jacqueline Titone, later known as Jackie Sandler, appears as the waitress who gives Julian a root beer. She and Adam Sandler later married in 2003.

• While the film was being made, the success of The Waterboy prompted Sony to give the production additional money for new or expanded material. This helped increase the roles of several supporting characters.

• The film was dedicated to the filmmakers' fathers in its closing credits.

• Made for an estimated $34.2 million, Big Daddy earned approximately $234.8 million worldwide. Its US opening weekend brought in about $41.5 million.