The Spy Who Shagged Me

The Spy Who Shagged Me
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Title	The Spy Who Shagged Me
Director	Jay Roach
Producer	Demi Moore, Suzanne Todd, Jennifer Todd, Mike Myers
Writer	Mike Myers, Michael McCullers
Starring	Mike Myers, Heather Graham, Robert Wagner, Seth Green, Michael York, Rob Lowe, Mindy Sterling, Verne Troyer
Music	George S. Clinton
Cinematography	Ueli Steiger
Editing	Jon Poll, Debra Neil-Fisher
Studio	Moving Pictures, Team Todd
Distributor	New Line Cinema
Runtime	95 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$33 million
Gross	$310.9 million

The Spy Who Shagged Me is a 1999 spy parody film directed by Jay Roach and starring Mike Myers, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Michael McCullers. Serving as the sequel to the 1997 hit Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, the film continues the adventures of the titular British Secret Service agent, Austin Powers, as he battles his arch-nemesis, Dr. Evil. The production, from Moving Pictures and Team Todd, was a major commercial success for distributor New Line Cinema, solidifying the franchise's place in popular culture.

Plot

The story begins with Dr. Evil escaping from prison and traveling back to 1969 in a time machine to steal Austin Powers's mojo, a vital source of his charm and prowess. Powers and his ally, Felicity Shagwell of the CIA, must pursue him through time to recover it. Their journey involves thwarting a plot involving a giant laser on the Moon and confronting various henchmen, including the diminutive Mini-Me. The narrative parodies numerous tropes from the James Bond film series and 1960s counterculture, culminating in a climactic confrontation at Dr. Evil's lunar base.

Cast

Mike Myers performs multiple lead roles, portraying both Austin Powers and Dr. Evil, as well as the obese Scottish assassin, Fat Bastard. Heather Graham stars as American agent Felicity Shagwell, while Robert Wagner appears as Number Two. The supporting ensemble includes Michael York as Basil Exposition, Seth Green as Scott Evil, and Rob Lowe as the young Number Two. Mindy Sterling reprises her role as Frau Farbissina, and Verne Troyer portrays the silent clone, Mini-Me. Notable cameos are made by Will Ferrell, Tim Robbins, and Elvis Costello.

Production

Development began following the sleeper success of the first film, with Mike Myers and Michael McCullers crafting a script that expanded the universe. Director Jay Roach returned to helm the project, with Demi Moore and the Todd sisters, Suzanne Todd and Jennifer Todd, producing through their Team Todd banner alongside Moving Pictures. Principal photography took place primarily in Los Angeles, with key sequences shot at landmarks like the Greystone Mansion. The film's distinctive aesthetic, including the work of cinematographer Ueli Steiger and composer George S. Clinton, heavily referenced 1960s spy films and Swinging London.

Release

The film was released by New Line Cinema in North America on June 11, 1999, strategically positioned as a summer blockbuster. Its marketing campaign was extensive, featuring prominent promotions during MTV events and partnerships with brands like Heineken and 7 Up. The premiere was held at the Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, with a significant media presence. Internationally, it opened in major markets such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany throughout the subsequent weeks.

Reception

Critical reception was mixed; some reviewers praised its humor and energy, while others found it overly reliant on recycled jokes. However, it was a phenomenal commercial success, debuting at number one at the North American box office and grossing over $310 million worldwide against a $33 million budget. The film was nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Makeup and won the MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance for Mike Myers. Its success directly led to the greenlighting of a third installment, Austin Powers in Goldmember.

Home media

The film was released on VHS and DVD by New Line Home Entertainment in November 1999. The DVD release featured extensive special editions, including commentary by Jay Roach and Mike Myers, deleted scenes, and behind-the-scenes documentaries. It was subsequently included in various box sets with the other films in the franchise. Later, it saw releases on Blu-ray and became available for digital purchase and streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max.

Category:1999 films Category:American films Category:Spy comedy films