In November 2017, Legendary won an auction for screen rights to Ernest, a short story by Geoff Manaugh published on Vice.com. Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day (2017)) both adapted the short story into a feature and directed the film.
David Harbour and Anthony Mackie both appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as characters related to Captain America. Joy also mentions "the Bad Guy from The Matrix (1999)," played by Hugo Weaving, who also appeared in a Captain America film.
Obvious product placement for Bud Light when the teenagers enter the bar.