Devon Sawa Recalls Rick Moranis Going Through ‘Family Stuff’ When Making “Little Giants”: ‘We Were Respectful’ (Exclusive)

Devon Sawa Reflects on Rick Moranis’ Personal Struggles During the Filming of ‘Little Giants’

Devon Sawa, the 46-year-old actor known for his roles in films like “Little Giants” and “Final Destination,” recently shared some insights into working alongside veteran actor Rick Moranis. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Sawa reminisced about his time on the set of “Little Giants” and the challenges Moranis was facing at the time.

Sawa affectionately recalled Moranis as a very kind man but noted that Moranis was dealing with personal issues during the filming of “Little Giants.” Sawa mentioned that Moranis had shared that he was going through some “family stuff,” which led to Moranis being less visible on set. Despite this, Sawa expressed that the cast was understanding and respectful of Moranis’ situation during that time.

The 1994 film “Little Giants” marked one of Moranis’ final live-action roles after the passing of his wife, makeup artist Ann Belsky, in 1991. Following the movie’s release, Moranis decided to step back from acting to focus on raising his two children, Rachel and Mitchell. Sawa reflected on Moranis’ pivotal role in the movie and highlighted his dedication to his craft amidst personal hardships.

“Little Giants” revolves around the story of pee-wee football coach Danny O’Shea, played by Moranis, who guides an underdog team to victory against a team led by his competitive older brother, portrayed by Ed O’Neill. Sawa, who played the role of quarterback Junior Floyd in the film, shared that working alongside Moranis and the rest of the cast was a memorable experience in his career.

While Sawa admitted that he and Moranis have not stayed in touch over the years, he expressed his admiration for Moranis’ body of work in classic films like “Ghostbusters,” “Spaceballs,” and “The Flintstones.” Sawa commended Moranis’ talent and described him as “amazing,” acknowledging the significant impact Moranis has had on the entertainment industry.

As Sawa gears up for the release of his new movie “Heart Eyes,” he looks back on his time on the set of “Little Giants” with gratitude and fondness. Despite the challenges Moranis faced during that period, the camaraderie and professionalism displayed by the cast and crew of the film have left a lasting impression on Sawa.

In conclusion, Devon Sawa’s reflections on working with Rick Moranis shed light on the complexities of Hollywood’s behind-the-scenes dynamics and the resilience of actors facing personal struggles. Moranis’ dedication to his craft and the support he received from his co-stars serve as a testament to the bond forged during the making of “Little Giants.”