Jim Carrey was almost in place to play Zaphod Beeblebrox at the time of author Douglas Adams' death in 2001. It would take another four years to get the project made, with a new script, a new director, and ultimately a new cast.

Spike Jonze was offered the chance to direct but declined.

Douglas Adams, author of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005), originally wanted Laurie to play Arthur Dent for the film adaptation.