Frank Oz plant (voiced by Levi Stubbs) which at times required up to 40 puppeteers to operate. The film allowed Oz to show his ability to work with live actors and led to opportunities to direct films that did not include puppetry. Usually helming comedic productions, Oz went on to direct "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" in 1988, starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine; "What About Bob?" in 1991, starring Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss; and "Housesitter" in 1992, starring Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn (all of which were scored by Miles Goodman). Later films include "The Indian in the Cupboard" (1995), "In &
Boomerang (1992 film) Murphy's best friends in the film. At the time, Grier was well known for the show "In Living Color". About him, Hudlin said, "I think he is an absolutely underrated genius. I think he is Steve Martin level funny, and it's too bad more people don't know how to use his comic gift, because he is absolutely brilliant." Lawrence was brought on to the project after first working with Hudlin on "House Party", which was his first major role in a film. Bebe Drake-Massey and John Witherspoon had played a couple in "House Party", and were reunited for the film,