The original screenplay by Lou Holtz Jr. was a lighter comedy, described by Apatow as "a "What About Bob?" annoying friend movie" where the Cable Guy was a likeable loser who intrudes upon the cable subscriber's life, but never in a physically threatening way. Carrey, Apatow and Stiller liked the setup of "somebody who is really smart with technology invading somebody's life", and opted to add slapstick and darker tones, changing into a satire of thrillers such as "Cape Fear", "Unlawful Entry" and "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle". The dialogue would also fit Carrey's style of comedy.