The studio initially suggested to the producers that John Denver reprise his role as Jerry Landers from the first film continuing the original's story, but the suggestion was ignored, as producers thought it would be funnier and more original if the sequel contained entirely different characters. With the exception of George Burns in the title role, none of the original film's characters appear in this movie or Oh, God! You Devil (1984).
According to the book, "Close But No Cigar" by Melissa Miller, four of the five credited screenwriters were George Burns' personal comedy writing team, whom he brought in to try and salvage the floundering script. Most critics agreed they were not successful.