John Travolta starred in "Grease."Paramount Pictures The movie-musical "Grease" premiered in 1978 and starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. One director wanted to turn the story into an animated film. Iconic actors Henry Winkler and Carrie Fisher almost landed the lead roles in the film. The movie is based on the Broadway musical of the same name."Grease" opened on Broadway in 1972 and was revived in 1994 and 2007.Jeff Christensen/AP PhotoBefore "Grease" became a movie-musical sensation in the late 1970s, it was a Tony-nominated Broadway musical that opened in February 1972.