In Evan Almighty, Evan needs two of each animal.
The premise reimagines the biblical Noah’s Ark story as a modern comedy. Evan Baxter, played by Steve Carell, is instructed to build a huge ark after animals begin appearing around his home. They arrive in pairs, reflecting the familiar “two by two” version of the ark story.
Evan initially looks ridiculous to his family, neighbors, and colleagues, especially as he grows a long beard and starts assembling the enormous vessel. The animals eventually board the completed ark in pairs, including creatures that follow him from the surrounding area and a nearby zoo.
The film’s flood is not a worldwide biblical deluge. Instead, a dam connected to the corrupt development project collapses, sending water through the community. The ark saves Evan’s family, the animals, and many local residents, while the story turns the traditional religious narrative into a comedy about responsibility, family, and doing what is right.