Filled with up-and-coming stars, the cast of “Road Trip” is making the rounds with the press, trying to build up excitement for the film’s May 19 release date.

The movie’s biggest challenge will be setting itself apart from last summer’s teen sex flick “American Pie.” Both films are packed with raunchy humor and sexual innuendo, and both star Seann William Scott, who made a name for himself as Stifler in “Pie.”

“I think there’s some similarities. You get a group of four guys together you’re gonna have the same kind of chemistry,” Scott said. “When ‘American Pie’ was out people were sayin’ it’s a lot like ‘There’s Something About Mary,’ and when ‘Something About Mary’ was out they were sayin’ it was a lot like ‘Dumb and Dumber.’ I think they all have real similar kind of humor.”

The story follows a group of four college guys who go on a road trip in order to save a relationship. Scott’s character is quite similar to the one he played in “American Pie,” but a lot different than his own personality.

“I think the guy I play in this movie and also in ‘American Pie’ is kinda different than who I am, which also makes it that much more fun,” said the Cottage Grove, Minn., native. “If anything he’s the guy that I wanted to be in high school.”

The actors traveled all across Georgia to get the effect of traveling cross-country. “A lot of the conversations that you have with four guys on a road trip, we had while shooting,” Scott said.

Director Todd Phillips and actors Paulo Costanzo and DJ Qualls make their film debuts. The film also features MTV crazy guy Tom Green, Breckin Meyer (“Go,” “Clueless”), “Felicity” star Amy Smart (“Varsity Blues”) and Rachel Blanchard (“The Rage: Carrie 2”).

Ivan Reitman directed the film, which he said is a throwback to his earlier work such as “Animal House,” and “Stripes.” Work on the film began two years ago according to Reitman, and about 15 drafts were written before the finished product.

“What makes comedy really hard is you never know … does it work?,” Reitman said. “You’re constantly revising.”

Reitman said he believes “Road Trip” is funnier and better made than “American Pie.” “The issue is whether it will find its niche, and you never really know,” he said.

DJ Qualls is one actor who was virtually unknown when he accepted to play the role of Kyle, the dorky kid who gives up his car to use on the trip.

Qualls previously had been working as a theatrical actor in Nashville, Tenn., and has only been in the professional acting business for a year, but he’s already gained a lot of wisdom.

“I went and auditioned for a role with a one-line character, and they liked me enough … and they gave me the role of Kyle,” Qualls said. “I knew that if it didn’t work out, I would be back at my crappy job and working in theater for the rest of my life not making any money. The odds of me booking another job like that are astronomical.”

“You have all these goals and you’re waiting for the next job to come in and I don’t care who you are … you’re still waiting around for that next job and it’s pressure,” Qualls added.

At the early part of his career, Qualls is choosing his roles carefully. Recently, he was offered a TV series for a lot of money and declined because he didn’t like the script.

“I don’t believe all the hype. It’s a job and if you’re gonna do it well, you’ve got to be serious,” Qualls said. “You can’t be running around going to tons of parties. I’m not trying to be famous. I’m just trying to do good work and I don’t want to be like a Hollywood clown.”