The Interview June 13, 2026 1h 18m

Seth Rogen on ‘The Invite,’ James Franco, and More | The Interview

Name: Seth Rogen on ‘The Invite,’ James Franco, and More | The Interview
Uploaded: 2026-06-13T09:00:02+00:00
Duration: 1 h 18 min 13 s
Description: This transcript interviews Seth Rogan about his successful career transition from teenage actor to prolific Hollywood creator. It highlights his recent accolades and the unexpected shift in his professional trajectory. The takeaway is that for a long time, Rogan and his collaborators were content without industry recognition until recent successes changed their perspective.

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you guys going to make another movie you guys going to make another movie where they're friends, then they stop where they're friends, then they stop where they're friends, then they stop being friends, and in the end they're being friends, and in the end they're being friends, and in the end they're friends again. And [laughter] I remember friends again. And [laughter] I remember friends again. And [laughter] I remember like being like, "Oh, yeah, that's that like being like, "Oh, yeah, that's that like being like, "Oh, yeah, that's that is every movie we've ever made." is every movie we've ever made." is every movie we've ever made." [music] [music] [music] I'm Lulu Garcia Navaro and today I'm in I'm Lulu Garcia Navaro and today I'm in I'm Lulu Garcia Navaro and today I'm in Los Angeles to interview Seth [music] Los Angeles to interview Seth [music] Los Angeles to interview Seth [music] Rogan. At 44, Seth Rogan seems to be Rogan. At 44, Seth Rogan seems to be Rogan. At 44, Seth Rogan seems to be having the opposite [music] of a midlife having the opposite [music] of a midlife having the opposite [music] of a midlife crisis. crisis. crisis. >> Excuse me, everyone. Um, I got a bit of >> Excuse me, everyone. Um, I got a bit of >> Excuse me, everyone. Um, I got a bit of a bummer of an announcement to make, but a bummer of an announcement to make, but a bummer of an announcement to make, but we craft we craft we craft >> his series, The Studio, which he >> his series, The Studio, which he >> his series, The Studio, which he created, [music] created, [music] created, [music] writes, produces, directs, and stars in, writes, produces, directs, and stars in, writes, produces, directs, and stars in, just won 13 Emmys. Plus, his production just won 13 Emmys. Plus, his production just won 13 Emmys. Plus, his production company, Point Gray Pictures, has been company, Point Gray Pictures, has been company, Point Gray Pictures, has been banging out the hits. banging out the hits. banging out the hits. And his new movie, The Invite, which is And his new movie, The Invite, which is And his new movie, The Invite, which is directed by Olivia Wild, has been directed by Olivia Wild, has been directed by Olivia Wild, has been generating a lot of buzz. That is so generating a lot of buzz. That is so generating a lot of buzz. That is so nice. Thank you. nice. Thank you. nice. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Oh, say thank you, Joe. >> Oh, say thank you, Joe. >> Oh, say thank you, Joe. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> So, I wanted to talk to Rogan about how >> So, I wanted to talk to Rogan about how >> So, I wanted to talk to Rogan about how he went from being [music] a teenage he went from being [music] a teenage he went from being [music] a teenage actor actor actor >> I feel odd >> I feel odd >> I feel odd >> to one of the most successful, >> to one of the most successful, >> to one of the most successful, wide-ranging, and [music] prolific wide-ranging, and [music] prolific wide-ranging, and [music] prolific careers in Hollywood.
careers in Hollywood. careers in Hollywood. >> We would skip school to write Superbat. >> We would skip school to write Superbat. >> We would skip school to write Superbat. >> Here's my conversation with Seth Rogan. >> Here's my conversation with Seth Rogan. >> Here's my conversation with Seth Rogan. >> Seth Rogan, thank you so much for being >> Seth Rogan, thank you so much for being >> Seth Rogan, thank you so much for being here. here. here. >> Thank you for having me. [laughter] >> Thank you for having me. [laughter] >> Thank you for having me. [laughter] You were recently just in can. Um, You were recently just in can. Um, You were recently just in can. Um, [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> which you go to often any >> which you go to often any >> which you go to often any >> I've never been to can. [laughter] >> I've never been to can. [laughter] >> I've never been to can. [laughter] >> What? >> What? >> What? >> No, never. That was my first time. >> No, never. That was my first time. >> No, never. That was my first time. >> I just assumed. I actually didn't know >> I just assumed. I actually didn't know >> I just assumed. I actually didn't know one way or the other. one way or the other. one way or the other. >> No, I'd never been. Why? Yeah. I don't >> No, I'd never been. Why? Yeah. I don't >> No, I'd never been. Why? Yeah. I don't generally make the kind of films that go generally make the kind of films that go generally make the kind of films that go to film festivals and have [laughter] to film festivals and have [laughter] to film festivals and have [laughter] that type of attention or focus in any that type of attention or focus in any that type of attention or focus in any way. And so, no, I'd never made anything way. And so, no, I'd never made anything way. And so, no, I'd never made anything that that was at can before. Yeah. Oh that that was at can before. Yeah. Oh that that was at can before. Yeah. Oh >> yeah. It It's funny because, >> yeah. It It's funny because, >> yeah. It It's funny because, you know, we very luckily have had very you know, we very luckily have had very you know, we very luckily have had very like I say we like my me and my group I like I say we like my me and my group I like I say we like my me and my group I guess the royal we I'm Canadian close guess the royal we I'm Canadian close guess the royal we I'm Canadian close enough. Um but you know we've had very enough. Um but you know we've had very enough. Um but you know we've had very long lovely careers where up until very long lovely careers where up until very long lovely careers where up until very recently we didn't really do any of this recently we didn't really do any of this recently we didn't really do any of this stuff, festivals, awards, things like stuff, festivals, awards, things like stuff, festivals, awards, things like that. And I think honestly in our heads that. And I think honestly in our heads that. And I think honestly in our heads we kind of assumed it which is that that we kind of assumed it which is that that we kind of assumed it which is that that was not what our careers held and we was not what our careers held and we was not what our careers held and we were really at at peace with that. And were really at at peace with that. And were really at at peace with that. And so now that I am starting to get to go so now that I am starting to get to go so now that I am starting to get to go to festivals like can and and see see to festivals like can and and see see to festivals like can and and see see it. It is funny that there's like this it. It is funny that there's like this it. It is funny that there's like this entire other side of the industry that entire other side of the industry that entire other side of the industry that has sort of just been withheld from from has sort of just been withheld from from has sort of just been withheld from from me for the last 20 years. [laughter] me for the last 20 years. [laughter] me for the last 20 years. [laughter] and and and [gasps] and and and [gasps] and and and [gasps] I never really uh I I I never thought I never really uh I I I never thought I never really uh I I I never thought about it that much cuz I always just
about it that much cuz I always just about it that much cuz I always just thought like ah that's like that's for thought like ah that's like that's for thought like ah that's like that's for those types of movies and I don't really those types of movies and I don't really those types of movies and I don't really make those types of movies. But now it make those types of movies. But now it make those types of movies. But now it is amazing like the level of industry is amazing like the level of industry is amazing like the level of industry and infrastructure and sort of pomp and and infrastructure and sort of pomp and and infrastructure and sort of pomp and circumstance that I had nothing to do circumstance that I had nothing to do circumstance that I had nothing to do with all these years. [laughter] with all these years. [laughter] with all these years. [laughter] Just felt like a lot of parties I have I Just felt like a lot of parties I have I Just felt like a lot of parties I have I was never invited to until now. So uh was never invited to until now. So uh was never invited to until now. So uh yeah, it was really exciting. You know, yeah, it was really exciting. You know, yeah, it was really exciting. You know, >> I find it very comforting that there's a >> I find it very comforting that there's a >> I find it very comforting that there's a velvet rope that you were not [laughter] velvet rope that you were not [laughter] velvet rope that you were not [laughter] allowed to go by. allowed to go by. allowed to go by. >> There's plenty more. Trust me, even now >> There's plenty more. Trust me, even now >> There's plenty more. Trust me, even now that I'm here, there's many more velvet that I'm here, there's many more velvet that I'm here, there's many more velvet ropes that I have [laughter] not I'm not ropes that I have [laughter] not I'm not ropes that I have [laughter] not I'm not invited to beyond. invited to beyond. invited to beyond. >> I have this theory that there's always >> I have this theory that there's always >> I have this theory that there's always another room that you just don't get another room that you just don't get another room that you just don't get into. into. into. >> I remember as a kid hearing like like uh >> I remember as a kid hearing like like uh >> I remember as a kid hearing like like uh I can't remember who was saying it. It I can't remember who was saying it. It I can't remember who was saying it. It was Jud or Gary Shanley, one of these was Jud or Gary Shanley, one of these was Jud or Gary Shanley, one of these older comedians I was hanging out with. older comedians I was hanging out with. older comedians I was hanging out with. It was like you work your way up through It was like you work your way up through It was like you work your way up through Hollywood and eventually you are led Hollywood and eventually you are led Hollywood and eventually you are led into a room alone with Jack Nicholson into a room alone with Jack Nicholson into a room alone with Jack Nicholson and that's like that's the end and that's like that's the end and that's like that's the end [laughter] of the line like it's just [laughter] of the line like it's just [laughter] of the line like it's just it's just you and him in a small room it's just you and him in a small room it's just you and him in a small room together and that's when you're like I together and that's when you're like I together and that's when you're like I did it. [laughter] did it. [laughter] did it. [laughter] >> So you do have another film um which is >> So you do have another film um which is >> So you do have another film um which is the invite and the invite and the invite and you play Joe.
you play Joe. you play Joe. Joe is an angry person um whose Joe is an angry person um whose Joe is an angry person um whose long-term marriage to Angela, played by long-term marriage to Angela, played by long-term marriage to Angela, played by Olivia Wild, who also directs the movie, Olivia Wild, who also directs the movie, Olivia Wild, who also directs the movie, is not in a good place. Um I saw this is not in a good place. Um I saw this is not in a good place. Um I saw this recent interview where Olivia Wild said, recent interview where Olivia Wild said, recent interview where Olivia Wild said, "You are both non-con confrontational "You are both non-con confrontational "You are both non-con confrontational people, but in this role you accessed, people, but in this role you accessed, people, but in this role you accessed, and this is a quote, your deep rage, and this is a quote, your deep rage, and this is a quote, your deep rage, [laughter] and I want to understand what [laughter] and I want to understand what [laughter] and I want to understand what Seth Rogan's deep rages. Tell me what Seth Rogan's deep rages. Tell me what Seth Rogan's deep rages. Tell me what she meant." she meant." she meant." >> Um I mean, I don't know if that I'm glad >> Um I mean, I don't know if that I'm glad >> Um I mean, I don't know if that I'm glad she thought it way, if that was helpful. she thought it way, if that was helpful. she thought it way, if that was helpful. uh for the film, you know. I think yeah, uh for the film, you know. I think yeah, uh for the film, you know. I think yeah, it was, it was, it was, you know, as we were rehearsing and you know, as we were rehearsing and you know, as we were rehearsing and working on the script leading up to working on the script leading up to working on the script leading up to shooting, it just seemed like the the shooting, it just seemed like the the shooting, it just seemed like the the more like palpably uncomfortable more like palpably uncomfortable more like palpably uncomfortable the the couple was, the more the the couple was, the more the the couple was, the more uncomfortable the audience would be, the uncomfortable the audience would be, the uncomfortable the audience would be, the more uncomfortable this other couple more uncomfortable this other couple more uncomfortable this other couple would be entering this environment. And would be entering this environment. And would be entering this environment. And I had just been out with couples where I had just been out with couples where I had just been out with couples where you just see like they don't like each you just see like they don't like each you just see like they don't like each other. And it's really unpleasant to be other. And it's really unpleasant to be other. And it's really unpleasant to be around. And there is this like simmering around. And there is this like simmering around. And there is this like simmering undercurrent of anger. And in every undercurrent of anger. And in every undercurrent of anger. And in every moment where you would choose to forgive moment where you would choose to forgive moment where you would choose to forgive or excuse a person that you actually or excuse a person that you actually or excuse a person that you actually cared deeply about, like these people cared deeply about, like these people cared deeply about, like these people choose not to forgive and excuse their choose not to forgive and excuse their choose not to forgive and excuse their their partner and they choose to make a their partner and they choose to make a their partner and they choose to make a big deal out of it or to use it as an big deal out of it or to use it as an big deal out of it or to use it as an opportunity to to make a dig at their opportunity to to make a dig at their opportunity to to make a dig at their partner or say something hurtful or feel partner or say something hurtful or feel partner or say something hurtful or feel superior or something like that. and and superior or something like that. and and superior or something like that. and and those are people I'd been I I mean and those are people I'd been I I mean and those are people I'd been I I mean and continue to be around in my [laughter] continue to be around in my [laughter] continue to be around in my [laughter] life and and and I've always found it life and and and I've always found it life and and and I've always found it incredibly unpleasant. And to me that
incredibly unpleasant. And to me that incredibly unpleasant. And to me that resentment was something that I thought resentment was something that I thought resentment was something that I thought would be very, you know, like additive would be very, you know, like additive would be very, you know, like additive to the film and would would create like to the film and would would create like to the film and would would create like a tone and environment that that served a tone and environment that that served a tone and environment that that served the the the film. You know, the the the film. You know, the the the film. You know, >> it did make me wonder what causes you to >> it did make me wonder what causes you to >> it did make me wonder what causes you to feel deep rage or are you this person feel deep rage or are you this person feel deep rage or are you this person that does not feel that? that does not feel that? that does not feel that? >> No, I get really angry sometimes. >> No, I get really angry sometimes. >> No, I get really angry sometimes. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] Um, and it's mostly Um, and it's mostly Um, and it's mostly I think it's evolved over the years. I think it's evolved over the years. I think it's evolved over the years. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] What what makes me angry? Like What what makes me angry? Like What what makes me angry? Like you know I used to really get angry you know I used to really get angry you know I used to really get angry about about about I mean like for lack of a better I mean like for lack of a better I mean like for lack of a better expression what I would say like people expression what I would say like people expression what I would say like people [ __ ] with my [ __ ] like like when I [ __ ] with my [ __ ] like like when I [ __ ] with my [ __ ] like like when I was doing like a creative endeavor and was doing like a creative endeavor and was doing like a creative endeavor and and I felt like like the powers that be and I felt like like the powers that be and I felt like like the powers that be were just like messing it up for no good were just like messing it up for no good were just like messing it up for no good reason and were were obstructing me from reason and were were obstructing me from reason and were were obstructing me from expressing what I wanted to express and expressing what I wanted to express and expressing what I wanted to express and what I felt would would would create a a what I felt would would would create a a what I felt would would would create a a great product ultimately and they were great product ultimately and they were great product ultimately and they were interrupting that process or or again interrupting that process or or again interrupting that process or or again just complicating it or making it just complicating it or making it just complicating it or making it needlessly painful and and that was the needlessly painful and and that was the needlessly painful and and that was the thing that used to really enrage me um thing that used to really enrage me um thing that used to really enrage me um more privately, you know, but I at more privately, you know, but I at more privately, you know, but I at times, you know, I bet people I've times, you know, I bet people I've times, you know, I bet people I've worked with over the years would say worked with over the years would say worked with over the years would say that I I'm not always 100% pleasant 100% that I I'm not always 100% pleasant 100% that I I'm not always 100% pleasant 100% [laughter] of the time when when it [laughter] of the time when when it [laughter] of the time when when it comes to those types of situations, you comes to those types of situations, you comes to those types of situations, you know.
know. know. >> Um, >> Um, >> Um, >> but honestly over the years I've seen >> but honestly over the years I've seen >> but honestly over the years I've seen that we very rarely lose those arguments that we very rarely lose those arguments that we very rarely lose those arguments and we almost always get to do what we and we almost always get to do what we and we almost always get to do what we want creatively and and and there's a a want creatively and and and there's a a want creatively and and and there's a a number of instances I could probably number of instances I could probably number of instances I could probably count on one hand where we've actually count on one hand where we've actually count on one hand where we've actually like been forced to do a thing that we like been forced to do a thing that we like been forced to do a thing that we really don't want to do creatively. And really don't want to do creatively. And really don't want to do creatively. And I think over time I've realized it's I think over time I've realized it's I think over time I've realized it's like not worth getting that angry about like not worth getting that angry about like not worth getting that angry about that stuff anymore because it just the that stuff anymore because it just the that stuff anymore because it just the it rarely manifests into a thing that I it rarely manifests into a thing that I it rarely manifests into a thing that I actually don't like. It's more the fear actually don't like. It's more the fear actually don't like. It's more the fear of it would enrage me, you know. Um of it would enrage me, you know. Um of it would enrage me, you know. Um but now I think as I've gotten older but now I think as I've gotten older but now I think as I've gotten older it's more like it's more it's much more it's more like it's more it's much more it's more like it's more it's much more directed inwards. It's much more I get directed inwards. It's much more I get directed inwards. It's much more I get mad at myself and I get disappointed in mad at myself and I get disappointed in mad at myself and I get disappointed in myself or I will do a thing that I don't myself or I will do a thing that I don't myself or I will do a thing that I don't feel like I did as well as I could or I feel like I did as well as I could or I feel like I did as well as I could or I will feel like I'm spinning out over will feel like I'm spinning out over will feel like I'm spinning out over something or ruminating on something or something or ruminating on something or something or ruminating on something or or fixating on a thing and then I'll get or fixating on a thing and then I'll get or fixating on a thing and then I'll get mad at myself for removing my myself mad at myself for removing my myself mad at myself for removing my myself from the day-to-day from the day-to-day from the day-to-day present experience I should be having present experience I should be having present experience I should be having because I'm somewhere else fixated on because I'm somewhere else fixated on because I'm somewhere else fixated on some dumb thing. You know what I mean?
some dumb thing. You know what I mean? some dumb thing. You know what I mean? that that is usually my own doing that that is usually my own doing that that is usually my own doing something that I felt like I didn't do something that I felt like I didn't do something that I felt like I didn't do well enough, something that I had said well enough, something that I had said well enough, something that I had said that I wish I hadn't said or something that I wish I hadn't said or something that I wish I hadn't said or something like that. Um, that is much more where like that. Um, that is much more where like that. Um, that is much more where my anger lies these days is like at my my anger lies these days is like at my my anger lies these days is like at my own [laughter] at my own behavior and at own [laughter] at my own behavior and at own [laughter] at my own behavior and at my own uh yeah at at at myself which is my own uh yeah at at at myself which is my own uh yeah at at at myself which is probably not healthy but that's you know probably not healthy but that's you know probably not healthy but that's you know I'm doing my best over here. I go to I'm doing my best over here. I go to I'm doing my best over here. I go to therapy. [laughter] therapy. [laughter] therapy. [laughter] Let me um [clears throat] Let me um [clears throat] Let me um [clears throat] can you give me an example of a moment can you give me an example of a moment can you give me an example of a moment where something got intervened in that where something got intervened in that where something got intervened in that you felt did a disservice to your you felt did a disservice to your you felt did a disservice to your vision? vision? vision? >> It's been a long time honestly like and >> It's been a long time honestly like and >> It's been a long time honestly like and and we've the whole reason we became and we've the whole reason we became and we've the whole reason we became producers and made a production company producers and made a production company producers and made a production company which was like 10 years ago at this which was like 10 years ago at this which was like 10 years ago at this point I think maybe more was to like point I think maybe more was to like point I think maybe more was to like insulate ourselves and and really try to insulate ourselves and and really try to insulate ourselves and and really try to protect ourselves from this from that protect ourselves from this from that protect ourselves from this from that happening you know. Um happening you know. Um happening you know. Um >> and so Good work cannot come from by >> and so Good work cannot come from by >> and so Good work cannot come from by committee. Is that like committee. Is that like committee. Is that like >> No, I have a very strong committee like >> No, I have a very strong committee like >> No, I have a very strong committee like and and I I have a partner specifically and and I I have a partner specifically and and I I have a partner specifically like I I I I am amazed that good work like I I I I am amazed that good work like I I I I am amazed that good work comes from any singular person, you comes from any singular person, you comes from any singular person, you know. [laughter] Um I need sounding know. [laughter] Um I need sounding know. [laughter] Um I need sounding boards, you know, and boards, you know, and boards, you know, and >> you know, I'm I'm I'm filming the studio >> you know, I'm I'm I'm filming the studio >> you know, I'm I'm I'm filming the studio right now, so I'm very like in it. But right now, so I'm very like in it. But right now, so I'm very like in it. But like I just see that like you know the like I just see that like you know the like I just see that like you know the team we have on set, our team we have on set, our team we have on set, our cinematographer, our editor, our cinematographer, our editor, our cinematographer, our editor, our writers, the the production designer, writers, the the production designer, writers, the the production designer, the costume people, the camera operator, the costume people, the camera operator, the costume people, the camera operator, like these people make the show better.
like these people make the show better. like these people make the show better. I think at the end of the day, and I say I think at the end of the day, and I say I think at the end of the day, and I say this all the time, like the hardest part this all the time, like the hardest part this all the time, like the hardest part about being a director for me is when is about being a director for me is when is about being a director for me is when is when you are the only one who thinks a when you are the only one who thinks a when you are the only one who thinks a certain thing and when everyone's certain thing and when everyone's certain thing and when everyone's looking at you like you're crazy and you looking at you like you're crazy and you looking at you like you're crazy and you have to be like, "No, this is what we're have to be like, "No, this is what we're have to be like, "No, this is what we're doing." Cuz ultimately, like I'm the one doing." Cuz ultimately, like I'm the one doing." Cuz ultimately, like I'm the one who has to live with this at the end of who has to live with this at the end of who has to live with this at the end of the day. And if I don't do the thing the day. And if I don't do the thing the day. And if I don't do the thing that I really think is right, even that I really think is right, even that I really think is right, even though everyone's looking at me like, I though everyone's looking at me like, I though everyone's looking at me like, I don't think this is right. And 99% of don't think this is right. And 99% of don't think this is right. And 99% of the time the committee's in league and the time the committee's in league and the time the committee's in league and then 1% of the time me and my partner then 1% of the time me and my partner then 1% of the time me and my partner are standing there and everyone's are standing there and everyone's are standing there and everyone's looking at us like we're crazy and we're looking at us like we're crazy and we're looking at us like we're crazy and we're like, "This is what we have to do." Um, like, "This is what we have to do." Um, like, "This is what we have to do." Um, and to me, like the thing I hate the and to me, like the thing I hate the and to me, like the thing I hate the most is when I make a thing and it isn't most is when I make a thing and it isn't most is when I make a thing and it isn't quite what everyone hoped and someone quite what everyone hoped and someone quite what everyone hoped and someone who was there is like, you know, I I who was there is like, you know, I I who was there is like, you know, I I kind of maybe thought that maybe this kind of maybe thought that maybe this kind of maybe thought that maybe this wasn't going to work. And that's when wasn't going to work. And that's when wasn't going to work. And that's when I'm like, say something. Like, you were I'm like, say something. Like, you were I'm like, say something. Like, you were right. Say something. Not like, I wish right. Say something. Not like, I wish right. Say something. Not like, I wish you had said that because you would have you had said that because you would have you had said that because you would have made me see something that I wasn't made me see something that I wasn't made me see something that I wasn't seeing. And it and and if you had said seeing. And it and and if you had said seeing. And it and and if you had said that then this would actually more that then this would actually more that then this would actually more reflect what I want to be putting out in reflect what I want to be putting out in reflect what I want to be putting out in the world, not less reflect that. You the world, not less reflect that. You the world, not less reflect that. You know what I mean? And so that is know what I mean? And so that is know what I mean? And so that is something I like just recognized over something I like just recognized over something I like just recognized over the years like is really valuable like the years like is really valuable like the years like is really valuable like to me personally, you know?
to me personally, you know? to me personally, you know? >> You know what fills me with rage? >> You know what fills me with rage? >> You know what fills me with rage? Someone coming and saying, "I told you Someone coming and saying, "I told you Someone coming and saying, "I told you so." so." so." >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] I don't like that either. funnily I don't like that either. funnily I don't like that either. funnily [clears throat] enough. Um, just to [clears throat] enough. Um, just to [clears throat] enough. Um, just to return to the movie briefly, um, the return to the movie briefly, um, the return to the movie briefly, um, the movie's funny, tender, very dramatic. movie's funny, tender, very dramatic. movie's funny, tender, very dramatic. Um, as a long-term married person, Um, as a long-term married person, Um, as a long-term married person, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> it brought up a lot of familiar themes. >> it brought up a lot of familiar themes. >> it brought up a lot of familiar themes. I was saying to my producer, also called I was saying to my producer, also called I was saying to my producer, also called Seth, by the way, um, that the Seth, by the way, um, that the Seth, by the way, um, that the >> I have to fight him now. >> I have to fight him now. >> I have to fight him now. >> Yeah, you do. [laughter] WE WERE SAYING >> Yeah, you do. [laughter] WE WERE SAYING >> Yeah, you do. [laughter] WE WERE SAYING THERE HAS TO BE A CASE. THERE HAS TO BE A CASE. THERE HAS TO BE A CASE. >> IT'S a Highlander. Yeah. >> IT'S a Highlander. Yeah. >> IT'S a Highlander. Yeah. every time I meet one. [laughter] >> That opening scene where uh you and >> That opening scene where uh you and Olivia are fighting bitterly over the Olivia are fighting bitterly over the Olivia are fighting bitterly over the dinner party, she is throwing for the dinner party, she is throwing for the dinner party, she is throwing for the neighbors. She'd forgotten to tell your neighbors. She'd forgotten to tell your neighbors. She'd forgotten to tell your character about it. Um I had had that character about it. Um I had had that character about it. Um I had had that very same argument that week with with very same argument that week with with very same argument that week with with my uh husband. my uh husband. my uh husband. >> There you go. >> There you go. >> There you go. >> Yeah. Um >> Yeah. Um >> Yeah. Um >> were there things in the movie that hit >> were there things in the movie that hit >> were there things in the movie that hit home for you? Obviously, you've been home for you? Obviously, you've been home for you? Obviously, you've been with your partner Lauren Miller for a with your partner Lauren Miller for a with your partner Lauren Miller for a long time. What did it bring up for you long time. What did it bring up for you long time. What did it bring up for you and and also your your fellow actors as and and also your your fellow actors as and and also your your fellow actors as you were portraying this very you were portraying this very you were portraying this very complicated emotional dynamic?
complicated emotional dynamic? complicated emotional dynamic? >> I mean, we we we we rehearsed the movie >> I mean, we we we we rehearsed the movie >> I mean, we we we we rehearsed the movie for a little while going into it and the for a little while going into it and the for a little while going into it and the movie was like completely rewritten, I movie was like completely rewritten, I movie was like completely rewritten, I would say, in like the weeks leading up would say, in like the weeks leading up would say, in like the weeks leading up to shooting. Um, huge ideas that are in to shooting. Um, huge ideas that are in to shooting. Um, huge ideas that are in the movie were not there at all when we the movie were not there at all when we the movie were not there at all when we were when we started the rehearsal. Um, were when we started the rehearsal. Um, were when we started the rehearsal. Um, and so the movie actually changed a lot and so the movie actually changed a lot and so the movie actually changed a lot as we were um, leading into filming. And as we were um, leading into filming. And as we were um, leading into filming. And that's not uncommon. And that's not uncommon. And that's not uncommon. And what's funny with a movie like this and what's funny with a movie like this and what's funny with a movie like this and you're rehearsing and the actors are you're rehearsing and the actors are you're rehearsing and the actors are there and the writers are there and and there and the writers are there and and there and the writers are there and and you're talking about relationships and you're talking about relationships and you're talking about relationships and and and at some point you kind of have and and at some point you kind of have and and at some point you kind of have to define what in according to this film at define what in according to this film at least is a good relationship and what is least is a good relationship and what is least is a good relationship and what is a bad relationship. You know, and people a bad relationship. You know, and people a bad relationship. You know, and people really bring their own personal stuff really bring their own personal stuff really bring their own personal stuff into those definitions. You know what I into those definitions. You know what I into those definitions. You know what I mean? And what you very quickly see is mean? And what you very quickly see is mean? And what you very quickly see is that, oh, like what I view as a bad that, oh, like what I view as a bad that, oh, like what I view as a bad relationship is not what these people relationship is not what these people relationship is not what these people necessarily view as a bad relationship.
necessarily view as a bad relationship. necessarily view as a bad relationship. Or maybe she agrees with me, but maybe Or maybe she agrees with me, but maybe Or maybe she agrees with me, but maybe they have a very this person does not they have a very this person does not they have a very this person does not agree with me, and they view what I agree with me, and they view what I agree with me, and they view what I would view as completely unacceptable to would view as completely unacceptable to would view as completely unacceptable to be to be normal in a relationship and be to be normal in a relationship and be to be normal in a relationship and things like that. So, as we were things like that. So, as we were things like that. So, as we were rehearsing and writing, like I I rehearsing and writing, like I I rehearsing and writing, like I I remember feeling like I could really remember feeling like I could really remember feeling like I could really confidently speak about what a very good confidently speak about what a very good confidently speak about what a very good relationship was like and one that had relationship was like and one that had relationship was like and one that had been good for a very long time. been good for a very long time. been good for a very long time. Unafraid. Unafraid. Unafraid. >> I mean, I think it's a couple who is >> I mean, I think it's a couple who is >> I mean, I think it's a couple who is nice to each other and who loves each nice to each other and who loves each nice to each other and who loves each other and who goes out of their way to other and who goes out of their way to other and who goes out of their way to excuse the other person rather than to excuse the other person rather than to excuse the other person rather than to find things that they hate about the find things that they hate about the find things that they hate about the other person. I'm not blaming it like other person. I'm not blaming it like other person. I'm not blaming it like but to me it comes down to like but to me it comes down to like but to me it comes down to like like a caring you know like and like a a like a caring you know like and like a a like a caring you know like and like a a a tenderness and a niceness that is born a tenderness and a niceness that is born a tenderness and a niceness that is born out of a desire to do that for the other out of a desire to do that for the other out of a desire to do that for the other person which I think is also very person which I think is also very person which I think is also very important is like you have to want to important is like you have to want to important is like you have to want to love your partner and you have to want love your partner and you have to want love your partner and you have to want them to love you back you know and I them to love you back you know and I them to love you back you know and I think you have to be intimate with your think you have to be intimate with your think you have to be intimate with your partner and sexually attracted to your partner and sexually attracted to your partner and sexually attracted to your partner and I think they and that should partner and I think they and that should partner and I think they and that should be returned as well and I think and the be returned as well and I think and the be returned as well and I think and the movie really gets into that and so very movie really gets into that and so very movie really gets into that and so very quickly me and the other cast members quickly me and the other cast members quickly me and the other cast members and the writers [laughter] found and the writers [laughter] found and the writers [laughter] found ourselves having [gasps] ourselves having [gasps] ourselves having [gasps] what maybe we didn't intend to be what maybe we didn't intend to be what maybe we didn't intend to be incredibly revealing conversations but incredibly revealing conversations but incredibly revealing conversations but what ultimately you couldn't you what ultimately you couldn't you what ultimately you couldn't you couldn't hide were incredibly revealing couldn't hide were incredibly revealing couldn't hide were incredibly revealing conversations cuz ultimately you're conversations cuz ultimately you're conversations cuz ultimately you're arguing oh I think this is this is
arguing oh I think this is this is arguing oh I think this is this is healthy or this is unhealthy you know um healthy or this is unhealthy you know um healthy or this is unhealthy you know um >> are you just are you saying you know you >> are you just are you saying you know you >> are you just are you saying you know you now know more about Penelopey Cruz's now know more about Penelopey Cruz's now know more about Penelopey Cruz's marriage marriage marriage >> yes exactly [laughter] is that what >> yes exactly [laughter] is that what >> yes exactly [laughter] is that what we're circling around here. we're circling around here. we're circling around here. >> I do know Javier Bardam had back >> I do know Javier Bardam had back >> I do know Javier Bardam had back problems that [laughter] that were problems that [laughter] that were problems that [laughter] that were similar to my characters, similar to my characters, similar to my characters, which was [clears throat] a funny, you which was [clears throat] a funny, you which was [clears throat] a funny, you know, again, [laughter] much more than I know, again, [laughter] much more than I know, again, [laughter] much more than I needed to know about him necessarily. needed to know about him necessarily. needed to know about him necessarily. Um, and she does think it had to do with Um, and she does think it had to do with Um, and she does think it had to do with stress and emotion more more so than stress and emotion more more so than stress and emotion more more so than than a physical [laughter] ailment. Um, than a physical [laughter] ailment. Um, than a physical [laughter] ailment. Um, and so yeah, so all that stuff kind of and so yeah, so all that stuff kind of and so yeah, so all that stuff kind of comes out. So Eststera Prell um the comes out. So Eststera Prell um the comes out. So Eststera Prell um the relationship psychotherapist and relationship psychotherapist and relationship psychotherapist and bestselling author was a consultant on bestselling author was a consultant on bestselling author was a consultant on the film. Was she mediating something? I the film. Was she mediating something? I the film. Was she mediating something? I mean what were you guys having group mean what were you guys having group mean what were you guys having group therapy? therapy? therapy? >> No. I mean honestly from my experience >> No. I mean honestly from my experience >> No. I mean honestly from my experience we just talked about her a lot like and we just talked about her a lot like and we just talked about her a lot like and and I think there was a point where like and I think there was a point where like and I think there was a point where like we were kind of dancing around just like we were kind of dancing around just like we were kind of dancing around just like using her philosophies in the film. And using her philosophies in the film. And using her philosophies in the film. And honestly I think maybe maybe that made honestly I think maybe maybe that made honestly I think maybe maybe that made them go to her and be like will you be a them go to her and be like will you be a them go to her and be like will you be a consultant on the film? And cuz cuz I consultant on the film? And cuz cuz I consultant on the film? And cuz cuz I think there was some fear at first of think there was some fear at first of think there was some fear at first of like are we are we overlapping and I I I like are we are we overlapping and I I I like are we are we overlapping and I I I remember being like just embrace it like remember being like just embrace it like remember being like just embrace it like like we are saying what she says that is like we are saying what she says that is like we are saying what she says that is the point of this. We agree with it. We the point of this. We agree with it. We the point of this. We agree with it. We all agree with it.
all agree with it. all agree with it. >> What is the it? the it is this I think >> What is the it? the it is this I think >> What is the it? the it is this I think to me it's this very simple idea of that to me it's this very simple idea of that to me it's this very simple idea of that you have many relationships throughout you have many relationships throughout you have many relationships throughout your life as you change and you age and your life as you change and you age and your life as you change and you age and and your perspective [gasps] changes and and your perspective [gasps] changes and and your perspective [gasps] changes and and and sometimes your partner changes and and sometimes your partner changes and and sometimes your partner changes with you and you have several with you and you have several with you and you have several relationships with the same person that relationships with the same person that relationships with the same person that have new parameters and new boundaries have new parameters and new boundaries have new parameters and new boundaries and new new new guidelines that are and new new new guidelines that are and new new new guidelines that are reflective of who you are as you become reflective of who you are as you become reflective of who you are as you become different people and sometimes you different people and sometimes you different people and sometimes you become incompatible with that person and become incompatible with that person and become incompatible with that person and and you start a relationship with a new and you start a relationship with a new and you start a relationship with a new person and it just it just really rang person and it just it just really rang person and it just it just really rang true and it's something I've seen in in true and it's something I've seen in in true and it's something I've seen in in couples that I know and something I've couples that I know and something I've couples that I know and something I've seen in my own relationship like you seen in my own relationship like you seen in my own relationship like you know me and my me and my wife started know me and my me and my wife started know me and my me and my wife started dating when we were like 23 years old or dating when we were like 23 years old or dating when we were like 23 years old or something like that you know and so something like that you know and so something like that you know and so we're obviously very different people we're obviously very different people we're obviously very different people than we were in our early 20s uh now than we were in our early 20s uh now than we were in our early 20s uh now that we're in our mid-4s but but we grew that we're in our mid-4s but but we grew that we're in our mid-4s but but we grew in a way that we stayed very compatible in a way that we stayed very compatible in a way that we stayed very compatible with one another, you know, and I've with one another, you know, and I've with one another, you know, and I've seen other couples seen other couples seen other couples >> not have that happen, you know.
>> not have that happen, you know. >> not have that happen, you know. >> I'm glad you brought this up because I >> I'm glad you brought this up because I >> I'm glad you brought this up because I have a theory about your relationship. have a theory about your relationship. have a theory about your relationship. >> Great. [laughter] >> Great. [laughter] >> Great. [laughter] Well, I saw you talk about your wife on Well, I saw you talk about your wife on Well, I saw you talk about your wife on Howard Stern, and you told several Howard Stern, and you told several Howard Stern, and you told several anecdotes that basically boil down to, anecdotes that basically boil down to, anecdotes that basically boil down to, "I was on drugs and my wife encouraged "I was on drugs and my wife encouraged "I was on drugs and my wife encouraged me to go on LIVE TELEVISION, GET me to go on LIVE TELEVISION, GET me to go on LIVE TELEVISION, GET [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] GET ON STAGE WITH MADONNA, GET ON STAGE WITH MADONNA, GET ON STAGE WITH MADONNA, do something [laughter] potentially do something [laughter] potentially do something [laughter] potentially publicly risky, but very fun." publicly risky, but very fun." publicly risky, but very fun." >> And I just loved that [laughter] because >> And I just loved that [laughter] because >> And I just loved that [laughter] because this is clearly someone that is this is clearly someone that is this is clearly someone that is >> sort of the opposite of trying to shut >> sort of the opposite of trying to shut >> sort of the opposite of trying to shut you down or you know, circumscribe you. you down or you know, circumscribe you. you down or you know, circumscribe you. She wants you to be full Seth. Um, She wants you to be full Seth. Um, She wants you to be full Seth. Um, >> she does. Yes. And at times will also >> she does. Yes. And at times will also >> she does. Yes. And at times will also tell me maybe it's too much Seth. tell me maybe it's too much Seth. tell me maybe it's too much Seth. [laughter] I'd say in a very good way. [laughter] I'd say in a very good way. [laughter] I'd say in a very good way. Um, and it's honestly like when we were Um, and it's honestly like when we were Um, and it's honestly like when we were making the neighbors movies that was making the neighbors movies that was making the neighbors movies that was like a lot of the dynamic between me and like a lot of the dynamic between me and like a lot of the dynamic between me and Rose Burn came from conversations with Rose Burn came from conversations with Rose Burn came from conversations with me and Lorie. me and Lorie. me and Lorie. >> Welcome to the neighborhood. That's the >> Welcome to the neighborhood. That's the >> Welcome to the neighborhood. That's the gist of all gist of all gist of all >> where it was like we >> where it was like we >> where it was like we >> she's not like the naggy woman who's >> she's not like the naggy woman who's >> she's not like the naggy woman who's trying to shut down the fun like she's trying to shut down the fun like she's trying to shut down the fun like she's she me and her love doing the same stuff she me and her love doing the same stuff she me and her love doing the same stuff and and and if anything yeah she's like and and and if anything yeah she's like and and and if anything yeah she's like encouraging it you know and so we've encouraging it you know and so we've encouraging it you know and so we've always I think in a great way like always I think in a great way like always I think in a great way like fundamentally been on the same page as fundamentally been on the same page as fundamentally been on the same page as one another and like to do the same one another and like to do the same one another and like to do the same actual things with our day as one actual things with our day as one actual things with our day as one another which I think [gasps] another which I think [gasps] another which I think [gasps] is also just a thing that like you see is also just a thing that like you see is also just a thing that like you see is like oh this couple like just doesn't is like oh this couple like just doesn't is like oh this couple like just doesn't want to spend their day doing the same want to spend their day doing the same want to spend their day doing the same thing anymore. And then they used to and
thing anymore. And then they used to and thing anymore. And then they used to and now they don't. And now like she wants now they don't. And now like she wants now they don't. And now like she wants to do this and he wants to do this and to do this and he wants to do this and to do this and he wants to do this and and and and they might still care about and and and they might still care about and and and they might still care about each other, but it's just like what they each other, but it's just like what they each other, but it's just like what they want to do all day is completely want to do all day is completely want to do all day is completely different, you know? Um and we like different, you know? Um and we like different, you know? Um and we like doing the same things, which is also doing the same things, which is also doing the same things, which is also good, I think. [laughter] good, I think. [laughter] good, I think. [laughter] >> What do you wish she'd stopped you from >> What do you wish she'd stopped you from >> What do you wish she'd stopped you from doing? doing? doing? >> Um nothing. If anything, she has >> Um nothing. If anything, she has >> Um nothing. If anything, she has successfully stopped me from doing successfully stopped me from doing successfully stopped me from doing things I shouldn't have done. [laughter] things I shouldn't have done. [laughter] things I shouldn't have done. [laughter] which which is good. She she's she has a which which is good. She she's she has a which which is good. She she's she has a very good track record with [laughter] very good track record with [laughter] very good track record with [laughter] that. that. that. >> So you often play with thwarted desire >> So you often play with thwarted desire >> So you often play with thwarted desire in your projects. Um you know in your projects. Um you know in your projects. Um you know dude wants a hot girl isn't in her dude wants a hot girl isn't in her dude wants a hot girl isn't in her league. Um and that frustration is often league. Um and that frustration is often league. Um and that frustration is often sort of comedic and played for comedic sort of comedic and played for comedic sort of comedic and played for comedic effect. effect. effect. >> Could you give me your theory of what >> Could you give me your theory of what >> Could you give me your theory of what makes desire funny? Um, I mean to me makes desire funny? Um, I mean to me makes desire funny? Um, I mean to me it's more just like when a character is it's more just like when a character is it's more just like when a character is is getting in the their own way of what is getting in the their own way of what is getting in the their own way of what they want is the funniest thing for a they want is the funniest thing for a they want is the funniest thing for a character to do. And when a character character to do. And when a character character to do. And when a character fundamentally has a personality that fundamentally has a personality that fundamentally has a personality that does not allow them to easily achieve does not allow them to easily achieve does not allow them to easily achieve what it is that they want and and they what it is that they want and and they what it is that they want and and they are their own worst enemy and they they are their own worst enemy and they they are their own worst enemy and they they are doing things that are making their are doing things that are making their are doing things that are making their own situation harder and worse. Um, that own situation harder and worse. Um, that own situation harder and worse. Um, that to me is the funniest thing and I think to me is the funniest thing and I think to me is the funniest thing and I think it does come from something I relate to it does come from something I relate to it does come from something I relate to deeply, which is like the thing that deeply, which is like the thing that deeply, which is like the thing that makes you the happiest also is the most makes you the happiest also is the most makes you the happiest also is the most painful thing in your life at times, you
painful thing in your life at times, you painful thing in your life at times, you know. Um, and I think like Larry Sanders know. Um, and I think like Larry Sanders know. Um, and I think like Larry Sanders show is the thing that me and Ev and my show is the thing that me and Ev and my show is the thing that me and Ev and my partner like reference a lot, you know, partner like reference a lot, you know, partner like reference a lot, you know, and and I think that is like and and I think that is like and and I think that is like >> fundamentally >> fundamentally >> fundamentally a incredibly great comedic character in a incredibly great comedic character in a incredibly great comedic character in that like that like that like >> he's constantly trying to be someone he >> he's constantly trying to be someone he >> he's constantly trying to be someone he isn't. He's constantly trying to be isn't. He's constantly trying to be isn't. He's constantly trying to be [gasps] [gasps] [gasps] nice with cool cool cool to the nice with cool cool cool to the nice with cool cool cool to the employees that he works for or works employees that he works for or works employees that he works for or works with, but he just is too wound up and with, but he just is too wound up and with, but he just is too wound up and and uh to to allow it to happen. And he and uh to to allow it to happen. And he and uh to to allow it to happen. And he wants to think he can he can date a wants to think he can he can date a wants to think he can he can date a woman who's more famous than he is, but woman who's more famous than he is, but woman who's more famous than he is, but he just can't. And he wants to think he he just can't. And he wants to think he he just can't. And he wants to think he can allow his sidekick to to to be can allow his sidekick to to to be can allow his sidekick to to to be funny, but he just his ego won't allow funny, but he just his ego won't allow funny, but he just his ego won't allow it. And so it's sort of this like it. And so it's sort of this like it. And so it's sort of this like conflict between like ego, you know, conflict between like ego, you know, conflict between like ego, you know, like like what the worst parts of your like like what the worst parts of your like like what the worst parts of your ego make you do versus what your purest ego make you do versus what your purest ego make you do versus what your purest desires like want you to do, you know? desires like want you to do, you know? desires like want you to do, you know? [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] >> Okay, this is kind of a little bit of a >> Okay, this is kind of a little bit of a >> Okay, this is kind of a little bit of a silly question, but it is something that silly question, but it is something that silly question, but it is something that I've always been curious about. Um, in a I've always been curious about. Um, in a I've always been curious about. Um, in a lot of your films, there isn't some big lot of your films, there isn't some big lot of your films, there isn't some big pretty woman moment though um for the pretty woman moment though um for the pretty woman moment though um for the dude when you get a makeover and you're dude when you get a makeover and you're dude when you get a makeover and you're suddenly like pumped up. you always end suddenly like pumped up. you always end suddenly like pumped up. you always end up getting the girl. Um, but you don't up getting the girl. Um, but you don't up getting the girl. Um, but you don't get the glow up. There isn't like this get the glow up. There isn't like this get the glow up. There isn't like this this [laughter] big moment where all of this [laughter] big moment where all of this [laughter] big moment where all of a sudden, you know, you're you're kind a sudden, you know, you're you're kind a sudden, you know, you're you're kind of rip off your shirt and there you are.
of rip off your shirt and there you are. of rip off your shirt and there you are. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> And, you know, I was thinking like >> And, you know, I was thinking like >> And, you know, I was thinking like Longot with Charize Theren and and all Longot with Charize Theren and and all Longot with Charize Theren and and all these things. Is being funnier sexier these things. Is being funnier sexier these things. Is being funnier sexier than being hot? [laughter] than being hot? [laughter] than being hot? [laughter] >> I mean, I hope so, but no. The answer is >> I mean, I hope so, but no. The answer is >> I mean, I hope so, but no. The answer is no. [laughter] no. [laughter] no. [laughter] Being hot is better. [laughter] [laughter] It can It can help. But It can It can help. But It can It can help. But >> if you think about the characters, I'm >> if you think about the characters, I'm >> if you think about the characters, I'm not personalizing this. [laughter] >> Um, it's funny like when we were making >> Um, it's funny like when we were making movies when I was younger, that the joke movies when I was younger, that the joke movies when I was younger, that the joke I was always making as we were making I was always making as we were making I was always making as we were making them is like, oh, like my guy's going them is like, oh, like my guy's going them is like, oh, like my guy's going from wearing like a t-shirt to a to a from wearing like a t-shirt to a to a from wearing like a t-shirt to a to a polo shirt. Like that was always like polo shirt. Like that was always like polo shirt. Like that was always like the arc. like, "Oh, he got a button he the arc. like, "Oh, he got a button he the arc. like, "Oh, he got a button he got a buttoned up shirt." Like, "Wow." got a buttoned up shirt." Like, "Wow." got a buttoned up shirt." Like, "Wow." [laughter] Um, and even then I could [laughter] Um, and even then I could [laughter] Um, and even then I could recognize kind of like the the silliness recognize kind of like the the silliness recognize kind of like the the silliness of that and how superficial it all was, of that and how superficial it all was, of that and how superficial it all was, you know? So I think more so as we got you know? So I think more so as we got you know? So I think more so as we got older and we were you know making more older and we were you know making more older and we were you know making more of these types of movies like that more of these types of movies like that more of these types of movies like that more became I think the idea is like it became I think the idea is like it became I think the idea is like it shouldn't be some like superficial thing shouldn't be some like superficial thing shouldn't be some like superficial thing you know a movie like longshot it should you know a movie like longshot it should you know a movie like longshot it should be like fundamental character things be like fundamental character things be like fundamental character things that are evolving and changing and that are evolving and changing and that are evolving and changing and they're influencing one another in a way they're influencing one another in a way they're influencing one another in a way that isn't you know just how they look that isn't you know just how they look that isn't you know just how they look and dress but it is more like as people and dress but it is more like as people and dress but it is more like as people they are enriching one another you know they are enriching one another you know they are enriching one another you know what I mean what I mean what I mean >> since I've known you you've cared about >> since I've known you you've cared about >> since I've known you you've cared about this and now you're just going to get this and now you're just going to get this and now you're just going to get rid of it.
rid of it. rid of it. >> I'm trying to compromise here for a >> I'm trying to compromise here for a >> I'm trying to compromise here for a bigger goal. bigger goal. bigger goal. >> And so yeah, I think that's kind of more >> And so yeah, I think that's kind of more >> And so yeah, I think that's kind of more where that type of thing came from. But where that type of thing came from. But where that type of thing came from. But like [snorts] truthfully, I don't make like [snorts] truthfully, I don't make like [snorts] truthfully, I don't make that many like I haven't made a romantic that many like I haven't made a romantic that many like I haven't made a romantic thing in quite a long time. thing in quite a long time. thing in quite a long time. >> That's [clears throat] true. >> That's [clears throat] true. >> That's [clears throat] true. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. It's I think cuz I'm in a very >> Yeah. It's I think cuz I'm in a very >> Yeah. It's I think cuz I'm in a very good relationship and have been in for a good relationship and have been in for a good relationship and have been in for a long time. It's like not that creatively long time. It's like not that creatively long time. It's like not that creatively interesting to me to like show two interesting to me to like show two interesting to me to like show two people falling in love with one another, people falling in love with one another, people falling in love with one another, [laughter] like it's not where my brain [laughter] like it's not where my brain [laughter] like it's not where my brain goes, you know? Um, and I think also goes, you know? Um, and I think also goes, you know? Um, and I think also when we were first coming up especially, when we were first coming up especially, when we were first coming up especially, it was like every movie had a romantic it was like every movie had a romantic it was like every movie had a romantic storyline or like conflict between the storyline or like conflict between the storyline or like conflict between the main couple that had to be resolved in main couple that had to be resolved in main couple that had to be resolved in some way. And and and I think that also some way. And and and I think that also some way. And and and I think that also just and I remember we were making just and I remember we were making just and I remember we were making Pineapple Express like we sort of have Pineapple Express like we sort of have Pineapple Express like we sort of have like a really silly ridiculous story like a really silly ridiculous story like a really silly ridiculous story line with me and and and like the woman, line with me and and and like the woman, line with me and and and like the woman, you know, uh character and it's like not you know, uh character and it's like not you know, uh character and it's like not even remotely a romantic story line. even remotely a romantic story line. even remotely a romantic story line. It's um it's sort of like this It's um it's sort of like this It's um it's sort of like this disastrous thing, you know. And I disastrous thing, you know. And I disastrous thing, you know. And I remember at the time everyone's like it remember at the time everyone's like it remember at the time everyone's like it has to be romantic. Like that's what a has to be romantic. Like that's what a has to be romantic. Like that's what a movie has. And and we were like no like movie has. And and we were like no like movie has. And and we were like no like that that's not we don't care that much that that's not we don't care that much that that's not we don't care that much about that. and and Knocked Up like was about that. and and Knocked Up like was about that. and and Knocked Up like was like all about that and Longot was like like all about that and Longot was like like all about that and Longot was like it was like a romantic comedy, you know.
it was like a romantic comedy, you know. it was like a romantic comedy, you know. Um Um Um >> but I think yeah, to me it was it was >> but I think yeah, to me it was it was >> but I think yeah, to me it was it was either more interesting to like fully either more interesting to like fully either more interesting to like fully explore this dynamic or not explore it explore this dynamic or not explore it explore this dynamic or not explore it at all and not have it be like an at all and not have it be like an at all and not have it be like an obligatory part of our things. And it's obligatory part of our things. And it's obligatory part of our things. And it's why honestly as we're making the studio why honestly as we're making the studio why honestly as we're making the studio now, it's like there's like no romantic now, it's like there's like no romantic now, it's like there's like no romantic story lines on the show unless we're not story lines on the show unless we're not story lines on the show unless we're not really like really like really like >> a little a little >> a little a little >> a little a little >> a little kind of but like not really. I >> a little kind of but like not really. I >> a little kind of but like not really. I mean, your dating life is a part of the mean, your dating life is a part of the mean, your dating life is a part of the comedic comedic comedic >> stuff. Yes. It's in one episode and it's >> stuff. Yes. It's in one episode and it's >> stuff. Yes. It's in one episode and it's like uh and the whole joke is that I like uh and the whole joke is that I like uh and the whole joke is that I can't date. You know what I mean? And so can't date. You know what I mean? And so can't date. You know what I mean? And so other than that, it's not like a thing other than that, it's not like a thing other than that, it's not like a thing we're tracking is like Matt's Matt's we're tracking is like Matt's Matt's we're tracking is like Matt's Matt's dating life. Like it's sort of like a dating life. Like it's sort of like a dating life. Like it's sort of like a non there's sort of like an asexuality non there's sort of like an asexuality non there's sort of like an asexuality to the show [laughter] in a weird way, to the show [laughter] in a weird way, to the show [laughter] in a weird way, which which to me is fine. which which to me is fine. which which to me is fine. >> It's interesting. >> It's interesting. >> It's interesting. >> It is. [laughter] >> It is. [laughter] >> It is. [laughter] >> Um you got to work with one of the >> Um you got to work with one of the >> Um you got to work with one of the greats, Katherine O'Hara, um in the greats, Katherine O'Hara, um in the greats, Katherine O'Hara, um in the studio. studio. studio. Um, Um, Um, how did you experience that loss? Did how did you experience that loss? Did how did you experience that loss? Did you have any particular memories of you have any particular memories of you have any particular memories of working with her? Any good Katherine working with her? Any good Katherine working with her? Any good Katherine O'Hara stories?
O'Hara stories? O'Hara stories? >> Oh, I mean so many. Like when we >> Oh, I mean so many. Like when we >> Oh, I mean so many. Like when we first conceived of the show, like she first conceived of the show, like she first conceived of the show, like she was the one that we wanted on it more was the one that we wanted on it more was the one that we wanted on it more than anybody. Like and and and to me and than anybody. Like and and and to me and than anybody. Like and and and to me and Evan, she was like a god to us, Evan, she was like a god to us, Evan, she was like a god to us, especially as Canadians. Like I mean I'm especially as Canadians. Like I mean I'm especially as Canadians. Like I mean I'm not joking like Home Alone is the movie not joking like Home Alone is the movie not joking like Home Alone is the movie that made me want to make movies and that made me want to make movies and that made me want to make movies and like and and her being in it and and like and and her being in it and and like and and her being in it and and then I as we got older we just became then I as we got older we just became then I as we got older we just became obsessed with like Christopher guest obsessed with like Christopher guest obsessed with like Christopher guest films and Waiting for Guffman and and films and Waiting for Guffman and and films and Waiting for Guffman and and things like that and and and Beetlejuice things like that and and and Beetlejuice things like that and and and Beetlejuice was one of my favorite movies ever was one of my favorite movies ever was one of my favorite movies ever growing up. So to us, she was just like growing up. So to us, she was just like growing up. So to us, she was just like as funny as as a person could be, you as funny as as a person could be, you as funny as as a person could be, you know, and then I mean getting to work know, and then I mean getting to work know, and then I mean getting to work with her on the first season like it with her on the first season like it with her on the first season like it really like pushed us to want to do really like pushed us to want to do really like pushed us to want to do right by her and to want to make the right by her and to want to make the right by her and to want to make the show like live up to her standards and show like live up to her standards and show like live up to her standards and what we felt she deserved to be. what we felt she deserved to be. what we felt she deserved to be. >> And she and she plays your sort of >> And she and she plays your sort of >> And she and she plays your sort of mentor in this.
mentor in this. mentor in this. >> Yeah. and she plays my mentor and kind >> Yeah. and she plays my mentor and kind >> Yeah. and she plays my mentor and kind of a maternal figure to me which she of a maternal figure to me which she of a maternal figure to me which she sort of was at times as we were making sort of was at times as we were making sort of was at times as we were making the show and would would would send us the show and would would would send us the show and would would would send us notes on the scenes would completely notes on the scenes would completely notes on the scenes would completely rewrite the scenes say in like the most rewrite the scenes say in like the most rewrite the scenes say in like the most Canadian way ever. She would send me an Canadian way ever. She would send me an Canadian way ever. She would send me an inant email being like, "Here's some inant email being like, "Here's some inant email being like, "Here's some thoughts." And then would be a thoughts." And then would be a thoughts." And then would be a completely rewritten version of the completely rewritten version of the completely rewritten version of the scene. And it would be like, "Take it or scene. And it would be like, "Take it or scene. And it would be like, "Take it or leave it." [laughter] And it was like leave it." [laughter] And it was like leave it." [laughter] And it was like such a funny Canadian way of being like, such a funny Canadian way of being like, such a funny Canadian way of being like, "This is better. You should do this." "This is better. You should do this." "This is better. You should do this." But never said with those words, you But never said with those words, you But never said with those words, you know. Um, and then it was just know. Um, and then it was just know. Um, and then it was just incredibly sad. We just start to hear incredibly sad. We just start to hear incredibly sad. We just start to hear she was sick and we'd see her and we she was sick and we'd see her and we she was sick and we'd see her and we heard she wasn't doing well. And as we heard she wasn't doing well. And as we heard she wasn't doing well. And as we were kind of nearing the second season, were kind of nearing the second season, were kind of nearing the second season, you know, it was we would just talk to you know, it was we would just talk to you know, it was we would just talk to her and it was she would clear her her and it was she would clear her her and it was she would clear her health was not great, but she really health was not great, but she really health was not great, but she really wanted to come back and intended to come wanted to come back and intended to come wanted to come back and intended to come back and and I think it was a real like back and and I think it was a real like back and and I think it was a real like goal for her to come back um and keep goal for her to come back um and keep goal for her to come back um and keep doing the show. And I think she was doing the show. And I think she was doing the show. And I think she was really looking forward to coming back really looking forward to coming back really looking forward to coming back and doing the show. Um and doing the show. Um and doing the show. Um and and and and and honestly in the back of our and and honestly in the back of our and and honestly in the back of our heads we were like we hope she can but I heads we were like we hope she can but I heads we were like we hope she can but I don't we don't know if she will be able don't we don't know if she will be able don't we don't know if she will be able to. And so it is this kind of very sad to. And so it is this kind of very sad to. And so it is this kind of very sad thing where like kind of creatively thing where like kind of creatively thing where like kind of creatively you're kind of making like in the back you're kind of making like in the back you're kind of making like in the back of your head these contingency plans but of your head these contingency plans but of your head these contingency plans but you kind of don't want to think about it you kind of don't want to think about it you kind of don't want to think about it but your brain is kind of telling you but your brain is kind of telling you but your brain is kind of telling you one thing and you're trying not to one thing and you're trying not to one thing and you're trying not to believe it in some ways you know. Um,
believe it in some ways you know. Um, believe it in some ways you know. Um, yeah. And then we heard she passed away yeah. And then we heard she passed away yeah. And then we heard she passed away one morning and it was the first week of one morning and it was the first week of one morning and it was the first week of shooting the show and it was [gasps] shooting the show and it was [gasps] shooting the show and it was [gasps] really really sad and really really sad and really really sad and and we were all together, the whole crew and we were all together, the whole crew and we were all together, the whole crew and everyone loved her very much and the and everyone loved her very much and the and everyone loved her very much and the cast and we kind of didn't know what to cast and we kind of didn't know what to cast and we kind of didn't know what to do and and we just kept shooting and we do and and we just kept shooting and we do and and we just kept shooting and we were like I think the idea of like were like I think the idea of like were like I think the idea of like making each other laugh and being making each other laugh and being making each other laugh and being together [gasps and sighs] together [gasps and sighs] together [gasps and sighs] felt felt felt preferable to anything else we could preferable to anything else we could preferable to anything else we could have done that day, you know? have done that day, you know? have done that day, you know? Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, >> I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry. So, um So, um So, um I I want to go back a little bit um to I I want to go back a little bit um to I I want to go back a little bit um to your upbringing. You grew up in your upbringing. You grew up in your upbringing. You grew up in Vancouver. Vancouver. Vancouver. >> I sure did. >> I sure did. >> I sure did. >> One of the seminal things about you is >> One of the seminal things about you is >> One of the seminal things about you is obviously you started in comedy really obviously you started in comedy really obviously you started in comedy really young. You started playing standup in young. You started playing standup in young. You started playing standup in clubs at 13. clubs at 13. clubs at 13. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And your mom was really encouraging. >> And your mom was really encouraging. >> And your mom was really encouraging. >> Uhhuh. >> Uhhuh. >> Uhhuh. >> She would let you stay out, stay >> She would let you stay out, stay >> She would let you stay out, stay [snorts] up all night working on your [snorts] up all night working on your [snorts] up all night working on your routines. And I think that's pretty routines. And I think that's pretty routines. And I think that's pretty unusual for a parent. Were there ever unusual for a parent. Were there ever unusual for a parent. Were there ever moments of tension with her about it moments of tension with her about it moments of tension with her about it that you wanted to do things that she that you wanted to do things that she that you wanted to do things that she wasn't letting you or was she just wasn't letting you or was she just wasn't letting you or was she just letting you kind of open that door and letting you kind of open that door and letting you kind of open that door and walk through it?
walk through it? walk through it? >> I mean, she was there all the time. So, >> I mean, she was there all the time. So, >> I mean, she was there all the time. So, it wasn't that it wasn't like it wasn't that it wasn't like it wasn't that it wasn't like unsupervised freedom, you know what I unsupervised freedom, you know what I unsupervised freedom, you know what I mean? Like, so at once it didn't, it's mean? Like, so at once it didn't, it's mean? Like, so at once it didn't, it's funny like freedom is not the word I funny like freedom is not the word I funny like freedom is not the word I would use to describe it. It was more would use to describe it. It was more would use to describe it. It was more like she was just very supportive of a like she was just very supportive of a like she was just very supportive of a goal I had. It didn't feel like my mom goal I had. It didn't feel like my mom goal I had. It didn't feel like my mom was just like taking me to comedy clubs was just like taking me to comedy clubs was just like taking me to comedy clubs to hang out. Like I was there to do to hang out. Like I was there to do to hang out. Like I was there to do something, you know? And and um something, you know? And and um something, you know? And and um and the comedians were old and I didn't and the comedians were old and I didn't and the comedians were old and I didn't like hanging out with them that much like hanging out with them that much like hanging out with them that much honestly. Like they it was fine to hang honestly. Like they it was fine to hang honestly. Like they it was fine to hang out with them, but I wasn't like I want out with them, but I wasn't like I want out with them, but I wasn't like I want to be friends with these guys. Like I to be friends with these guys. Like I to be friends with these guys. Like I was I was I was a teen like I I had was I was I was a teen like I I had was I was I was a teen like I I had teenager friends, you know what teenager friends, you know what teenager friends, you know what [laughter] I mean? Like and every time I [laughter] I mean? Like and every time I [laughter] I mean? Like and every time I did hang out with them socially, it was did hang out with them socially, it was did hang out with them socially, it was weird. And so I I that wasn't like the weird. And so I I that wasn't like the weird. And so I I that wasn't like the goal either. Like it wasn't like I goal either. Like it wasn't like I goal either. Like it wasn't like I wanted to hang out with these old guys wanted to hang out with these old guys wanted to hang out with these old guys and get drunk or anything like that. and get drunk or anything like that. and get drunk or anything like that. Like it it more felt like I was really Like it it more felt like I was really Like it it more felt like I was really like ravenously pursuing a thing and my like ravenously pursuing a thing and my like ravenously pursuing a thing and my parents recognized like I was I was like parents recognized like I was I was like parents recognized like I was I was like unique in a way that I was like pursuing unique in a way that I was like pursuing unique in a way that I was like pursuing this thing in a very serious way. You this thing in a very serious way. You this thing in a very serious way. You know, know, know, >> you use the word ravenously. That's such >> you use the word ravenously. That's such >> you use the word ravenously. That's such an interesting word. Is that is that how an interesting word. Is that is that how an interesting word. Is that is that how it felt?
it felt? it felt? >> Yeah. I think for sure one of the >> Yeah. I think for sure one of the >> Yeah. I think for sure one of the reasons that I I think especially from a reasons that I I think especially from a reasons that I I think especially from a young age like managed to work a lot was young age like managed to work a lot was young age like managed to work a lot was because I like yeah had like a a because I like yeah had like a a because I like yeah had like a a [clears throat] like a real hunger for [clears throat] like a real hunger for [clears throat] like a real hunger for it and and was willing to really put in it and and was willing to really put in it and and was willing to really put in a huge amount of time and and energy a huge amount of time and and energy a huge amount of time and and energy um in a way that I you know I I assume um in a way that I you know I I assume um in a way that I you know I I assume maybe like teenage athletes would you maybe like teenage athletes would you maybe like teenage athletes would you [laughter] know but for me it was it was [laughter] know but for me it was it was [laughter] know but for me it was it was this you know, and I loved it. And like this you know, and I loved it. And like this you know, and I loved it. And like when me and Evan started writing Superb when me and Evan started writing Superb when me and Evan started writing Superb Bad together when we were 13 or 14, like Bad together when we were 13 or 14, like Bad together when we were 13 or 14, like it's all I wanted to do. Like I wanted it's all I wanted to do. Like I wanted it's all I wanted to do. Like I wanted to like like I would we would skip to like like I would we would skip to like like I would we would skip school to write Super Bad. And I think school to write Super Bad. And I think school to write Super Bad. And I think even my parents could probably see like, even my parents could probably see like, even my parents could probably see like, oh, like this is he really likes this oh, like this is he really likes this oh, like this is he really likes this and he's really motivated to try to and he's really motivated to try to and he's really motivated to try to succeed at this. Not in like a cute kid succeed at this. Not in like a cute kid succeed at this. Not in like a cute kid way, but in a way that felt real, I way, but in a way that felt real, I way, but in a way that felt real, I think. You know, think. You know, think. You know, >> do you look back and think it's weird >> do you look back and think it's weird >> do you look back and think it's weird that you and Evan connected at 13 in that you and Evan connected at 13 in that you and Evan connected at 13 in this? No, but and that it has just been this? No, but and that it has just been this? No, but and that it has just been this incredible partnership. It just this incredible partnership. It just this incredible partnership. It just seems to me that two boys who seems to me that two boys who seems to me that two boys who connected so fundamentally and had so connected so fundamentally and had so connected so fundamentally and had so much talent were able to much talent were able to much talent were able to be at the same place at the same time be at the same place at the same time be at the same place at the same time and and keep in touch.
and and keep in touch. and and keep in touch. >> Yeah, we marvel at it all the time. like >> Yeah, we marvel at it all the time. like >> Yeah, we marvel at it all the time. like it's not lost on us that it's sort of a it's not lost on us that it's sort of a it's not lost on us that it's sort of a mira like a miraculous thing. I think it mira like a miraculous thing. I think it mira like a miraculous thing. I think it was like two people with like a little was like two people with like a little was like two people with like a little spark met, but then together we became spark met, but then together we became spark met, but then together we became like a a singular kind of creative like a a singular kind of creative like a a singular kind of creative entity in a lot of ways and like we're entity in a lot of ways and like we're entity in a lot of ways and like we're brain our brains weren't even like fully brain our brains weren't even like fully brain our brains weren't even like fully formed when we met. like our brains I formed when we met. like our brains I formed when we met. like our brains I like our creative brains really formed like our creative brains really formed like our creative brains really formed around one another and like I I I think around one another and like I I I think around one another and like I I I think that's not like any small part of why we that's not like any small part of why we that's not like any small part of why we work so well together and why we work so well together and why we work so well together and why we continue to work well together is continue to work well together is continue to work well together is because we started like a very young age because we started like a very young age because we started like a very young age together and [snorts] there became like together and [snorts] there became like together and [snorts] there became like a cohesion and thought that was really a cohesion and thought that was really a cohesion and thought that was really like it's impossible to replicate I like it's impossible to replicate I like it's impossible to replicate I think because like we truly grew up with think because like we truly grew up with think because like we truly grew up with each other and watched movies together each other and watched movies together each other and watched movies together all all the time would talk about them. all all the time would talk about them. all all the time would talk about them. First started to learn to write dialogue First started to learn to write dialogue First started to learn to write dialogue together and to experiment with that together and to experiment with that together and to experiment with that together and to try to structure a story together and to try to structure a story together and to try to structure a story together. And so inherently like what I together. And so inherently like what I together. And so inherently like what I think is good story structure is what he think is good story structure is what he think is good story structure is what he thinks is good story structure. What I thinks is good story structure. What I thinks is good story structure. What I think is good character development he think is good character development he think is good character development he thinks is good character development and thinks is good character development and thinks is good character development and what I think is a good way to write a what I think is a good way to write a what I think is a good way to write a scene he thinks is a good way to write a scene he thinks is a good way to write a scene he thinks is a good way to write a scene because we we we came up with it scene because we we we came up with it scene because we we we came up with it together. Hm.
together. Hm. together. Hm. You ended up moving to LA um at 16 to You ended up moving to LA um at 16 to You ended up moving to LA um at 16 to star in Freaks and Geeks after an open star in Freaks and Geeks after an open star in Freaks and Geeks after an open casting call in Vancouver um uh where casting call in Vancouver um uh where casting call in Vancouver um uh where you got the part. Um and you know, one you got the part. Um and you know, one you got the part. Um and you know, one of the things that is also really of the things that is also really of the things that is also really interesting is that you were started interesting is that you were started interesting is that you were started financially supporting your family at financially supporting your family at financially supporting your family at 16. 16. 16. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Do you think that responsibility shaped >> Do you think that responsibility shaped >> Do you think that responsibility shaped your work ethic? I mean, you you talk your work ethic? I mean, you you talk your work ethic? I mean, you you talk about like absolutely loving what you about like absolutely loving what you about like absolutely loving what you were doing, but that also feels like it were doing, but that also feels like it were doing, but that also feels like it might have been, might have been, might have been, >> you know, >> you know, >> you know, >> for sure. Yes. something [laughter] that >> for sure. Yes. something [laughter] that >> for sure. Yes. something [laughter] that felt like felt like felt like >> I think I very much had like a fear of >> I think I very much had like a fear of >> I think I very much had like a fear of going broke and a fear of not having going broke and a fear of not having going broke and a fear of not having money and a lot of my friends were much money and a lot of my friends were much money and a lot of my friends were much more well off than we were and I would more well off than we were and I would more well off than we were and I would just see I would go to their houses and just see I would go to their houses and just see I would go to their houses and it was [gasps] it was [gasps] it was [gasps] you know it was like yeah it was like a you know it was like yeah it was like a you know it was like yeah it was like a real house and like I grew up in like a real house and like I grew up in like a real house and like I grew up in like a co-op like you know like in sort of you co-op like you know like in sort of you co-op like you know like in sort of you know like a little like row you know in know like a little like row you know in know like a little like row you know in like a little housing community like a little housing community like a little housing community basically it was like somewhere between basically it was like somewhere between basically it was like somewhere between like an apartment and a and a condo I like an apartment and a and a condo I like an apartment and a and a condo I guess you know and Um, and yeah, I I for guess you know and Um, and yeah, I I for guess you know and Um, and yeah, I I for sure and I and we were never like, you sure and I and we were never like, you sure and I and we were never like, you know, we weren't like going hungry or know, we weren't like going hungry or know, we weren't like going hungry or anything, but but I could just see I was anything, but but I could just see I was anything, but but I could just see I was >> in a very different financial situation >> in a very different financial situation >> in a very different financial situation than everyone that I was kind of in my than everyone that I was kind of in my than everyone that I was kind of in my community, you know? I'm sure that had community, you know? I'm sure that had community, you know? I'm sure that had something to do with uh, you know, my something to do with uh, you know, my something to do with uh, you know, my drive from a young age.
drive from a young age. drive from a young age. >> Did has that shaped how you think about >> Did has that shaped how you think about >> Did has that shaped how you think about money and success? Now, money and success? Now, money and success? Now, >> I think if anything, and this is >> I think if anything, and this is >> I think if anything, and this is probably not like the healthiest way to probably not like the healthiest way to probably not like the healthiest way to approach it, is like I think I spent so approach it, is like I think I spent so approach it, is like I think I spent so much time worried about money when I was much time worried about money when I was much time worried about money when I was younger that now younger that now younger that now that I make more money than I ever that I make more money than I ever that I make more money than I ever thought I would. Like [laughter] thought I would. Like [laughter] thought I would. Like [laughter] I think like the gift I've given to I think like the gift I've given to I think like the gift I've given to myself is I never think about it. Like I myself is I never think about it. Like I myself is I never think about it. Like I have no have no have no >> I almost never think about how much >> I almost never think about how much >> I almost never think about how much money I'm spending or making. I don't money I'm spending or making. I don't money I'm spending or making. I don't fetishize money. I don't care if other fetishize money. I don't care if other fetishize money. I don't care if other people are making more money than me, people are making more money than me, people are making more money than me, doing the exact same thing as me. I doing the exact same thing as me. I doing the exact same thing as me. I don't have like an ego about it. I'm don't have like an ego about it. I'm don't have like an ego about it. I'm making more than than I ever thought I making more than than I ever thought I making more than than I ever thought I would. And so I see other actors who are would. And so I see other actors who are would. And so I see other actors who are very competitive. I've had conversations very competitive. I've had conversations very competitive. I've had conversations with other actors about it, you know, with other actors about it, you know, with other actors about it, you know, and and and that has just not been my and and and that has just not been my and and and that has just not been my approach to it. And as far as spending approach to it. And as far as spending approach to it. And as far as spending money goes, like it's again not a thing. money goes, like it's again not a thing. money goes, like it's again not a thing. I see rich people who are like I'm like I see rich people who are like I'm like I see rich people who are like I'm like you're focused on that amount of money you're focused on that amount of money you're focused on that amount of money like like the amount of stress you are like like the amount of stress you are like like the amount of stress you are causing yourself over an amount of money causing yourself over an amount of money causing yourself over an amount of money that will never impact your life in any that will never impact your life in any that will never impact your life in any way, shape, or form is insane to me. And way, shape, or form is insane to me. And way, shape, or form is insane to me. And so I I think like the gift I've given so I I think like the gift I've given so I I think like the gift I've given myself is I I truly spend as little time myself is I I truly spend as little time myself is I I truly spend as little time thinking about it as humanly possible thinking about it as humanly possible thinking about it as humanly possible and as little time trying to focus on it and as little time trying to focus on it and as little time trying to focus on it or fixate on it. I I try not to be or fixate on it. I I try not to be or fixate on it. I I try not to be overly principled about it. If I feel overly principled about it. If I feel overly principled about it. If I feel like I'm getting charged more because of like I'm getting charged more because of like I'm getting charged more because of who I am, I'm like, "Yep, that's the way
who I am, I'm like, "Yep, that's the way who I am, I'm like, "Yep, that's the way if you're going to charge anyone more, if you're going to charge anyone more, if you're going to charge anyone more, it's probably me." You know what I mean? it's probably me." You know what I mean? it's probably me." You know what I mean? And and and that's the way the world And and and that's the way the world And and and that's the way the world works. I try not to be philosophically, works. I try not to be philosophically, works. I try not to be philosophically, you know, uh, up in arms about my own, you know, uh, up in arms about my own, you know, uh, up in arms about my own, [clears throat] you know, financial [clears throat] you know, financial [clears throat] you know, financial situation in any way. I don't care if situation in any way. I don't care if situation in any way. I don't care if I'm getting ripped off a little. I don't I'm getting ripped off a little. I don't I'm getting ripped off a little. I don't care if I'm overpaying for [laughter] care if I'm overpaying for [laughter] care if I'm overpaying for [laughter] things a little, honestly. Like, I'm not things a little, honestly. Like, I'm not things a little, honestly. Like, I'm not again. And I'm around people all the again. And I'm around people all the again. And I'm around people all the time who are always who are rich who are time who are always who are rich who are time who are always who are rich who are trying to get deals and trying to get a trying to get deals and trying to get a trying to get deals and trying to get a break and trying to get like they trying break and trying to get like they trying break and trying to get like they trying to feel like they are makes them feel to feel like they are makes them feel to feel like they are makes them feel special or something more. It's funny special or something more. It's funny special or something more. It's funny like there's this uh I read this book on like there's this uh I read this book on like there's this uh I read this book on I read that going clear book really I read that going clear book really I read that going clear book really every once in a while you know like you every once in a while you know like you every once in a while you know like you read like one sentence and it like snaps read like one sentence and it like snaps read like one sentence and it like snaps your whole perspective into place a your whole perspective into place a your whole perspective into place a little bit. And I remember reading that little bit. And I remember reading that little bit. And I remember reading that book about Scientology and there was book about Scientology and there was book about Scientology and there was just one sentence in it about how famous just one sentence in it about how famous just one sentence in it about how famous people tend to do a thing where if they people tend to do a thing where if they people tend to do a thing where if they aren't treated in a certain way, they it aren't treated in a certain way, they it aren't treated in a certain way, they it makes them think they're not as talented makes them think they're not as talented makes them think they're not as talented as they wish they were. And it's like if as they wish they were. And it's like if as they wish they were. And it's like if I go to a restaurant and I have to wait I go to a restaurant and I have to wait I go to a restaurant and I have to wait 20 minutes for a table, instead of them 20 minutes for a table, instead of them 20 minutes for a table, instead of them just seating me right away as as they just seating me right away as as they just seating me right away as as they are the famous person next to me, is it are the famous person next to me, is it are the famous person next to me, is it because I'm not as am I not as talented because I'm not as am I not as talented because I'm not as am I not as talented as I thought I was? Am I not as good as as I thought I was? Am I not as good as as I thought I was? Am I not as good as I thought I was? If I'm, you know, if I thought I was? If I'm, you know, if I thought I was? If I'm, you know, if I'm trying to get into a party and and I'm trying to get into a party and and I'm trying to get into a party and and and they don't just let me in and I have and they don't just let me in and I have and they don't just let me in and I have to wait in line, like, does that mean to wait in line, like, does that mean to wait in line, like, does that mean I'm not as good a writer as I thought I I'm not as good a writer as I thought I I'm not as good a writer as I thought I was? If I'm not getting a deal, if I'm was? If I'm not getting a deal, if I'm was? If I'm not getting a deal, if I'm not getting the best hotel room and I go
not getting the best hotel room and I go not getting the best hotel room and I go next door and and and someone has a next door and and and someone has a next door and and and someone has a nicer hotel room than me on the press nicer hotel room than me on the press nicer hotel room than me on the press tour, does that mean that I am not as tour, does that mean that I am not as tour, does that mean that I am not as good an actor as I thought I was? And I good an actor as I thought I was? And I good an actor as I thought I was? And I think that is how a lot of famous people think that is how a lot of famous people think that is how a lot of famous people interpret how they're treated. and they interpret how they're treated. and they interpret how they're treated. and they think that if they're not getting the think that if they're not getting the think that if they're not getting the best treatment, it they aren't as best treatment, it they aren't as best treatment, it they aren't as skilled as they wish they were, as they skilled as they wish they were, as they skilled as they wish they were, as they thought they were. And that was a thing thought they were. And that was a thing thought they were. And that was a thing that I realized when I read that. It's that I realized when I read that. It's that I realized when I read that. It's like, oh, it it is tapping into some like, oh, it it is tapping into some like, oh, it it is tapping into some deep part of me that makes me worried deep part of me that makes me worried deep part of me that makes me worried I'm not as talented as I as I as I want I'm not as talented as I as I as I want I'm not as talented as I as I as I want to be or as I wish I was or or And to be or as I wish I was or or And to be or as I wish I was or or And that's it. And and and cuz that's like that's it. And and and cuz that's like that's it. And and and cuz that's like the thing you fear the most and is the the thing you fear the most and is the the thing you fear the most and is the most potentially painful. How did you most potentially painful. How did you most potentially painful. How did you work through that? How did you Because work through that? How did you Because work through that? How did you Because obviously you said you felt that at some obviously you said you felt that at some obviously you said you felt that at some point and then it changed for you. point and then it changed for you. point and then it changed for you. >> Honestly, as soon as I read that one >> Honestly, as soon as I read that one >> Honestly, as soon as I read that one sentence, I it it it started to shift sentence, I it it it started to shift sentence, I it it it started to shift for me and I started to for me and I started to for me and I started to much more easily identify in myself when much more easily identify in myself when much more easily identify in myself when that was happening and and I was able to that was happening and and I was able to that was happening and and I was able to sort of I think shift my behavior pretty sort of I think shift my behavior pretty sort of I think shift my behavior pretty quickly in the wake of that.
quickly in the wake of that. quickly in the wake of that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um once you've moved out of that, how do >> Um once you've moved out of that, how do >> Um once you've moved out of that, how do you define your success? How do you what you define your success? How do you what you define your success? How do you what are the metrics by which you say you are the metrics by which you say you are the metrics by which you say you know what this is good I did well I'm know what this is good I did well I'm know what this is good I did well I'm okay okay okay >> um I mean I wish it had nothing to do >> um I mean I wish it had nothing to do >> um I mean I wish it had nothing to do with how the work was received but it it with how the work was received but it it with how the work was received but it it for sure doesn't [laughter] for sure doesn't [laughter] for sure doesn't [laughter] like that that is definitely a part of like that that is definitely a part of like that that is definitely a part of it you know um it you know um it you know um >> obviously >> obviously >> obviously >> obviously and and and I think that is >> obviously and and and I think that is >> obviously and and and I think that is the thing that most artists feel the the thing that most artists feel the the thing that most artists feel the most conflict about is like most conflict about is like most conflict about is like external validation versus like did I do external validation versus like did I do external validation versus like did I do what I wanted to do? But the truth is if what I wanted to do? But the truth is if what I wanted to do? But the truth is if my work isn't received well then I then my work isn't received well then I then my work isn't received well then I then I didn't do what I wanted [laughter] to I didn't do what I wanted [laughter] to I didn't do what I wanted [laughter] to do cuz cuz I want people to like what I do cuz cuz I want people to like what I do cuz cuz I want people to like what I do and to enjoy it. And especially when do and to enjoy it. And especially when do and to enjoy it. And especially when you're making comedy, which I think is you're making comedy, which I think is you're making comedy, which I think is the hardest thing to make in a lot of the hardest thing to make in a lot of the hardest thing to make in a lot of ways because you you are you are you are ways because you you are you are you are ways because you you are you are you are announcing that you are going for a announcing that you are going for a announcing that you are going for a specific reaction. And with a dramatic specific reaction. And with a dramatic specific reaction. And with a dramatic film, you're not really saying that.
film, you're not really saying that. film, you're not really saying that. you're you're kind of saying like, you you're you're kind of saying like, you you're you're kind of saying like, you know, we hope you find it insightful or know, we hope you find it insightful or know, we hope you find it insightful or interesting or meaningful or sad or interesting or meaningful or sad or interesting or meaningful or sad or cathartic, but with a comedy, you're cathartic, but with a comedy, you're cathartic, but with a comedy, you're saying like, I want you to laugh, and if saying like, I want you to laugh, and if saying like, I want you to laugh, and if you don't, I've failed. And and it's you don't, I've failed. And and it's you don't, I've failed. And and it's also the making of it to me. Like, that also the making of it to me. Like, that also the making of it to me. Like, that has to go a certain way. And and and has to go a certain way. And and and has to go a certain way. And and and that has to be a certain process, I that has to be a certain process, I that has to be a certain process, I think, in order for the work to be think, in order for the work to be think, in order for the work to be successful. And I think um like the the successful. And I think um like the the successful. And I think um like the the daytoday of it has to be, daytoday of it has to be, daytoday of it has to be, you know, cohesive to to to what I feel you know, cohesive to to to what I feel you know, cohesive to to to what I feel that should be in order for me to think that should be in order for me to think that should be in order for me to think the work is good. I think the work is good. I think the work is good. I think >> when I look at the studio, you are the >> when I look at the studio, you are the >> when I look at the studio, you are the creator, the producer, the director. You creator, the producer, the director. You creator, the producer, the director. You help write it and you star in it. help write it and you star in it. help write it and you star in it. >> So it is really a Seth [laughter] >> So it is really a Seth [laughter] >> So it is really a Seth [laughter] Rogan production in every possible way Rogan production in every possible way Rogan production in every possible way that it could be. Yeah. that it could be. Yeah. that it could be. Yeah. >> Um, and then just to use, you know, the >> Um, and then just to use, you know, the >> Um, and then just to use, you know, the film that you're currently in, um, film that you're currently in, um, film that you're currently in, um, you're just acting and obviously you you're just acting and obviously you you're just acting and obviously you helped craft the character and the helped craft the character and the helped craft the character and the dynamics, but it's not you don't have dynamics, but it's not you don't have dynamics, but it's not you don't have the same kind of responsibility.
the same kind of responsibility. the same kind of responsibility. >> No, my name is on it one time. >> No, my name is on it one time. >> No, my name is on it one time. >> Yeah. So, can you parse that out for me >> Yeah. So, can you parse that out for me >> Yeah. So, can you parse that out for me in terms of that idea of getting in terms of that idea of getting in terms of that idea of getting satisfaction or having it reflect satisfaction or having it reflect satisfaction or having it reflect yourself? How do you differentiate yourself? How do you differentiate yourself? How do you differentiate between those two different between those two different between those two different >> um things? >> um things? >> um things? >> I mean the the truth is like I for me it >> I mean the the truth is like I for me it >> I mean the the truth is like I for me it is much more engaging to do what I'm is much more engaging to do what I'm is much more engaging to do what I'm doing on the studio. Like I I greatly doing on the studio. Like I I greatly doing on the studio. Like I I greatly prefer to act and write and direct and prefer to act and write and direct and prefer to act and write and direct and it and it's really hard and taxing and it and it's really hard and taxing and it and it's really hard and taxing and [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] it takes a lot of me but I genuinely it takes a lot of me but I genuinely it takes a lot of me but I genuinely love it and I never feel like I am love it and I never feel like I am love it and I never feel like I am >> doing more of what I should and could be >> doing more of what I should and could be >> doing more of what I should and could be doing from like a creative standpoint doing from like a creative standpoint doing from like a creative standpoint than when I'm doing all those things. than when I'm doing all those things. than when I'm doing all those things. and and when I'm on the set of the and and when I'm on the set of the and and when I'm on the set of the studio and I'm it I I I I appreciate the studio and I'm it I I I I appreciate the studio and I'm it I I I I appreciate the the crushing pressure and the focus and the crushing pressure and the focus and the crushing pressure and the focus and and what is required of me in order to and what is required of me in order to and what is required of me in order to do all those jobs well. And when I am do all those jobs well. And when I am do all those jobs well. And when I am able to actually do them all, well, I able to actually do them all, well, I able to actually do them all, well, I feel a level level of creative feel a level level of creative feel a level level of creative satisfaction and gratification that I I satisfaction and gratification that I I satisfaction and gratification that I I will never get from from just doing one will never get from from just doing one will never get from from just doing one of those things, you know? And so if I'm of those things, you know? And so if I'm of those things, you know? And so if I'm going to act in a thing, it has to be a going to act in a thing, it has to be a going to act in a thing, it has to be a thing that I feel like I would really thing that I feel like I would really thing that I feel like I would really love the product of a movie that if I
love the product of a movie that if I love the product of a movie that if I saw it, I was like, "Oh, like that's the saw it, I was like, "Oh, like that's the saw it, I was like, "Oh, like that's the exact type of movie I love to watch." exact type of movie I love to watch." exact type of movie I love to watch." And and and then and the Fablemen, And and and then and the Fablemen, And and and then and the Fablemen, Steven Spielberg, etc. Steven Spielberg, etc. Steven Spielberg, etc. >> Yes. A thing like that. You're like, of >> Yes. A thing like that. You're like, of >> Yes. A thing like that. You're like, of course, I'm going to work with Stephen course, I'm going to work with Stephen course, I'm going to work with Stephen Spielberg and and and it'll be Spielberg and and and it'll be Spielberg and and and it'll be educational and and and I and I then educational and and and I and I then educational and and and I and I then make it put it on myself to really like make it put it on myself to really like make it put it on myself to really like extract everything I can from from the extract everything I can from from the extract everything I can from from the experience as well. And and even if I'm experience as well. And and even if I'm experience as well. And and even if I'm acting for an hour a day, I I I'm on set acting for an hour a day, I I I'm on set acting for an hour a day, I I I'm on set all day and I and I I literally stood all day and I and I I literally stood all day and I and I I literally stood beside him, just asked him questions. I beside him, just asked him questions. I beside him, just asked him questions. I would bring up scenes from his movies on would bring up scenes from his movies on would bring up scenes from his movies on YouTube and just be like, "Explain to me YouTube and just be like, "Explain to me YouTube and just be like, "Explain to me how you did this. What? How? What did how you did this. What? How? What did how you did this. What? How? What did you think of how technically did you do you think of how technically did you do you think of how technically did you do it? And he loved it. And I it? And he loved it. And I it? And he loved it. And I >> really >> really >> really >> Yeah. And I did that and and I was just >> Yeah. And I did that and and I was just >> Yeah. And I did that and and I was just stood beside him all day asking him stood beside him all day asking him stood beside him all day asking him questions about how he filmed his movies questions about how he filmed his movies questions about how he filmed his movies and how he conceived them, how he and how he conceived them, how he and how he conceived them, how he blocked them, how he storyboards, how blocked them, how he storyboards, how blocked them, how he storyboards, how he, you know, like I think what I he, you know, like I think what I he, you know, like I think what I learned about blocking on the Fablemans learned about blocking on the Fablemans learned about blocking on the Fablemans was like directly put in the studio and was like directly put in the studio and was like directly put in the studio and how to move the actors around and move how to move the actors around and move how to move the actors around and move the camera around the the characters and the camera around the the characters and the camera around the the characters and how to make it dynamic. even a scene how to make it dynamic. even a scene how to make it dynamic. even a scene where people are at a dinner table where people are at a dinner table where people are at a dinner table talking and like all that I was like, talking and like all that I was like, talking and like all that I was like, "Oh, I'm going to absorb all of this "Oh, I'm going to absorb all of this "Oh, I'm going to absorb all of this from from Stephen Spielberg if I can."
from from Stephen Spielberg if I can." from from Stephen Spielberg if I can." >> So, the way I read your um onscreen and >> So, the way I read your um onscreen and >> So, the way I read your um onscreen and off-screen history, as we've sort of off-screen history, as we've sort of off-screen history, as we've sort of discussed, it's sort of a testament to discussed, it's sort of a testament to discussed, it's sort of a testament to male friendship. Um there's Jed Appatau, male friendship. Um there's Jed Appatau, male friendship. Um there's Jed Appatau, of course, who hired you for Freaks and of course, who hired you for Freaks and of course, who hired you for Freaks and Geeks, and then you met a whole bunch of Geeks, and then you met a whole bunch of Geeks, and then you met a whole bunch of buddies through that. um Jason Seagull, buddies through that. um Jason Seagull, buddies through that. um Jason Seagull, James Franco, and of course you've had James Franco, and of course you've had James Franco, and of course you've had the same writing partner. the same writing partner. the same writing partner. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Evan Goldberg as we've discussed. Um >> Evan Goldberg as we've discussed. Um >> Evan Goldberg as we've discussed. Um I asked you earlier what makes a good I asked you earlier what makes a good I asked you earlier what makes a good relationship. What makes a good male relationship. What makes a good male relationship. What makes a good male friendship? friendship? friendship? >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Um, I think the same things as any other >> Um, I think the same things as any other >> Um, I think the same things as any other dynamic, you know, like um like I found dynamic, you know, like um like I found dynamic, you know, like um like I found with, you know, Evan and and the people, with, you know, Evan and and the people, with, you know, Evan and and the people, you know, I tend to work with my close you know, I tend to work with my close you know, I tend to work with my close friends. Not all of them. I have very friends. Not all of them. I have very friends. Not all of them. I have very close friends from growing up who I close friends from growing up who I close friends from growing up who I don't work with. Um, but I think, don't work with. Um, but I think, don't work with. Um, but I think, you know, I think like a desire to you know, I think like a desire to you know, I think like a desire to be good to one another, which again be good to one another, which again be good to one another, which again sounds [laughter] intuitive, I guess, sounds [laughter] intuitive, I guess, sounds [laughter] intuitive, I guess, but I think when I look at people who but I think when I look at people who but I think when I look at people who have bad relationships and bad dynamics, have bad relationships and bad dynamics, have bad relationships and bad dynamics, like that's the thing I notice is just like that's the thing I notice is just like that's the thing I notice is just like they don't seem to want to be nice like they don't seem to want to be nice like they don't seem to want to be nice to each other and they seem to be to each other and they seem to be to each other and they seem to be looking for every reason to not be nice looking for every reason to not be nice looking for every reason to not be nice to each other. And I think it comes down to each other. And I think it comes down to each other. And I think it comes down to like to like to like [clears throat] do you just do you like [clears throat] do you just do you like [clears throat] do you just do you like this person, you know? And I come from a this person, you know? And I come from a this person, you know? And I come from a a world Yeah. where it's like it was not a world Yeah. where it's like it was not a world Yeah. where it's like it was not like a macho sportsoriented
like a macho sportsoriented like a macho sportsoriented like environment like you know I come like environment like you know I come like environment like you know I come from a world where like everyone's you from a world where like everyone's you from a world where like everyone's you know parents were in therapy and and you know parents were in therapy and and you know parents were in therapy and and you know like I'm from the I'm from the know like I'm from the I'm from the know like I'm from the I'm from the Pacific Northwest. you know, we were Pacific Northwest. you know, we were Pacific Northwest. you know, we were ahead of the curve on a lot of that ahead of the curve on a lot of that ahead of the curve on a lot of that stuff in the ' 80s and '9s. And so, I stuff in the ' 80s and '9s. And so, I stuff in the ' 80s and '9s. And so, I think like think like think like I come from a group of friends who were I come from a group of friends who were I come from a group of friends who were very like communicative and open and not very like communicative and open and not very like communicative and open and not afraid of sort of sharing what they were afraid of sort of sharing what they were afraid of sort of sharing what they were feeling with one another. feeling with one another. feeling with one another. >> Why do you think that version of male >> Why do you think that version of male >> Why do you think that version of male friendship translated so well on screen? friendship translated so well on screen? friendship translated so well on screen? Me and Evan still marvel that like Super Me and Evan still marvel that like Super Me and Evan still marvel that like Super Bad is still remotely Bad is still remotely Bad is still remotely not just like accepted in today's not just like accepted in today's not just like accepted in today's society, but it's a thing like kids society, but it's a thing like kids society, but it's a thing like kids still really seem to watch. And like still really seem to watch. And like still really seem to watch. And like just like when we were young, we would just like when we were young, we would just like when we were young, we would all watch we would watch Fast Times and all watch we would watch Fast Times and all watch we would watch Fast Times and things like that. Like it seems like things like that. Like it seems like things like that. Like it seems like >> Superb has somehow like filled the slot >> Superb has somehow like filled the slot >> Superb has somehow like filled the slot in many ways of like the high school in many ways of like the high school in many ways of like the high school movie you you watch and relate to when movie you you watch and relate to when movie you you watch and relate to when you are in high school, you know?
you are in high school, you know? you are in high school, you know? >> All right. You look like a future >> All right. You look like a future >> All right. You look like a future pedophile in this picture. Number one. pedophile in this picture. Number one. pedophile in this picture. Number one. Number two, it doesn't even have a first Number two, it doesn't even have a first Number two, it doesn't even have a first name. It just says Mcloven. name. It just says Mcloven. name. It just says Mcloven. >> What? What name? What name? >> What? What name? What name? >> What? What name? What name? >> Who are you? Seal. >> Who are you? Seal. >> Who are you? Seal. >> And I think part of it is because like >> And I think part of it is because like >> And I think part of it is because like it is it is it is it is about exploring it is about exploring it is about exploring kind [snorts] of being vulnerable with kind [snorts] of being vulnerable with kind [snorts] of being vulnerable with your friends, you know, and and that I your friends, you know, and and that I your friends, you know, and and that I think is is a coming of age thing like think is is a coming of age thing like think is is a coming of age thing like in and of its own right, you know. And I in and of its own right, you know. And I in and of its own right, you know. And I remember remember remember when I I was moving to LA. I was I did a when I I was moving to LA. I was I did a when I I was moving to LA. I was I did a bunch of shrooms with my friends. I was bunch of shrooms with my friends. I was bunch of shrooms with my friends. I was 16 years old and we were all at their 16 years old and we were all at their 16 years old and we were all at their house. We were at one of my friends house. We were at one of my friends house. We were at one of my friends houses and it was like the sun was houses and it was like the sun was houses and it was like the sun was coming up and I was laying on the couch coming up and I was laying on the couch coming up and I was laying on the couch and my friend Fogle who Mcloven is based and my friend Fogle who Mcloven is based and my friend Fogle who Mcloven is based on was was there laying on the couch on was was there laying on the couch on was was there laying on the couch beside me the other like like we were it beside me the other like like we were it beside me the other like like we were it was like a sleepover and we were kind of was like a sleepover and we were kind of was like a sleepover and we were kind of you know um and I remember just being you know um and I remember just being you know um and I remember just being like I'm so terrified to like move to like I'm so terrified to like move to like I'm so terrified to like move to Los Angeles to do this show and I'm not Los Angeles to do this show and I'm not Los Angeles to do this show and I'm not going to see you guys anymore and I'm going to see you guys anymore and I'm going to see you guys anymore and I'm have no I don't know anybody out there have no I don't know anybody out there have no I don't know anybody out there and and he was like yeah man like high and and he was like yeah man like high and and he was like yeah man like high school ends next year for us too like I school ends next year for us too like I school ends next year for us too like I don't know where any of are going to don't know where any of are going to don't know where any of are going to college, if we're going to be friends college, if we're going to be friends college, if we're going to be friends anymore, if any of this is going to anymore, if any of this is going to anymore, if any of this is going to happen. And like it it it really and it happen. And like it it it really and it happen. And like it it it really and it felt like a big moment and it felt like felt like a big moment and it felt like felt like a big moment and it felt like the first time any of us had really the first time any of us had really the first time any of us had really acknowledged to one another like how acknowledged to one another like how acknowledged to one another like how much we cared about one another and how much we cared about one another and how much we cared about one another and how afraid we would be without one another, afraid we would be without one another, afraid we would be without one another, you know? And I think that's like a you know? And I think that's like a you know? And I think that's like a feeling especially as high school ends
feeling especially as high school ends feeling especially as high school ends and you're kind of going your separate and you're kind of going your separate and you're kind of going your separate ways. For me, it was to go work, but it ways. For me, it was to go work, but it ways. For me, it was to go work, but it it was no different than if I was going it was no different than if I was going it was no different than if I was going to a college and all my friends were to a college and all my friends were to a college and all my friends were going to a different one, you know. Um, going to a different one, you know. Um, going to a different one, you know. Um, and I think that feeling, a little and I think that feeling, a little and I think that feeling, a little different, but [laughter] for all, you different, but [laughter] for all, you different, but [laughter] for all, you know, for logistically it was very know, for logistically it was very know, for logistically it was very similar, you know. Um, and and I think similar, you know. Um, and and I think similar, you know. Um, and and I think that feeling was what we really tried to that feeling was what we really tried to that feeling was what we really tried to put into the movie was this feeling of put into the movie was this feeling of put into the movie was this feeling of >> it's, you know, not that high school's >> it's, you know, not that high school's >> it's, you know, not that high school's easy, but there's easy, but there's easy, but there's >> you're on the cusp of something. you're >> you're on the cusp of something. you're >> you're on the cusp of something. you're on the cusp of something unknown. And I on the cusp of something unknown. And I on the cusp of something unknown. And I think that was think that was think that was however we were able to like bottle that however we were able to like bottle that however we were able to like bottle that feeling and put it into the movie seems feeling and put it into the movie seems feeling and put it into the movie seems to resonate. to resonate. to resonate. >> I mean, one interesting thing about your >> I mean, one interesting thing about your >> I mean, one interesting thing about your character in the invite is that he has character in the invite is that he has character in the invite is that he has no friends. no friends. no friends. And I mean, it just seems pretty And I mean, it just seems pretty And I mean, it just seems pretty reflective of what's happening in the reflective of what's happening in the reflective of what's happening in the culture today more broadly with men. You culture today more broadly with men. You culture today more broadly with men. You know, the loneliness epidemic know, the loneliness epidemic know, the loneliness epidemic >> for sure. And I I just wonder is >> for sure. And I I just wonder is >> for sure. And I I just wonder is Hollywood doing a good job of showing Hollywood doing a good job of showing Hollywood doing a good job of showing positive male friendships the way it positive male friendships the way it positive male friendships the way it used to.
used to. used to. >> I don't know [laughter] >> I don't know [laughter] >> I don't know [laughter] because I think about that's what I'm because I think about that's what I'm because I think about that's what I'm saying. I was thinking about Super Bad saying. I was thinking about Super Bad saying. I was thinking about Super Bad and then I just it just really and then I just it just really and then I just it just really >> when I thought about your character in >> when I thought about your character in >> when I thought about your character in the invite and just what we're seeing in the invite and just what we're seeing in the invite and just what we're seeing in the culture at large and as someone who the culture at large and as someone who the culture at large and as someone who has really channeled male representation has really channeled male representation has really channeled male representation on screen I I you know I mean I came up on screen I I you know I mean I came up on screen I I you know I mean I came up watching Lethal Weapons watching Lethal Weapons watching Lethal Weapons >> you know Ferris Peeler's Day Off Bad >> you know Ferris Peeler's Day Off Bad >> you know Ferris Peeler's Day Off Bad >> things just don't seem to look like that >> things just don't seem to look like that >> things just don't seem to look like that anymore. anymore. anymore. >> Um I think I mean I it's interesting. >> Um I think I mean I it's interesting. >> Um I think I mean I it's interesting. Yeah. Like we we we try to do it on the Yeah. Like we we we try to do it on the Yeah. Like we we we try to do it on the studio a little bit. you know, there's studio a little bit. you know, there's studio a little bit. you know, there's the stuff with me and Ike, like I think the stuff with me and Ike, like I think the stuff with me and Ike, like I think ultimately like that is a relationship ultimately like that is a relationship ultimately like that is a relationship we do keep like it's probably the most we do keep like it's probably the most we do keep like it's probably the most emotionally kind of constant emotionally kind of constant emotionally kind of constant relationship on the show and um but I I relationship on the show and um but I I relationship on the show and um but I I don't know why other people don't don't know why other people don't don't know why other people don't explore it. I I I know we have just done explore it. I I I know we have just done explore it. I I I know we have just done it a lot and so I think it's something it a lot and so I think it's something it a lot and so I think it's something as we look to it's like I mean it's as we look to it's like I mean it's as we look to it's like I mean it's funny we did this roast many years ago funny we did this roast many years ago funny we did this roast many years ago um and Nick Kroll had a joke that really um and Nick Kroll had a joke that really um and Nick Kroll had a joke that really hit close to home where he was making hit close to home where he was making hit close to home where he was making fun of me and Evan on the roast and he fun of me and Evan on the roast and he fun of me and Evan on the roast and he was like what are you guys going to make was like what are you guys going to make was like what are you guys going to make another movie where they're friends then another movie where they're friends then another movie where they're friends then they stop being friends and at the end they stop being friends and at the end they stop being friends and at the end they're friends again and I remember they're friends again and I remember they're friends again and I remember like being like oh yeah that's like being like oh yeah that's like being like oh yeah that's [laughter] that that is every movie [laughter] that that is every movie [laughter] that that is every movie we've ever made. And not to say that's a we've ever made. And not to say that's a we've ever made. And not to say that's a bad thing, but the fact that he could bad thing, but the fact that he could bad thing, but the fact that he could boil it down that that simply into a boil it down that that simply into a boil it down that that simply into a joke, I think we were like, "Yeah, maybe joke, I think we were like, "Yeah, maybe joke, I think we were like, "Yeah, maybe we should move away from that a little we should move away from that a little we should move away from that a little bit." [laughter] bit." [laughter] bit." [laughter] H um
H um H um I'm going to ask you about um I'm going to ask you about um I'm going to ask you about um a friendship that you did have a public a friendship that you did have a public a friendship that you did have a public break with, which was your friendship uh break with, which was your friendship uh break with, which was your friendship uh with James Franco after allegations of with James Franco after allegations of with James Franco after allegations of sexual misconduct were leveled against sexual misconduct were leveled against sexual misconduct were leveled against him. I am curious about how you work him. I am curious about how you work him. I am curious about how you work through that decision and did that through that decision and did that through that decision and did that change the way you think about change the way you think about change the way you think about friendship at all? friendship at all? friendship at all? Um I mean I'm trying to think [laughter] I mean I'm trying to think [laughter] how much I want to personally share how much I want to personally share how much I want to personally share about this. about this. about this. >> I understand that >> I understand that >> I understand that >> I >> I >> I >> the reason I ask is this. I think as a >> the reason I ask is this. I think as a >> the reason I ask is this. I think as a culture we are still grappling with if culture we are still grappling with if culture we are still grappling with if and how we allow people who've behaved and how we allow people who've behaved and how we allow people who've behaved badly back into our lives back into the badly back into our lives back into the badly back into our lives back into the culture. And so I was sort of wondering culture. And so I was sort of wondering culture. And so I was sort of wondering about, about, about, you know, what what was a very seinal you know, what what was a very seinal you know, what what was a very seinal relationship for you. relationship for you. relationship for you. >> Yeah. Like I honestly think the nuance >> Yeah. Like I honestly think the nuance >> Yeah. Like I honestly think the nuance of it is too personal for me to get into of it is too personal for me to get into of it is too personal for me to get into right now. like it it is a very personal right now. like it it is a very personal right now. like it it is a very personal thing and I think there's like the thing and I think there's like the thing and I think there's like the public facing side of it which I've public facing side of it which I've public facing side of it which I've spoken about and and and I and I have spoken about and and and I and I have spoken about and and and I and I have the same stance publicly that that that the same stance publicly that that that the same stance publicly that that that I've had and I think the proof is in the I've had and I think the proof is in the I've had and I think the proof is in the pudding more than anything is just I pudding more than anything is just I pudding more than anything is just I haven't I I have not worked with him in haven't I I have not worked with him in haven't I I have not worked with him in years, you know. Um, but like the years, you know. Um, but like the years, you know. Um, but like the personal side of it is just it's it's so personal side of it is just it's it's so personal side of it is just it's it's so nuanced and it involves people that I nuanced and it involves people that I nuanced and it involves people that I don't know if I should be dragging into
don't know if I should be dragging into don't know if I should be dragging into this and and and I think it's you know I this and and and I think it's you know I this and and and I think it's you know I don't know what I would benefit from don't know what I would benefit from don't know what I would benefit from getting [laughter] deeply into it in getting [laughter] deeply into it in getting [laughter] deeply into it in this moment. Um, but I'd say everything this moment. Um, but I'd say everything this moment. Um, but I'd say everything I've said I nothing is nothing has I've said I nothing is nothing has I've said I nothing is nothing has changed really since since the last time changed really since since the last time changed really since since the last time I've talked about all this and I haven't I've talked about all this and I haven't I've talked about all this and I haven't worked with him in a really long time worked with him in a really long time worked with him in a really long time and I have no plans to and I have no plans to and I have no plans to >> Do you talk to him? >> Do you talk to him? >> Do you talk to him? >> I haven't talked to him in a long time. >> I haven't talked to him in a long time. >> I haven't talked to him in a long time. No. No. No. >> So, I want to ask you about your >> So, I want to ask you about your >> So, I want to ask you about your on-screen relationships with women on-screen relationships with women on-screen relationships with women because um I love Platonic because um I love Platonic because um I love Platonic uh where you have a deep friendship with uh where you have a deep friendship with uh where you have a deep friendship with Rose Burn who's also like a regular Rose Burn who's also like a regular Rose Burn who's also like a regular collaborator with you. collaborator with you. collaborator with you. >> Yeah, she's great. Um, so >> Yeah, she's great. Um, so >> Yeah, she's great. Um, so how have you sort of thought about the how have you sort of thought about the how have you sort of thought about the female male dynamic on screen? Because female male dynamic on screen? Because female male dynamic on screen? Because Platonic literally is again about Platonic literally is again about Platonic literally is again about friendship. It's not romantic. Yeah. friendship. It's not romantic. Yeah. friendship. It's not romantic. Yeah. >> It's so interesting considering your >> It's so interesting considering your >> It's so interesting considering your your previous comment, you know, your previous comment, you know, your previous comment, you know, comments about not finding the romantic comments about not finding the romantic comments about not finding the romantic dynamic interesting that this is a dynamic interesting that this is a dynamic interesting that this is a central [laughter] a central story line central [laughter] a central story line central [laughter] a central story line here.
here. here. >> Yeah. I mean, I think it can again I >> Yeah. I mean, I think it can again I >> Yeah. I mean, I think it can again I think it can be like reductive. Like I think it can be like reductive. Like I think it can be like reductive. Like I think like for so long that was the only think like for so long that was the only think like for so long that was the only dynamic there was between a man and dynamic there was between a man and dynamic there was between a man and woman on screen essentially was was a woman on screen essentially was was a woman on screen essentially was was a romantic one. And so I think part of it romantic one. And so I think part of it romantic one. And so I think part of it is just like what's what is new that is just like what's what is new that is just like what's what is new that that hasn't been explored but is true to that hasn't been explored but is true to that hasn't been explored but is true to all of our lives or many of our lives all of our lives or many of our lives all of our lives or many of our lives anyway. And and and it's funny like I anyway. And and and it's funny like I anyway. And and and it's funny like I think so much overthinking it in some think so much overthinking it in some think so much overthinking it in some ways goes into like ways goes into like ways goes into like what makes a funny female character in what makes a funny female character in what makes a funny female character in relation to a funny male character, you relation to a funny male character, you relation to a funny male character, you know? And do they have to be smart? Do know? And do they have to be smart? Do know? And do they have to be smart? Do they have to be dumb? Is it dumb? Is it they have to be dumb? Is it dumb? Is it they have to be dumb? Is it dumb? Is it bad if they're dumb? Is it sexist if bad if they're dumb? Is it sexist if bad if they're dumb? Is it sexist if they're dumb? Or is it sexist if they're they're dumb? Or is it sexist if they're they're dumb? Or is it sexist if they're smart? Like I've seen I've seen both smart? Like I've seen I've seen both smart? Like I've seen I've seen both things argued. I've seen, [laughter] you things argued. I've seen, [laughter] you things argued. I've seen, [laughter] you know, it's like, oh, you don't want to know, it's like, oh, you don't want to know, it's like, oh, you don't want to get rid of the dumb character, but like get rid of the dumb character, but like get rid of the dumb character, but like that's often the funnier characters, the that's often the funnier characters, the that's often the funnier characters, the dumb character, you know what I mean? dumb character, you know what I mean? dumb character, you know what I mean? And the worst choices a character makes, And the worst choices a character makes, And the worst choices a character makes, often the more comedicly they can often the more comedicly they can often the more comedicly they can perform as a as an actor, you know? Um, perform as a as an actor, you know? Um, perform as a as an actor, you know? Um, but they're dumb, you know? And so, like but they're dumb, you know? And so, like but they're dumb, you know? And so, like I I I >> I mean, Marilyn Monroe is one of the >> I mean, Marilyn Monroe is one of the >> I mean, Marilyn Monroe is one of the great comedic actors. [laughter] great comedic actors. [laughter] great comedic actors. [laughter] >> Exactly. So I think like >> Exactly. So I think like >> Exactly. So I think like to me what I've found with to be the to me what I've found with to be the to me what I've found with to be the healthiest conversations is just like healthiest conversations is just like healthiest conversations is just like what creates the most comedic potential what creates the most comedic potential what creates the most comedic potential if that is what you are trying to do you if that is what you are trying to do you if that is what you are trying to do you know um and to not know um and to not know um and to not try to I think as soon as you start to try to I think as soon as you start to try to I think as soon as you start to think too globally and lose sight of think too globally and lose sight of think too globally and lose sight of like the thing you're making is when you like the thing you're making is when you like the thing you're making is when you get lost in the weeds a little bit and
get lost in the weeds a little bit and get lost in the weeds a little bit and and and and and and and and and and >> what does that mean? So, so that idea of >> what does that mean? So, so that idea of >> what does that mean? So, so that idea of like having to like having to like having to >> workshop everything to see like it >> workshop everything to see like it >> workshop everything to see like it doesn't offend some group. doesn't offend some group. doesn't offend some group. >> Yeah. or or like or or or or like if you >> Yeah. or or like or or or or like if you >> Yeah. or or like or or or or like if you start to feel like well like what we are start to feel like well like what we are start to feel like well like what we are saying with this is like men are like saying with this is like men are like saying with this is like men are like this and women are like this like that this and women are like this like that this and women are like this like that to me is so much harder to wrap my head to me is so much harder to wrap my head to me is so much harder to wrap my head around than like what I'm saying is this around than like what I'm saying is this around than like what I'm saying is this guy is like this and this woman is like guy is like this and this woman is like guy is like this and this woman is like this like and it is specific to this this like and it is specific to this this like and it is specific to this [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] and and what we are doing is making it and and what we are doing is making it and and what we are doing is making it work for this and and as long as it work for this and and as long as it work for this and and as long as it works it's good you know what I mean and works it's good you know what I mean and works it's good you know what I mean and as long as it it It's funny. You you as long as it it It's funny. You you as long as it it It's funny. You you you're not thinking you're not thinking you're not thinking is he dumb or is he smart or is she dumb is he dumb or is he smart or is she dumb is he dumb or is he smart or is she dumb or is he like you're just thinking it or is he like you're just thinking it or is he like you're just thinking it works and and all of a sudden all the works and and all of a sudden all the works and and all of a sudden all the stigmas and the and the history and the stigmas and the and the history and the stigmas and the and the history and the conversation around it kind of falls by conversation around it kind of falls by conversation around it kind of falls by the wayside because you're just watching the wayside because you're just watching the wayside because you're just watching a thing that works. You know what I a thing that works. You know what I a thing that works. You know what I mean? And so I think that's what I've mean? And so I think that's what I've mean? And so I think that's what I've seen work is like with Platonic. It just seen work is like with Platonic. It just seen work is like with Platonic. It just is, is, is, [snorts] you know, Rose's character is [snorts] you know, Rose's character is [snorts] you know, Rose's character is like doing incredibly stupid things all like doing incredibly stupid things all like doing incredibly stupid things all the time, making incredibly poor the time, making incredibly poor the time, making incredibly poor choices, being irresponsible, choices, being irresponsible, choices, being irresponsible, putting people in danger, putting people putting people in danger, putting people putting people in danger, putting people at risk, doing things that again, I at risk, doing things that again, I at risk, doing things that again, I guess you could like philosophically guess you could like philosophically guess you could like philosophically argue like is it is it great to portray argue like is it is it great to portray argue like is it is it great to portray anyone like that? Is it good? Are we anyone like that? Is it good? Are we anyone like that? Is it good? Are we what are we saying about women when we what are we saying about women when we what are we saying about women when we do this? What are we saying about men do this? What are we saying about men do this? What are we saying about men when we do this? But I think what they
when we do this? But I think what they when we do this? But I think what they do so well on that show is like they're do so well on that show is like they're do so well on that show is like they're not trying to do that. They're like what not trying to do that. They're like what not trying to do that. They're like what makes this character makes this character makes this character allow Rose Burn to give the funniest allow Rose Burn to give the funniest allow Rose Burn to give the funniest performance she could possibly give and performance she could possibly give and performance she could possibly give and be as funny in these scenes as she could be as funny in these scenes as she could be as funny in these scenes as she could possibly be. And I think like that's possibly be. And I think like that's possibly be. And I think like that's really how I think of it is like I find really how I think of it is like I find really how I think of it is like I find like these kind of heavier conversations like these kind of heavier conversations like these kind of heavier conversations about theme and society and culture like about theme and society and culture like about theme and society and culture like hopefully that's just within you and and hopefully that's just within you and and hopefully that's just within you and and will come out through your work because will come out through your work because will come out through your work because it's organic to your perspective. it's organic to your perspective. it's organic to your perspective. >> Do you think Hollywood has become more >> Do you think Hollywood has become more >> Do you think Hollywood has become more riskaverse? riskaverse? riskaverse? >> Yes. [laughter] >> Yes. [laughter] >> Yes. [laughter] >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Yeah. 100%. Yes. Um period. end of like >> Yeah. 100%. Yes. Um period. end of like >> Yeah. 100%. Yes. Um period. end of like and we've just seen it like you know and we've just seen it like you know and we've just seen it like you know Superbat's a good example like when we Superbat's a good example like when we Superbat's a good example like when we made that movie like they bought our made that movie like they bought our made that movie like they bought our script they hired a director they said script they hired a director they said script they hired a director they said it would have a $20 million budget and it would have a $20 million budget and it would have a $20 million budget and it would start shooting in August or in it would start shooting in August or in it would start shooting in August or in April of that year. Um and it would come April of that year. Um and it would come April of that year. Um and it would come out uh in like August of the following out uh in like August of the following out uh in like August of the following year.
year. year. That's it. like and then we cast the That's it. like and then we cast the That's it. like and then we cast the movie. We found a director for the movie. We found a director for the movie. We found a director for the movie, we made it according to their movie, we made it according to their movie, we made it according to their schedule and we released it on the date schedule and we released it on the date schedule and we released it on the date they chose. That would never happen they chose. That would never happen they chose. That would never happen today in a 100 million years. No studio today in a 100 million years. No studio today in a 100 million years. No studio would just buy a script, give it a would just buy a script, give it a would just buy a script, give it a release date, cast it, and then make it release date, cast it, and then make it release date, cast it, and then make it like now. Everything has to be in place like now. Everything has to be in place like now. Everything has to be in place before they will decide whether or not before they will decide whether or not before they will decide whether or not they're making it. Who's the director? they're making it. Who's the director? they're making it. Who's the director? Who are the actors? Are they famous Who are the actors? Are they famous Who are the actors? Are they famous enough? Do they have big enough names? enough? Do they have big enough names? enough? Do they have big enough names? If not, then we got to change. We got to If not, then we got to change. We got to If not, then we got to change. We got to get different ones or else we won't make get different ones or else we won't make get different ones or else we won't make it. And I know we want it to start it. And I know we want it to start it. And I know we want it to start shooting in April and release it next shooting in April and release it next shooting in April and release it next summer, but if we don't have the right summer, but if we don't have the right summer, but if we don't have the right actors, we're not going to do that actors, we're not going to do that actors, we're not going to do that because we think these actors will get because we think these actors will get because we think these actors will get us more money than these actors, even us more money than these actors, even us more money than these actors, even though they might not be the funniest though they might not be the funniest though they might not be the funniest actors for the role. They might be more actors for the role. They might be more actors for the role. They might be more commercial for the role. Not to say you commercial for the role. Not to say you commercial for the role. Not to say you won't ultimately get to the funniest won't ultimately get to the funniest won't ultimately get to the funniest people for the role, but you'll have to people for the role, but you'll have to people for the role, but you'll have to go through an incredible process to do go through an incredible process to do go through an incredible process to do it in a way that is all due to risk it in a way that is all due to risk it in a way that is all due to risk aversion. You know, like Amy Pascal was aversion. You know, like Amy Pascal was aversion. You know, like Amy Pascal was willing to just say like, "Make this willing to just say like, "Make this willing to just say like, "Make this movie. You'll put the funniest people in movie. You'll put the funniest people in movie. You'll put the funniest people in it. That will make the best version of it. That will make the best version of it. That will make the best version of the movie, and the best version of this the movie, and the best version of this the movie, and the best version of this movie is what will make us the most movie is what will make us the most movie is what will make us the most money." That is not said anymore really money." That is not said anymore really money." That is not said anymore really in in Hollywood. As I was preparing for in in Hollywood. As I was preparing for in in Hollywood. As I was preparing for this interview, I was looking at your this interview, I was looking at your this interview, I was looking at your list of credits and you know, it's just list of credits and you know, it's just list of credits and you know, it's just astonishing when you sort of sit with it astonishing when you sort of sit with it astonishing when you sort of sit with it and and look at it. Producing the hit and and look at it. Producing the hit and and look at it. Producing the hit superhero series, The Boys, acting in
superhero series, The Boys, acting in superhero series, The Boys, acting in The Invite, voicing Kung Fu Panda, The Invite, voicing Kung Fu Panda, The Invite, voicing Kung Fu Panda, Platonic, [laughter] The Studio. I mean, Platonic, [laughter] The Studio. I mean, Platonic, [laughter] The Studio. I mean, there's just like a lot um there. And I there's just like a lot um there. And I there's just like a lot um there. And I was recently watching Jud Appatile's was recently watching Jud Appatile's was recently watching Jud Appatile's excellent documentary on Mel Brooks. excellent documentary on Mel Brooks. excellent documentary on Mel Brooks. >> Oh, yeah. and thinking that you're our generation's Mel Brooks. that you're our generation's Mel Brooks. [laughter] I mean, you've already made [laughter] I mean, you've already made [laughter] I mean, you've already made comedies that have sort of defined a comedies that have sort of defined a comedies that have sort of defined a generation. You're only 44. generation. You're only 44. generation. You're only 44. I mean, is he someone that you've I mean, is he someone that you've I mean, is he someone that you've modeled your career on? modeled your career on? modeled your career on? Um, honestly, what's I love Bro, I I Um, honestly, what's I love Bro, I I Um, honestly, what's I love Bro, I I more model my career off of like Harold more model my career off of like Harold more model my career off of like Harold Ramos and um, you know, and I would look Ramos and um, you know, and I would look Ramos and um, you know, and I would look at like, at like, at like, you know, not not not profession, you you know, not not not profession, you you know, not not not profession, you know, not not on a personal level, but I know, not not on a personal level, but I know, not not on a personal level, but I was a big my my parents loved Woody was a big my my parents loved Woody was a big my my parents loved Woody Allen movies when I was a kid, you know, Allen movies when I was a kid, you know, Allen movies when I was a kid, you know, and I was sort of inundated with like and I was sort of inundated with like and I was sort of inundated with like Hannah and her sisters um and and things Hannah and her sisters um and and things Hannah and her sisters um and and things like that and um, and and I love and Mel like that and um, and and I love and Mel like that and um, and and I love and Mel Brooks. I mean, I I like it's funny like Brooks. I mean, I I like it's funny like Brooks. I mean, I I like it's funny like Space Balls, like I I watched Space Space Balls, like I I watched Space Space Balls, like I I watched Space Balls before Star Wars probably Balls before Star Wars probably Balls before Star Wars probably [laughter] 100 million times, but um I I [laughter] 100 million times, but um I I [laughter] 100 million times, but um I I never What's funny is I never had like never What's funny is I never had like never What's funny is I never had like too close of a plan or too specific of a too close of a plan or too specific of a too close of a plan or too specific of a goal or I never looked at anyone's goal or I never looked at anyone's goal or I never looked at anyone's career really and was like, I want that career really and was like, I want that career really and was like, I want that career. I I career. I I career. I I I think from a very young I think when I I think from a very young I think when I I think from a very young I think when I was in my early 20s, I sort of surpassed was in my early 20s, I sort of surpassed was in my early 20s, I sort of surpassed any expectation I could have had for any expectation I could have had for any expectation I could have had for myself in many ways. and and and after
myself in many ways. and and and after myself in many ways. and and and after that I sort of that I sort of that I sort of saw that like the greatest gift I could saw that like the greatest gift I could saw that like the greatest gift I could give to myself was to like do whatever give to myself was to like do whatever give to myself was to like do whatever creatively excited me in whatever moment creatively excited me in whatever moment creatively excited me in whatever moment I was in and and and I was in and and and I was in and and and not working towards some thing where not working towards some thing where not working towards some thing where like I'll only be happy if I do this and like I'll only be happy if I do this and like I'll only be happy if I do this and if once I do this I'll know I've made it if once I do this I'll know I've made it if once I do this I'll know I've made it you know like I I I I felt like I made you know like I I I I felt like I made you know like I I I I felt like I made it when I was 23 years old [laughter] it when I was 23 years old [laughter] it when I was 23 years old [laughter] and so after that I was like, I I think and so after that I was like, I I think and so after that I was like, I I think I should just do what seems exciting to I should just do what seems exciting to I should just do what seems exciting to me. And and and it is funny because me. And and and it is funny because me. And and and it is funny because sometimes I will do an interview and sometimes I will do an interview and sometimes I will do an interview and look back and I'll be like, "Wow, I'm look back and I'll be like, "Wow, I'm look back and I'll be like, "Wow, I'm doing a lot of it's a lot of stuff." And doing a lot of it's a lot of stuff." And doing a lot of it's a lot of stuff." And it's and it's a weird array of stuff and it's and it's a weird array of stuff and it's and it's a weird array of stuff and but I look and it's a stuff it's stuff but I look and it's a stuff it's stuff but I look and it's a stuff it's stuff that truly reflects my taste and who I that truly reflects my taste and who I that truly reflects my taste and who I am and my sensibilities. Me and Evan am and my sensibilities. Me and Evan am and my sensibilities. Me and Evan grew up reading comic books. We were grew up reading comic books. We were grew up reading comic books. We were that's one of the first things we bonded that's one of the first things we bonded that's one of the first things we bonded on. And so getting to adapt comic books, on. And so getting to adapt comic books, on. And so getting to adapt comic books, Garn is one of my favorite comic book Garn is one of my favorite comic book Garn is one of my favorite comic book writers of all time. So getting to make writers of all time. So getting to make writers of all time. So getting to make Preacher and The Boys and things like Preacher and The Boys and things like Preacher and The Boys and things like that, especially like, you know, I that, especially like, you know, I that, especially like, you know, I remember when like David Fincher was remember when like David Fincher was remember when like David Fincher was attached to make Preacher and then it attached to make Preacher and then it attached to make Preacher and then it fell apart and we ended up making it and fell apart and we ended up making it and fell apart and we ended up making it and The Boys, like every big director in The Boys, like every big director in The Boys, like every big director in Hollywood was attached to adapt The Boys Hollywood was attached to adapt The Boys Hollywood was attached to adapt The Boys at one point or another and we just sort at one point or another and we just sort at one point or another and we just sort of like hung out in the background for a of like hung out in the background for a of like hung out in the background for a decade until everyone else fell through decade until everyone else fell through decade until everyone else fell through and we became the the most viable option and we became the the most viable option and we became the the most viable option to to produce.
to to produce. to to produce. >> They turned it down. >> They turned it down. >> They turned it down. >> It wasn't even turned down. It >> It wasn't even turned down. It >> It wasn't even turned down. It >> it didn't work out. it just didn't work >> it didn't work out. it just didn't work >> it didn't work out. it just didn't work out. They kept making versions. It It is out. They kept making versions. It It is out. They kept making versions. It It is tricky and we changed it quite a bit tricky and we changed it quite a bit tricky and we changed it quite a bit from the source material, I think, to from the source material, I think, to from the source material, I think, to make it into something that was far more make it into something that was far more make it into something that was far more uh digestible as as as visual uh digestible as as as visual uh digestible as as as visual entertainment than than it would have entertainment than than it would have entertainment than than it would have been otherwise, you know. Um, but I I I been otherwise, you know. Um, but I I I been otherwise, you know. Um, but I I I think like the greatest think like the greatest think like the greatest gift I have in my career is that I truly gift I have in my career is that I truly gift I have in my career is that I truly we can kind of do anything and we can we can kind of do anything and we can we can kind of do anything and we can make dramatic things and comedic things make dramatic things and comedic things make dramatic things and comedic things and animated things and live action and animated things and live action and animated things and live action things and things like Ninja Turtles things and things like Ninja Turtles things and things like Ninja Turtles honestly like has been one of my honestly like has been one of my honestly like has been one of my favorite things we've made in years and favorite things we've made in years and favorite things we've made in years and like I love that movie and I think it's like I love that movie and I think it's like I love that movie and I think it's so good and so reflective of my taste so good and so reflective of my taste so good and so reflective of my taste and my sensibility and what I loved when and my sensibility and what I loved when and my sensibility and what I loved when I was a kid but also infused with like I was a kid but also infused with like I was a kid but also infused with like the highest level of writing and the highest level of writing and the highest level of writing and storytelling and plot construction that storytelling and plot construction that storytelling and plot construction that I could fathomably have helped conceive I could fathomably have helped conceive I could fathomably have helped conceive of in that time in my life. And I look of in that time in my life. And I look of in that time in my life. And I look at how it's constructed from like a at how it's constructed from like a at how it's constructed from like a structure and story standpoint and I'm structure and story standpoint and I'm structure and story standpoint and I'm like legitimately very proud of it and I like legitimately very proud of it and I like legitimately very proud of it and I think like oh that is like as well think like oh that is like as well think like oh that is like as well structured a film as you can make in structured a film as you can make in structured a film as you can make in many ways. And my hope is that our work many ways. And my hope is that our work many ways. And my hope is that our work just clearly has had the highest level just clearly has had the highest level just clearly has had the highest level of thought and care and consideration of thought and care and consideration of thought and care and consideration put into it no matter what it is. And put into it no matter what it is. And put into it no matter what it is. And like as riskaverse as Hollywood is, I'm like as riskaverse as Hollywood is, I'm like as riskaverse as Hollywood is, I'm always trying to instill in the people always trying to instill in the people always trying to instill in the people that we work with like if we can take a
that we work with like if we can take a that we work with like if we can take a swing, let's take it. Like it's not swing, let's take it. Like it's not swing, let's take it. Like it's not often you get if if no one's looking, often you get if if no one's looking, often you get if if no one's looking, let's do something crazy. If no one's if let's do something crazy. If no one's if let's do something crazy. If no one's if we're in this moment where no one's we're in this moment where no one's we're in this moment where no one's paying attention, like let's let's make paying attention, like let's let's make paying attention, like let's let's make Ninja Turtles look insane. like let's Ninja Turtles look insane. like let's Ninja Turtles look insane. like let's let's really push it and and to me I let's really push it and and to me I let's really push it and and to me I also hope our work has that sort of like also hope our work has that sort of like also hope our work has that sort of like intrepid spirit like a a spirit of that intrepid spirit like a a spirit of that intrepid spirit like a a spirit of that we are going [music] for it and that we are going [music] for it and that we are going [music] for it and that we're we are not playing it safe but we we're we are not playing it safe but we we're we are not playing it safe but we are swinging for the fences you know are swinging for the fences you know are swinging for the fences you know >> Seth Rogan [music] >> Seth Rogan [music] >> Seth Rogan [music] thank you so much we'll speak again thank you so much we'll speak again thank you so much we'll speak again >> thank you [laughter] >> on the interview we talked to our guest >> on the interview we talked to our guest [music] twice so a few days later I [music] twice so a few days later I [music] twice so a few days later I talked to Seth Rogan again and asked him talked to Seth Rogan again and asked him talked to Seth Rogan again and asked him about one major way he's really about one major way he's really about one major way he's really influenced the culture through his influenced the culture through his influenced the culture through his championing of weed. championing of weed. championing of weed. Seth Rogan, so glad to talk to you Seth Rogan, so glad to talk to you Seth Rogan, so glad to talk to you again. again. again. >> We're back. >> We're back. >> We're back. >> We're [clears throat] back. All right. >> We're [clears throat] back. All right. >> We're [clears throat] back. All right. Um, in our first conversation, we talked Um, in our first conversation, we talked Um, in our first conversation, we talked about uh opportunities for young people about uh opportunities for young people about uh opportunities for young people coming up in Hollywood and how the coming up in Hollywood and how the coming up in Hollywood and how the industry has changed and possibly, you industry has changed and possibly, you industry has changed and possibly, you know, someone like you wouldn't have the know, someone like you wouldn't have the know, someone like you wouldn't have the same sort of opportunities to make same sort of opportunities to make same sort of opportunities to make movies today. And then, you know, we movies today. And then, you know, we movies today. And then, you know, we just saw two YouTubers dominate the box just saw two YouTubers dominate the box just saw two YouTubers dominate the box office. One of them, um, Kane Parsons, office. One of them, um, Kane Parsons, office. One of them, um, Kane Parsons, the director of Back Rooms, is 20. Uh, the director of Back Rooms, is 20. Uh, the director of Back Rooms, is 20. Uh, he was 16 when he made the YouTube video he was 16 when he made the YouTube video he was 16 when he made the YouTube video the movie is based on. Um, and then the movie is based on. Um, and then the movie is based on. Um, and then Curry Barker, the director of Obsession, Curry Barker, the director of Obsession, Curry Barker, the director of Obsession, is 26. These have just been like huge is 26. These have just been like huge is 26. These have just been like huge successes. I mean, what do you make of successes. I mean, what do you make of successes. I mean, what do you make of that?
that? that? Um, I mean honestly it totally fits in Um, I mean honestly it totally fits in Um, I mean honestly it totally fits in line with advice that I have been giving line with advice that I have been giving line with advice that I have been giving people for years when they come up to me people for years when they come up to me people for years when they come up to me which is I they say I want to make it in which is I they say I want to make it in which is I they say I want to make it in movies. I want to do something um and I movies. I want to do something um and I movies. I want to do something um and I tell them like make stuff like and make tell them like make stuff like and make tell them like make stuff like and make stuff that that is really good. And I'm stuff that that is really good. And I'm stuff that that is really good. And I'm like trust me people like me are like like trust me people like me are like like trust me people like me are like begging that praying that they see begging that praying that they see begging that praying that they see something impressive. Um, I met with something impressive. Um, I met with something impressive. Um, I met with Kane when I think he was 16 or 17 years Kane when I think he was 16 or 17 years Kane when I think he was 16 or 17 years old because I watched his YouTube old because I watched his YouTube old because I watched his YouTube videos. videos. videos. >> Oh, wow. >> Oh, wow. >> Oh, wow. >> Um, and I remember the people at my >> Um, and I remember the people at my >> Um, and I remember the people at my company being like, "Why are we meeting company being like, "Why are we meeting company being like, "Why are we meeting with a 16-year-old?" And [laughter] I with a 16-year-old?" And [laughter] I with a 16-year-old?" And [laughter] I was like, was like, was like, >> trust me, this this this kid is very >> trust me, this this this kid is very >> trust me, this this this kid is very talented, you know, and so ever since talented, you know, and so ever since talented, you know, and so ever since our phones had cameras on them, our phones had cameras on them, our phones had cameras on them, basically, I've been that has become my basically, I've been that has become my basically, I've been that has become my default advice to people. And now with default advice to people. And now with default advice to people. And now with Blender and visual effects and things Blender and visual effects and things Blender and visual effects and things like that, people like on literally on a like that, people like on literally on a like that, people like on literally on a laptop you can make a thing that that laptop you can make a thing that that laptop you can make a thing that that that you know when I was growing up that you know when I was growing up that you know when I was growing up would cost you tens of millions of would cost you tens of millions of would cost you tens of millions of dollars, you know. Um it it has really dollars, you know. Um it it has really dollars, you know. Um it it has really opened the door for people who are opened the door for people who are opened the door for people who are skilled and dedicated to really show skilled and dedicated to really show skilled and dedicated to really show what they're they're capable of, you what they're they're capable of, you what they're they're capable of, you know, and and I think that that's a know, and and I think that that's a know, and and I think that that's a great thing. Yeah. [clears throat] great thing. Yeah. [clears throat] great thing. Yeah. [clears throat] Hollywood always seems to be in the Hollywood always seems to be in the Hollywood always seems to be in the middle of like an angsty crisis. Um, middle of like an angsty crisis. Um, middle of like an angsty crisis. Um, Variety called um, what just happened Variety called um, what just happened Variety called um, what just happened with these two YouTubers a quote with these two YouTubers a quote with these two YouTubers a quote tectonic shift in Hollywood that sent tectonic shift in Hollywood that sent tectonic shift in Hollywood that sent shock waves through the [laughter] shock waves through the [laughter] shock waves through the [laughter] industry.
I do wonder um, first of all what you I do wonder um, first of all what you make of that. I mean, do you think make of that. I mean, do you think make of that. I mean, do you think that's overstating what just happened? that's overstating what just happened? that's overstating what just happened? Because I guess what I think is so Because I guess what I think is so Because I guess what I think is so alluring to executives is that alluring to executives is that alluring to executives is that YouTubers, as you just mentioned, have YouTubers, as you just mentioned, have YouTubers, as you just mentioned, have cheap technology that they can use to cheap technology that they can use to cheap technology that they can use to get millions of eyeballs. They can get millions of eyeballs. They can get millions of eyeballs. They can workshop an idea um and then have a workshop an idea um and then have a workshop an idea um and then have a built-in audience. So, I guess it takes built-in audience. So, I guess it takes built-in audience. So, I guess it takes the guesswork out of selling tickets. the guesswork out of selling tickets. the guesswork out of selling tickets. So, I'm just wondering how you see it So, I'm just wondering how you see it So, I'm just wondering how you see it since you already were tracking him for since you already were tracking him for since you already were tracking him for so long. so long. so long. >> Yeah. Yeah, I mean I I I I don't I don't >> Yeah. Yeah, I mean I I I I don't I don't >> Yeah. Yeah, I mean I I I I don't I don't know if like online engagement know if like online engagement know if like online engagement necessarily necessarily necessarily translates into like ticket sales translates into like ticket sales translates into like ticket sales definitely. You know what I mean? Um, definitely. You know what I mean? Um, definitely. You know what I mean? Um, but I think to your first part of the but I think to your first part of the but I think to your first part of the question, like [gasps] question, like [gasps] question, like [gasps] I think it's overstating that it's a I think it's overstating that it's a I think it's overstating that it's a tectonic shift tectonic shift tectonic shift [laughter] if your assumption is that [laughter] if your assumption is that [laughter] if your assumption is that these shifts don't happen constantly in these shifts don't happen constantly in these shifts don't happen constantly in Hollywood, you know, like and I think Hollywood, you know, like and I think Hollywood, you know, like and I think that's something me and Evan talk about that's something me and Evan talk about that's something me and Evan talk about a lot is we, you know, like it's from a lot is we, you know, like it's from a lot is we, you know, like it's from network. Like I always think of that network. Like I always think of that network. Like I always think of that line in network where Robert Duval is line in network where Robert Duval is line in network where Robert Duval is like it's a volatile industry and the like it's a volatile industry and the like it's a volatile industry and the investors are like well we we shouldn't investors are like well we we shouldn't investors are like well we we shouldn't be why are we financially invested in a be why are we financially invested in a be why are we financially invested in a in a volatile industry and and but I in a volatile industry and and but I in a volatile industry and and but I think by definition it is a volatile think by definition it is a volatile think by definition it is a volatile industry you know um and and it changes industry you know um and and it changes industry you know um and and it changes and and it's almost it's almost the one and and it's almost it's almost the one and and it's almost it's almost the one defining feature of Hollywood from my defining feature of Hollywood from my defining feature of Hollywood from my experience in it is that it there is experience in it is that it there is experience in it is that it there is every few years a tectonic shift and every few years a tectonic shift and every few years a tectonic shift and thank god it's not really my job to
thank god it's not really my job to thank god it's not really my job to be like overly invested in these trends, be like overly invested in these trends, be like overly invested in these trends, I guess, and I'm able to sort of keep my I guess, and I'm able to sort of keep my I guess, and I'm able to sort of keep my head down and and and we're aware of head down and and and we're aware of head down and and and we're aware of them again and and and we'll kind of them again and and and we'll kind of them again and and and we'll kind of ride the waves of them if it fits in ride the waves of them if it fits in ride the waves of them if it fits in with our own creative ambitions, you with our own creative ambitions, you with our own creative ambitions, you know, and I'm more than happy to like know, and I'm more than happy to like know, and I'm more than happy to like say in a pitch how whatever I'm doing say in a pitch how whatever I'm doing say in a pitch how whatever I'm doing maybe fits into the trend of what I hope maybe fits into the trend of what I hope maybe fits into the trend of what I hope the executive I'm pitching to or assume the executive I'm pitching to or assume the executive I'm pitching to or assume the executive I'm pitching to is for but the executive I'm pitching to is for but the executive I'm pitching to is for but um I to me yeah like I it's not that um I to me yeah like I it's not that um I to me yeah like I it's not that shocking to me that something like this shocking to me that something like this shocking to me that something like this happened. there's like a whole happened. there's like a whole happened. there's like a whole generation of people who have access to generation of people who have access to generation of people who have access to essentially professional film making um essentially professional film making um essentially professional film making um equipment for uh a price that again when equipment for uh a price that again when equipment for uh a price that again when I was young was like completely I was young was like completely I was young was like completely unobtainable and um and they're and unobtainable and um and they're and unobtainable and um and they're and they're making their own stuff and they're making their own stuff and they're making their own stuff and studios are are are making tons of money studios are are are making tons of money studios are are are making tons of money off of it which again is not that off of it which again is not that off of it which again is not that different than like when Lonely Island different than like when Lonely Island different than like when Lonely Island and those guys made YouTube videos and and those guys made YouTube videos and and those guys made YouTube videos and and people hired them or when the Broad and people hired them or when the Broad and people hired them or when the Broad City girls made their show on YouTube City girls made their show on YouTube City girls made their show on YouTube and people hired them or when you know and people hired them or when you know and people hired them or when you know Nathan Fielder all the a lot of people Nathan Fielder all the a lot of people Nathan Fielder all the a lot of people like in comedy it's a little more like in comedy it's a little more like in comedy it's a little more commonplace I think but I think now with commonplace I think but I think now with commonplace I think but I think now with technology it's allowing people who technology it's allowing people who technology it's allowing people who really thrive in different genres genres really thrive in different genres genres really thrive in different genres genres that traditionally maybe require more that traditionally maybe require more that traditionally maybe require more resources um to really kind of show what resources um to really kind of show what resources um to really kind of show what they can do and again and studios will they can do and again and studios will they can do and again and studios will be more than happy to capitalize off of be more than happy to capitalize off of be more than happy to capitalize off of that [laughter] that [laughter] that [laughter] whenever they see an opportunity to whenever they see an opportunity to whenever they see an opportunity to >> let me ask you just as an aside what
>> let me ask you just as an aside what >> let me ask you just as an aside what makes a good pitch makes a good pitch makes a good pitch >> um I think a good pitch is short >> um I think a good pitch is short >> um I think a good pitch is short generally speaking honestly. Like I I generally speaking honestly. Like I I generally speaking honestly. Like I I and I think a pitch and I think a pitch and I think a pitch [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] um and I'm not I I I'm not someone who I um and I'm not I I I'm not someone who I um and I'm not I I I'm not someone who I assume is great at pitching honestly. assume is great at pitching honestly. assume is great at pitching honestly. You know what I mean? Like You know what I mean? Like You know what I mean? Like >> people [laughter] pitch you. I'm sure. >> people [laughter] pitch you. I'm sure. >> people [laughter] pitch you. I'm sure. So I'm just curious So I'm just curious So I'm just curious >> if the idea is genuinely good. The pitch >> if the idea is genuinely good. The pitch >> if the idea is genuinely good. The pitch is kind of easy. And I'm actually get is kind of easy. And I'm actually get is kind of easy. And I'm actually get kind of suspicious of people who are kind of suspicious of people who are kind of suspicious of people who are like good pitchers if the idea, you like good pitchers if the idea, you like good pitchers if the idea, you know, like like to me like the know, like like to me like the know, like like to me like the quintessential pitch I'm used to hearing quintessential pitch I'm used to hearing quintessential pitch I'm used to hearing is from like a nervous comedy writer who is from like a nervous comedy writer who is from like a nervous comedy writer who has terrible people skills, who has no has terrible people skills, who has no has terrible people skills, who has no ability to [laughter] like present ability to [laughter] like present ability to [laughter] like present themselves in in a way that is nearly themselves in in a way that is nearly themselves in in a way that is nearly representative of what they're capable representative of what they're capable representative of what they're capable of. You know what I mean? And so when of. You know what I mean? And so when of. You know what I mean? And so when someone comes in too slick and and someone comes in too slick and and someone comes in too slick and and flashy, uh, I I get a little suspicious, flashy, uh, I I get a little suspicious, flashy, uh, I I get a little suspicious, honestly. Um, but I'm just looking for honestly. Um, but I'm just looking for honestly. Um, but I'm just looking for the idea. I know myself, I've had so the idea. I know myself, I've had so the idea. I know myself, I've had so many ideas that are so hard to pitch. I many ideas that are so hard to pitch. I many ideas that are so hard to pitch. I remember trying to pitch people remember trying to pitch people remember trying to pitch people Pineapple Express and them just looking Pineapple Express and them just looking Pineapple Express and them just looking at us like we were insane and trying to at us like we were insane and trying to at us like we were insane and trying to pitch This is the end and people looking pitch This is the end and people looking pitch This is the end and people looking at us like we were crazy. Like with the at us like we were crazy. Like with the at us like we were crazy. Like with the studio when we pitched that, our only studio when we pitched that, our only studio when we pitched that, our only like thought was to like way overd like thought was to like way overd like thought was to like way overd deliver and to like attach like I I'm I deliver and to like attach like I I'm I deliver and to like attach like I I'm I kind of more approach our pitching from kind of more approach our pitching from kind of more approach our pitching from like a business standpoint of like what like a business standpoint of like what like a business standpoint of like what makes it easy for these people whose makes it easy for these people whose makes it easy for these people whose entire job is like risk mitigation to entire job is like risk mitigation to entire job is like risk mitigation to say yes to me. And so they could see say yes to me. And so they could see say yes to me. And so they could see like, oh, it has a cast and I don't have
like, oh, it has a cast and I don't have like, oh, it has a cast and I don't have to imagine like who's this character, to imagine like who's this character, to imagine like who's this character, like it's this person, who's this like it's this person, who's this like it's this person, who's this character, it's this person. Like, and character, it's this person. Like, and character, it's this person. Like, and and I think it showed like we really and I think it showed like we really and I think it showed like we really like were geared towards making the show like were geared towards making the show like were geared towards making the show and not just towards like writing the and not just towards like writing the and not just towards like writing the show for money, which is another thing a show for money, which is another thing a show for money, which is another thing a lot of people do, you [laughter] know. lot of people do, you [laughter] know. lot of people do, you [laughter] know. H um one of the other sort of big H um one of the other sort of big H um one of the other sort of big disruptors in Hollywood is of course AI disruptors in Hollywood is of course AI disruptors in Hollywood is of course AI and you've been you know vocally against and you've been you know vocally against and you've been you know vocally against AI's use in writing and in animation. Do AI's use in writing and in animation. Do AI's use in writing and in animation. Do you feel like you're standing against you feel like you're standing against you feel like you're standing against the tide and and why are you standing the tide and and why are you standing the tide and and why are you standing against the tide? Because again I guess against the tide? Because again I guess against the tide? Because again I guess it's like a a [snorts] it's like a a [snorts] it's like a a [snorts] >> you know I think the executives view it >> you know I think the executives view it >> you know I think the executives view it as like a cost savings, right? because I as like a cost savings, right? because I as like a cost savings, right? because I think they see it as a way to yeah think they see it as a way to yeah think they see it as a way to yeah execute in a in in a way that doesn't execute in a in in a way that doesn't execute in a in in a way that doesn't require as many resources. require as many resources. require as many resources. >> Yeah. And I think like I guess I look to >> Yeah. And I think like I guess I look to >> Yeah. And I think like I guess I look to the different sectors of the industry. the different sectors of the industry. the different sectors of the industry. Like I know a lot of people who work in Like I know a lot of people who work in Like I know a lot of people who work in visual effects who think who who are visual effects who think who who are visual effects who think who who are visual effects artists truly who think visual effects artists truly who think visual effects artists truly who think AI can help them do their work better.
AI can help them do their work better. AI can help them do their work better. But they work in a field where But they work in a field where But they work in a field where technology is something they are having technology is something they are having technology is something they are having to navigate in order to do their job to to navigate in order to do their job to to navigate in order to do their job to what they view as the best of their what they view as the best of their what they view as the best of their abilities. I don't think writing has abilities. I don't think writing has abilities. I don't think writing has that problem. You know what I mean? I that problem. You know what I mean? I that problem. You know what I mean? I don't think if you're having a hard time don't think if you're having a hard time don't think if you're having a hard time writing that technology is the thing writing that technology is the thing writing that technology is the thing that is in your way. Um I think it it is that is in your way. Um I think it it is that is in your way. Um I think it it is either either either your your dedication or your skills or your your dedication or your skills or your your dedication or your skills or your abilities or just the amount of your abilities or just the amount of your abilities or just the amount of time you spent doing it and and and and time you spent doing it and and and and time you spent doing it and and and and the amount you have to develop your own the amount you have to develop your own the amount you have to develop your own abilities to match what it is you're abilities to match what it is you're abilities to match what it is you're you're hoping you're you're putting out you're hoping you're you're putting out you're hoping you're you're putting out in the world. You know, and and I'm only in the world. You know, and and I'm only in the world. You know, and and I'm only speaking for my own personal interest in speaking for my own personal interest in speaking for my own personal interest in it. You know what I mean? Like I know it. You know what I mean? Like I know it. You know what I mean? Like I know other writers who who do use other writers who who do use other writers who who do use [clears throat] uh you know chat GPT to [clears throat] uh you know chat GPT to [clears throat] uh you know chat GPT to to to kind of have conversations I guess to to kind of have conversations I guess to to kind of have conversations I guess about their ideas. It's just not a thing about their ideas. It's just not a thing about their ideas. It's just not a thing that has ever interested me and and it's that has ever interested me and and it's that has ever interested me and and it's and it's not a thing that I ever was and it's not a thing that I ever was and it's not a thing that I ever was even remotely [clears throat] tempted to even remotely [clears throat] tempted to even remotely [clears throat] tempted to engage with because I have a writing engage with because I have a writing engage with because I have a writing process that I really enjoy. You know process that I really enjoy. You know process that I really enjoy. You know what I mean? But I do understand how you what I mean? But I do understand how you what I mean? But I do understand how you if you were alone somewhere [laughter] if you were alone somewhere [laughter] if you were alone somewhere [laughter] in your apartment writing, trying to in your apartment writing, trying to in your apartment writing, trying to write a script, having no one to talk to write a script, having no one to talk to write a script, having no one to talk to about it, having no no one in your life about it, having no no one in your life about it, having no no one in your life cares that you're doing this, I cares that you're doing this, I cares that you're doing this, I definitely understand the temptation to definitely understand the temptation to definitely understand the temptation to to use a like artificial intelligence as to use a like artificial intelligence as to use a like artificial intelligence as some sort of sounding board because
some sort of sounding board because some sort of sounding board because working alone is very hard and and and working alone is very hard and and and working alone is very hard and and and scary, you know. But I think I would scary, you know. But I think I would scary, you know. But I think I would advise people to seek out some sort of advise people to seek out some sort of advise people to seek out some sort of creative community and even like the the creative community and even like the the creative community and even like the the the worst person you know who has any the worst person you know who has any the worst person you know who has any interest in writing is probably more interest in writing is probably more interest in writing is probably more helpful to you ultimately than some helpful to you ultimately than some helpful to you ultimately than some [gasps and laughter] [gasps and laughter] [gasps and laughter] like artificial intelligence program to like artificial intelligence program to like artificial intelligence program to talk about your writing with. talk about your writing with. talk about your writing with. >> You're not going to have an Evan AI bot >> You're not going to have an Evan AI bot >> You're not going to have an Evan AI bot to be. to be. to be. >> Exactly. [laughter] >> All right. Hard pivot. Um, as I >> All right. Hard pivot. Um, as I mentioned, uh, you were on Howard Stern, mentioned, uh, you were on Howard Stern, mentioned, uh, you were on Howard Stern, where you told a lot of stories about where you told a lot of stories about where you told a lot of stories about drugs. Yeah. drugs. Yeah. drugs. Yeah. >> And you said, um, the only time that you >> And you said, um, the only time that you >> And you said, um, the only time that you were drug-free was on a trip to were drug-free was on a trip to were drug-free was on a trip to Singapore when drugs are [laughter] Singapore when drugs are [laughter] Singapore when drugs are [laughter] illegal on penalty of death. illegal on penalty of death. illegal on penalty of death. >> And I really was curious because you >> And I really was curious because you >> And I really was curious because you didn't describe the experience of what didn't describe the experience of what didn't describe the experience of what it was like not to be high um, for the it was like not to be high um, for the it was like not to be high um, for the first time [laughter] since you were a first time [laughter] since you were a first time [laughter] since you were a kid. kid. kid. >> It was fine. It's not It's not that >> It was fine. It's not It's not that >> It was fine. It's not It's not that weird. Like uh, I Yeah, I I It was fine.
weird. Like uh, I Yeah, I I It was fine. weird. Like uh, I Yeah, I I It was fine. I and I go straight like it's not like I I and I go straight like it's not like I I and I go straight like it's not like I in my day-to-day life I am not in a in my day-to-day life I am not in a in my day-to-day life I am not in a position where I can just smoke weed position where I can just smoke weed position where I can just smoke weed literally all day every day at all times literally all day every day at all times literally all day every day at all times like I I you know last week we were like I I you know last week we were like I I you know last week we were filming in some skyscraper downtown you filming in some skyscraper downtown you filming in some skyscraper downtown you I couldn't smoke weed in there I couldn't smoke weed in there I couldn't smoke weed in there [laughter] and so I went I went all day [laughter] and so I went I went all day [laughter] and so I went I went all day without smoking weed and it's pretty you without smoking weed and it's pretty you without smoking weed and it's pretty you know it's not like I'm freaking out or know it's not like I'm freaking out or know it's not like I'm freaking out or anything. Um it's just you know I'm a anything. Um it's just you know I'm a anything. Um it's just you know I'm a little happier if I can smoke weed all little happier if I can smoke weed all little happier if I can smoke weed all day that's all. day that's all. day that's all. >> Yeah. I mean, you've helped normalize >> Yeah. I mean, you've helped normalize >> Yeah. I mean, you've helped normalize cannabis use. Um, when I think about cannabis use. Um, when I think about cannabis use. Um, when I think about Pineapple Express to today, it's been a Pineapple Express to today, it's been a Pineapple Express to today, it's been a complete sea change, and I think it's complete sea change, and I think it's complete sea change, and I think it's No, but I think it's a real testament to No, but I think it's a real testament to No, but I think it's a real testament to the cultural impact of your work. Was the cultural impact of your work. Was the cultural impact of your work. Was that an explicit aim or just sort of a that an explicit aim or just sort of a that an explicit aim or just sort of a fortunate byproduct? fortunate byproduct? fortunate byproduct? >> Um, I'd say it was a I'd say it was sort >> Um, I'd say it was a I'd say it was sort >> Um, I'd say it was a I'd say it was sort of a specific aim, but a very like of a specific aim, but a very like of a specific aim, but a very like personal one. Like I don't think our personal one. Like I don't think our personal one. Like I don't think our goal was like goal was like goal was like >> if this works we will change cultures >> if this works we will change cultures >> if this works we will change cultures view on weed. I think it was more like view on weed. I think it was more like view on weed. I think it was more like we don't like how we are stigmatized as we don't like how we are stigmatized as we don't like how we are stigmatized as people who smoke weed. And I think the people who smoke weed. And I think the people who smoke weed. And I think the ultimate way to kind of show that people ultimate way to kind of show that people ultimate way to kind of show that people who smoke a lot of weed are not who you who smoke a lot of weed are not who you who smoke a lot of weed are not who you think they are is to think they are is to think they are is to really proficiently make an entire movie really proficiently make an entire movie really proficiently make an entire movie about people who smoke weed implicitly about people who smoke weed implicitly about people who smoke weed implicitly by people who smoke weed that is for by people who smoke weed that is for by people who smoke weed that is for people who smoke weed, but is actually people who smoke weed, but is actually people who smoke weed, but is actually like has the thought and care and
like has the thought and care and like has the thought and care and consideration and and and technical kind consideration and and and technical kind consideration and and and technical kind of acumen put into it that that like any of acumen put into it that that like any of acumen put into it that that like any real Hollywood movie has. And I think to real Hollywood movie has. And I think to real Hollywood movie has. And I think to us that's kind of what had never been us that's kind of what had never been us that's kind of what had never been done before. Friday is probably the done before. Friday is probably the done before. Friday is probably the closest one, you know. Um, and I love closest one, you know. Um, and I love closest one, you know. Um, and I love that movie, but but even that was sort that movie, but but even that was sort that movie, but but even that was sort of like a very I think they move they of like a very I think they move they of like a very I think they move they made that movie for like almost no made that movie for like almost no made that movie for like almost no money, you know. It was a very small money, you know. It was a very small money, you know. It was a very small movie and and and um and I think that movie and and and um and I think that movie and and and um and I think that movie kind of had an outsiz impact. But movie kind of had an outsiz impact. But movie kind of had an outsiz impact. But um yeah, we were really kind of on a um yeah, we were really kind of on a um yeah, we were really kind of on a personal level trying to be like what if personal level trying to be like what if personal level trying to be like what if we made like a real like a real weed we made like a real like a real weed we made like a real like a real weed movie and people saw that like it wasn't movie and people saw that like it wasn't movie and people saw that like it wasn't this like outcast thing for idiots. It this like outcast thing for idiots. It this like outcast thing for idiots. It was a thing that that that that could be was a thing that that that that could be was a thing that that that that could be as mainstream as as anything, you know, as mainstream as as anything, you know, as mainstream as as anything, you know, and we were shocked when it was so and we were shocked when it was so and we were shocked when it was so embraced honestly. And that today when I embraced honestly. And that today when I embraced honestly. And that today when I go to the weed store, the fact that go to the weed store, the fact that go to the weed store, the fact that there's like Pineapple Express weed that there's like Pineapple Express weed that there's like Pineapple Express weed that exists is like so funny. I think and and exists is like so funny. I think and and exists is like so funny. I think and and like a real direct kind of descendant of like a real direct kind of descendant of like a real direct kind of descendant of of the movie. And I think the fact that of the movie. And I think the fact that of the movie. And I think the fact that yeah that it was a weed movie that and yeah that it was a weed movie that and yeah that it was a weed movie that and even when we were promoting that movie even when we were promoting that movie even when we were promoting that movie like it was not easy like you know they like it was not easy like you know they like it was not easy like you know they people I remember going on TRL which people I remember going on TRL which people I remember going on TRL which dates this story and like really dates this story and like really dates this story and like really literally right before I went on they literally right before I went on they literally right before I went on they were like oh and you can't talk about were like oh and you can't talk about were like oh and you can't talk about weed at all. And I'm like I'm here to weed at all. And I'm like I'm here to weed at all. And I'm like I'm here to promote a movie like the movie's title promote a movie like the movie's title promote a movie like the movie's title is is is weed. Like what am I going to is is is weed. Like what am I going to is is is weed. Like what am I going to talk about? And they were like, "I don't talk about? And they were like, "I don't talk about? And they were like, "I don't know. Figure it out." Well, you can't know. Figure it out." Well, you can't know. Figure it out." Well, you can't you literally can't mention weed on on
you literally can't mention weed on on you literally can't mention weed on on this show. this show. this show. >> How do you promote that without >> How do you promote that without >> How do you promote that without mentioning weed? mentioning weed? mentioning weed? >> Well, what I think I did is I did talk >> Well, what I think I did is I did talk >> Well, what I think I did is I did talk about it and then they like aired it about it and then they like aired it about it and then they like aired it once and then it scrubbed it from TRL once and then it scrubbed it from TRL once and then it scrubbed it from TRL existence. existence. existence. [laughter and gasps] [laughter and gasps] [laughter and gasps] Yeah, it was tough. Yeah, it was tough. Yeah, it was tough. >> Okay. Um, before I say goodbye, you're >> Okay. Um, before I say goodbye, you're >> Okay. Um, before I say goodbye, you're filming the studio today. Anything that filming the studio today. Anything that filming the studio today. Anything that you can say about the new season? you can say about the new season? you can say about the new season? Anything at all? Anything at all? Anything at all? >> Um, [laughter] >> Um, [laughter] >> Um, [laughter] I don't know. [clears throat] Um, I can I don't know. [clears throat] Um, I can I don't know. [clears throat] Um, I can say it's it's say it's it's say it's it's it is even it is far more ambitious than it is even it is far more ambitious than it is even it is far more ambitious than the first season. And and I honestly the first season. And and I honestly the first season. And and I honestly like there's been many times I've been like there's been many times I've been like there's been many times I've been on set this season and I've been I I've on set this season and I've been I I've on set this season and I've been I I've been truly amazed at at what in a way been truly amazed at at what in a way been truly amazed at at what in a way that has offered me a lot of that has offered me a lot of that has offered me a lot of gratification and pride. like I've been gratification and pride. like I've been gratification and pride. like I've been amazed at what we've been able to pull amazed at what we've been able to pull amazed at what we've been able to pull off and the people we've been able to off and the people we've been able to off and the people we've been able to talk into doing the show and and the talk into doing the show and and the talk into doing the show and and the people I've gotten to work with. Um I people I've gotten to work with. Um I people I've gotten to work with. Um I and and I've watched the episodes and I and and I've watched the episodes and I and and I've watched the episodes and I really feel as though I'm pushing myself really feel as though I'm pushing myself really feel as though I'm pushing myself more and more. I'm excited and nervous more and more. I'm excited and nervous more and more. I'm excited and nervous for people to see it, but as we make it, for people to see it, but as we make it, for people to see it, but as we make it, it feels like we have, you know, it feels like we have, you know, it feels like we have, you know, [snorts and music] tried to up our game [snorts and music] tried to up our game [snorts and music] tried to up our game and and and there are moments where I and and and there are moments where I and and and there are moments where I really feel like we we we are doing really feel like we we we are doing really feel like we we we are doing something that I'm very [music] proud something that I'm very [music] proud something that I'm very [music] proud of. Yeah.
of. Yeah. of. Yeah. >> Seth Rogan, thank you so much. >> Seth Rogan, thank you so much. >> Seth Rogan, thank you so much. >> Thank you so much. Good to see you >> Thank you so much. Good to see you >> Thank you so much. Good to see you again. again. again. >> Good to see you, too. Bye >> Good to see you, too. Bye >> Good to see you, too. Bye >> bye. [music] [music] >> I'm Lulu Garcia Navaro. >> I'm Lulu Garcia Navaro. >> I'm Lulu Garcia Navaro. >> And I'm David Maresy. and we're the >> And I'm David Maresy. and we're the >> And I'm David Maresy. and we're the hosts of the interview, an audio and hosts of the interview, an audio and hosts of the interview, an audio and video podcast from the New [music] York video podcast from the New [music] York video podcast from the New [music] York Times. Times. Times. >> Every week we interview fascinating and >> Every week we interview fascinating and >> Every week we interview fascinating and influential people from all walks of influential people from all walks of influential people from all walks of life. life. life. >> Subscribe to our YouTube channel so >> Subscribe to our YouTube channel so >> Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you'll never miss an episode.

Summary

This transcript interviews Seth Rogan about his successful career transition from teenage actor to prolific Hollywood creator. It highlights his recent accolades and the unexpected shift in his professional trajectory. The takeaway is that for a long time, Rogan and his collaborators were content without industry recognition until recent successes changed their perspective.

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