Ben Stiller Talks Comedy, New Projects, and Podcast Launch

Renowned actor and director Ben Stiller recently had a candid conversation about his past and present projects, touching on everything from the controversial Tropic Thunder to the much-anticipated Severance Season 2, while also unveiling his new podcast partnership with Adam Scott.

A Walk Down Memory Lane: Tropic Thunder

Stiller's reflections on his classic 2008 comedy, Tropic Thunder, sparked conversations about the current state of edgier comedy in Hollywood. During an interview with Collider, he expressed doubt about Tropic Thunder being made today, stating, "In this environment, edgier comedy is just harder to do." He highlighted the complexities around the film, specifically Robert Downey Jr.'s use of blackface and the challenges of making such bold artistic decisions in the current cultural landscape. Stiller credited Steven Spielberg for helping to bring the movie to life, stating that at the time, he felt the irony and humor were clear, aimed at actors' desperation for awards. "The only reason we attempted it was I felt like the joke was very clear in terms of who that joke was on, actors trying to do anything to win awards," he said. The remarks caught the attention of public figures, including Elon Musk, who rebuked Stiller on social media, reinforcing the ongoing debate about comedy, sensitivity, and cultural change.

Moving Forward: Severance and Happy Gilmore 2

Stiller is currently busy working on Severance Season 2, a hit Apple TV+ series that challenges the boundaries of workplace psychological drama. He noted the extensive editing process the series undergoes, revealing, "Every project evolves in the editing room...it’s always a process." Later in the conversation, he expressed excitement about returning to his role as Hal L in Adam Sandler's upcoming sequel, Happy Gilmore 2. Stiller reminisced about working with Sandler, emphasizing the fun of playing a character that doesn't need to be likable. "I'm always ready to play Hal L...it's really fun to just go for it," he shared with enthusiasm.

The Documentary Journey

In addition to these projects, Stiller is working on a documentary about his parents, famed comedy duo Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller. A labor of love spanning almost four years, he reflected on the importance of chronicling their lives and shared the challenges of navigating the extensive archival footage available. The documentary promises to provide not only a look at their careers but also a glimpse into their relationship, something Stiller finds incredibly valuable to share with audiences.

Launching the Severance Podcast

In an exciting development, Stiller and Adam Scott announced the launch of The Severance Podcast, slated to premiere on January 7. This podcast aims to delve deeper into the narrative intricacies of the show and will release daily episodes leading up to the second season's premiere on January 17. Stiller joked about their intense commitment to the series during the podcast announcement, stating, "We have severed ourselves from the world for five years making this show."

By featuring not just the stars but also producers and special guests like Jon Stewart, the podcast intends to explore the show’s compelling themes and connect with fans.

Summary

Ben Stiller's recent discussions shed light on his career's evolution, the challenges of humor in today’s climate, and his excitement for upcoming projects, including the Severance podcast. As he navigates new ventures and reflections on past work, his journey reveals the dynamic nature of storytelling in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.