Ben Stiller wonders if his 2008 satirical comedy Tropic Thunder would be made today. The film, the story of a group of selfish actors making a Vietnam War film, grossed nearly $200 million worldwide and earned a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for Robert Downey Jr. But perhaps Downey’s character will prevent Tropic Thunder from being made. It starts in Hollywood in 2024.
In Tropic Thunder, Downey took method acting to an unethical extreme by donning blackface (or, in his own words, undergoing “pigmentation” surgery) to play a black soldier in a Vietnam movie. He played the role of Kirk Lazarus, an Australian actor with a method. Stiller had mocked the insane efforts actors would go to to win awards, but it was too “risky” to do it again.
“Obviously, in this environment, it’s hard to do edgier comedy,” Stiller told Collider. “Even from a business economics standpoint, it’s obviously not on the scale that we achieved. I think we were lucky to be able to make this even back then. In fact, it was a collaboration between Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks. I think it was because of that. He read that and thought, “Okay, let’s make this.” If you think about it, this is a very internal movie. ”
“The idea of Robert playing an African-American character is incredibly risky,” Stiller continued. “Obviously, it was a dangerous situation back then as well. The only reason we tried it was because we felt it was very clear in terms of who the joke was on. The actors won the award. I’m trying to do whatever it takes to get it. But right now, in this environment, I don’t even know if I would even dare to do that.”
Stiller wrote on his X profile last year that he had “no apologies” for “Tropic Thunder,” adding: I’m proud of that and the work everyone put into it. ”
In recent years, some have criticized Downey for wearing blackface in his films, but Downey himself has never agreed with the backlash. During an appearance on Rob Lowe’s Literally! podcast earlier this year, Downey drew a line between Tropic Thunder and Norman Lear’s iconic sitcom All in the Family. . He said both films highlight “metaphors that are incorrect and have persisted for far too long” and have faced criticism from people who don’t see the bigger picture.
“There used to be an understanding with the audience, but I’m not saying they don’t understand anymore. I’m saying things have become very blurred,” Downey said. “That spirit is [Ben] Tropic Thunder, which Stiller directed, cast, and shot, essentially served as a railing against all of these incorrect tropes. [that] It had existed for far too long. ”
In a 2020 episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Downey Jr. recalled that his mother was “terrified” when she found out about his role in Tropic Thunder. Although he was aware that this role might cause some backlash, he still thought this way. “I can relate to the hypocrisy of artists’ crazy self-involvement and what they think they’re allowed to do sometimes.”
“[Ben Stiller] “He knew exactly what his vision was for this movie and he executed it. There was no way it wasn’t going to be an unpleasant nightmare of a movie,” Downey Jr. added at the time. “And 90 percent of my black friends were like, ‘Hey, that was great.’ I couldn’t agree more. [the other 10%]but I know where my heart is. I don’t think it’s ever an excuse to do something that’s out of place and outdated, but for me it was over the edge. [the issue]. I think having moral psychology is the number one job. Sometimes you just have to think, “Oh, I’m feeling high.” In my defense, it’s about how wrong Tropic Thunder is. [Blackface] So I’ll accept the exception. ”
In addition to receiving an Oscar nomination, Downey also competed for Best Supporting Actor at the BAFTAs, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Golden Globe Awards.
