Liberal comedian Bill Maher launched the Cojones Awards, a new trophy for those who stand up to cancel culture mobs, on Friday's edition of his long running HBO talk show. On Twitter, one user encouraged Stiller not to apologise. The disgraced actor is back on the stand, but this time, its a criminal case. Meet Matt Angel, The Lincoln Lawyer Season 2 Episode 5 Recap: Suspicious Minds. Tom Cruise revived the character last year at the MTV Movie Awards in a popular series of sketches involving Grossman berating young stars, and plans for a Les Grossman spin-off film were announced shortly thereafter, with Ben Stillers company Red Hour producing. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is known for being an irreverent comedy about a bunch of narcissists that own a bar, and the TV series has been panned for being racist on more than one occasion. I make no apologies for Tropic Thunder, he tweeted. , Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) February 21, 2023. Ben Stiller Claps Back Against Cancel Culture After 'Tropic Thunder 'Tropic Thunder' Director Ben Stiller Stands Up To Cancel Culture: "I Make No Apologies" By Radhamely De Leon Feb 24, 2023 Stiller maintains how "proud" he is of his admittedly. Proud of it and the work everyone did on it., I make no apologies for Tropic Thunder. Keanu Reeves as Tugg Speedman with Ben Stiller as Rick Peck. Stiller originally planned on casting Keanu Reeves as action star Tugg Speedman, a role he eventually ended up playing. Tropic Thunder came out back in 2008, and was met with near universal acclaim. Ben Stiller Reflected On The Blackface Controversy Surrounding "Tropic level 2: finding out he did blackface in tropic thunder 1,544, This story has been shared 1,388 times. I was DYING laughing when I first saw it back in the day and so was everyone else, the fan wrote, sharing a screenshot of a rant about liberals trying to get the film canceled. Are you not willing to admit youre a racist POS? The film received wonderful reviews and was a hit at the box office. 'Tropic Thunder' Trends After New Viewers Demand Apology From Robert All rights reserved. The King of the Twinks has a new song, and only some of us are feeling the rush. Reeves playing Speedman would have added an extra layer of reality to Tropic Thunder, especially considering Reeves and the fictional Speedmans careers were in similar places at the time. 'Tropic Thunder' Director Ben Stiller Stands Up To Cancel Culture: "I Its always been a controversial movie since when we opened. But 15 years later, Stiller refuses to budge. So when a Trump supporter with 80,000 followers tweeted at Stiller that they were disappointed to hear hed apologized for the blackface (adding that the Wayan brothers never apologized for White Chicks) and Stiller responded, the discourse couldnt be canceled. According to Foxx, I called Robert, I said, I need you to play a Mexican,' Foxx recalled. The first-time Emmy nominee relives the moment that nearly made him break. Intentionally comedic performances are rare for Keanu Reeves these days, but some of the actors first roles are in comedies like Parenthood and the Bill & Ted films. Fran Drescher had her Norma Rae moment as the Screen Actors Guild joins the WGA in striking. TMZ reached out to Stillers representation in 2018 to find a record of the apology and did not hear back. Breaking: Barbie Has Entered the Real World, Fran Drescher Defends Her Trip to Italy As Business, Not Pleasure, We work, the SAG president said. Incidentally, Tropic Thunder, which also starred Tom Cruise, Jack Black, Steve Coogan, Brandon T. Jackson, Nick Nolte and Danny McBride, still went on to earn Downey a supporting actor Oscar nomination, as well as Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globe Awards nods. Ben Stiller, the director of the 2008 comedy film Tropic Thunder, addressed criticism of the films use of blackface by Robert Downey Jr.s character. HAVE A VIDEO YOU WANT TO FEATURE ON OUR PAGE? Does Lisa Kill Mitchell in 'The Lincoln Lawyer'? ", Joy Behar Doubts Alyssa Farah Griffin's Chances of Going to Heaven: "Very Optimistic of You", Whoopi Goldberg Can't Hide Her Frustration Over Advice Column Segment on 'The View': "One of the Stupidest Stories We've Ever Brought to You", 7 Shows Like 'The Lincoln Lawyer' For Legal Drama Lovers. To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders, Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications, .css-o3g03s{color:black;}Published14:57,23 February 2023 GMT.css-1aaqh7x{color:#666666;}@media (min-width:1024px){.css-1aaqh7x{color:#666666;}}| Last updated14:57,23 February 2023 GMT, Featured Image Credit: Paramount Pictures. via Getty Images And has, in fact, defended the use of blackface within the movie. On Tuesday, actor Ben Stiller stood up against cancel culture and reinforced that he will not apologize for the movie Tropic Thunder, a movie that came out nearly 15 years ago in 2008. Vulture has also reached out to representatives for Stiller. I know theres no likes or clout in that, but I really think thats the only way out of this. Another cinematic product tried to use blackface for comedic effect in 2010. At the time, Dreamworks issued a statement saying that Tropic Thunder is an R-rated comedy that satirizes Hollywood and its excesses and makes its point by featuring inappropriate and over-the-top characters in ridiculous situations and that no changes or cuts to the film will be made. This game of controversy telephone is longer than even Stiller himself can keep track of. Depending on how he would have handled the part, Tropic Thunder could have turned into the kind of misguided big budget film it was satirizing. Still though, many have argued that it shouldnt have been included at all. Disney extends CEO Bob Igers contract through 2026, delaying retirement again. And to be fair, Mos Defs brash insistence on retooling the entire character and second-guessing the accomplished comedy writers behind Tropic Thunder is a bit unwarranted. Proud of it and the work everyone did on it., I make no apologies for Tropic Thunder. People getting woke to the fact to Robert Downey Jr.s Tropic Thunder characterwhich was amazing. https://t.co/RqID5jIXP1, CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER. This includes holding up a mirror to the lengths some actors will go to land that career-defining role and the ethical considerations some will readily put to the side in taking it. The film stars Stiller, Robert Downey Jr, and Jack Black as a group of actors creating a war film set in Vietnam. 8,245, This story has been shared 7,708 times. For the crazies Sgt Lincoln Osiris put it best: pic.twitter.com/UYVU70ENCv, Rolf Hartmann (@Rolf_Hartmann) May 1, 2020, when all the woke teenagers are like #cancelrdj and all the adults in the room collectively sigh, also still arguably one of tom cruises best roles. Critics of cancel culture argue that it stifles free speech and intellectual diversity, as people may fear expressing unpopular opinions or engaging in controversial conversations for fear of being canceled. pic.twitter.com/9wU2ZN2P0u, appreciate the 100000 people all tweeting the exact same thing about teenagers being offended that robert downey jr did blackface in tropic thunder so much so that i cant find any actual tweets of teenagers being offended at robert downey jr doing blackface in tropic thunder. Simply put, Tropic Thunder was only a modest hit in August of 2008, earning $110 million domestic and $196 million worldwide on a $92 million budget. Cancel culture is a term used to describe the practice of boycotting or publicly shaming individuals or companies for their words, actions, or beliefs, often on social media platforms. With "cancel culture" still seemingly strong in today's society, and some still wielding it either as a weapon to destroy or a cross to die on, you had to wonder when it would find its way to Tropic Thunder. The cast of Tropic Thunder is absolutely full of Hollywood A-listers, from the main cast to those in supporting or cameo roles, everyone who was pulled in just happened to be a big name. Its always been a controversial movie since when we opened. Tropic Thunder | Where to Stream and Watch | Decider The other thing is, I get to hold up to nature the insane self-involved hypocrisy of artists and what they think theyre allowed to do on occasion just my opinion.. But it was directed toward disability advocacy organizations who took issue with his character, and later those who had been offended by Olympian Shaun Whites insensitive Halloween costume based on Stillers Tugg Speedman, Actually Tropic Thunder was boycotted 10 years ago when it came out, and I apologized then, Stiller tweeted at the time. At the end of the day, Robert Downey jr. Did blackface. 1,672, This story has been shared 1,544 times. This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. Don't know. Tropic Thunder is frequently cited as one of the top movies that would absolutely not get made in this age, primarily due to Robert Downey Jr. donning blackface via his Australian method actor. @RobertDowneyJr why are you not addressing the fact you wore blackface? Dont know who told you that. While Stillers comments may not satisfy all critics, they provide insight into the intention and context of the films controversial content. He then pointed out what some in the tweets above have referenced about the movie: Again, not in my defense, but Tropic Thunder was about how wrong that is. *Sorry, there was a problem signing you up. It's a hilarious and rather succinct way to also mock the sometimes inexplicable things method actors do, and viewers can't help but laugh at how off-putting it becomes to hear an Australian accent come out of Robert Downey Jr.'s face. Full Circle Episode Guide: How Many Episodes in Steven Soderberghs New Series on Max? Is 'Tropic Thunder' the Only Blackface Performance That's Funny to Cancel culture is a thing, but it isnt the extreme its made out to be. I think having a moral psychology is job one. Many are praising Ben Stiller for never apologizing about the film. 'Tropic Thunder' Director Ben Stiller Stands Up To Cancel Culture: "I It was always meant to make fun of actors trying to do anything to win awards. Will Robert Downey Jr. be cancelled for a role in a movie that came out back in 2008 that some are just now noticing? . Wait a minute. Whats Happening at Kevin Spaceys Sexual-Misconduct Trial? Both actors fame has mainly come from action films (Speed and The Matrix series for Reeves), and back in 2007 when Tropic Thunder was filming, they each needed a hit after a series of underperforming films. 1,818, This story has been shared 1,672 times. That does NOT matter. The 2008 film about the production of a Vietnam War epic is rife with Asian stereotypes that don't just border on offensiveness they jump over the line into downright racism. It was always meant to make fun of actors trying to do anything to win awards. Its a movie. Despite the Tropic Thunder blackface issue getting little to no backlash, self-awareness doesn't always justify choices like this. Proud of it and the work everyone did on it., The Amazing Spider-Man 3 Andrew Garfield petition has over 30k signatures, Elephant Mario is a creature beyond human comprehension, and Im scared, Steam's most beloved free game just got a big update, Call Of Duty is getting Nicki Minaj as a playable Operator, The Last Of Us Emmy backlash as openly non-binary Bella Ramsey receives 'best actress', Fan-favourite Need For Speed remake accidentally confirmed early, Gex Trilogy officially announced for modern consoles, Tom Holland says he's been sober for over a year after being 'enslaved' by alcohol, The Sopranos star bans 'bigots' from watching show after Supreme Court ruling, Rick And Morty co-creator attacks 'cancelling' culture as domestic violence lawsuit dismissed. He also acknowledged that the use of blackface is not acceptable, but defended its use in the film as part of the satirical commentary. 'The Bachelorette' Season 20, Episode 3 Recap: Who Went Home? This password will be used to sign into all, a Vulture writer covering comedy, theater, and music. Lost Roles is a weekly series that examines the missed opportunities the roles that could have been and explores how some casting choices that almost happened could have changed the film industry and the comedy world, at large. If the lyrics to Seven featuring Latto are anything to go by. Those involved in creating the film explained that they were making fun of actors and not those with disabilities. Yall can get over it. Stiller later replied to the tweet, saying, I make no apologies for Tropic Thunder. Downey said in 2020 on the Joe Rogan Experience, Ninety percent of my black friends were like, Dude, that was great.. Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) February 21, 2023 While Stiller denied making apologies for his work, one Twitter sleuth dug up a 2018 tweet from the actor in which he acknowledged that he did. Cruise wowed audiences as Les Grossman, with many unable to recognize him until the closing credits due to his bald cap, fat suit, oversized fake hands, and uncharacteristically gruff, foul-mouthed demeanor. Speedman seeks to redirect his nosediving career after playing a character with mental disabilities, Simple Jack. But if you're still interested in the service, it's $14.99 per month, which gives you full access to the entire vault, and is also ad-free, or $9 . Car and the Knights Templar' on Netflix, a Polish Family-Friendly Adventure That's Stuck in Neutral, Robert Downey Jr. This Episode of atypical podcast episode we discuss Ben Stiller Wont Apologize For Tropic Thunder Cancel Culture Is Mad The woke culture tried to take down another celebrity. The gang tries to create Lethal Weapon yet again three seasons later, but this episode sees both Mac and Dee in blackface, as he reprises his role as Murtaugh, and she plays Rianne, his daughter. 'Tropic Thunder' Director Ben Stiller Stands Up To Cancel Culture: "I Make No Apologies" By Radhamely De Leon Feb 24, 2023 at 2:45pm Decider Streamline: Week Ending 7/15/23 0 seconds of 1. If they did they would be more offended by Ben Stillers character #tropicthunder pic.twitter.com/vcYMZzTFQF, Lot of simple jacks out there asking for #RobertDowneyJr to be canceled pic.twitter.com/LrC7ZDjRKf, asking robert downey jr to apologise for tropic thunder is like asking leonardo dicaprio to apologise for saying the n word in django https://t.co/EZM9nAKyMV. , Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) February 21, 2023. Some Are Trying To Get Robert Downey Jr. "Cancelled" For His 'Tropic 02:44 PM - 21 Feb 2023 "I make no apologies for Tropic Thunder. But I know where my heart was. Dont know who told you that. You won't find Tropic Thunder on HBO Max. I stand by my apology, the movie, Shaun White, And the great people and work of the @SpecialOlympics. The trio are dropped into the centre of the jungle by their director and are suddenly forced to put their acting survival skills to the rest. Some people didn't want to see the movie when it came out in 2008 because of how it portrayed disabled people and minority groups. Tropic Thunder mocks everything "wrong" with Hollywood: product placement, drug use and addiction, problematic productions, megalomaniacal producers that are more interested in making money than telling stories, and the ludicrousness of Hollywood using serious subjects as money-making fodder. Stiller wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the movie. The film received wonderful reviews and was a hit at the box office. It was always meant to make fun of actors trying to do anything to win awards. I stand by my apology, the movie, Shaun White, And the great people and work of the @SpecialOlympics. 2023 Vox Media, LLC. New 'Bluey' Episodes From Season 3 Drop on Disney+, but When Is Season 4? Ben Stiller Refuses To Apologize For 'Tropic Thunder' - OutKick People just want everyone to be more conscious of each other. Jamie Foxx reached out to RDJ after Tropic Thunder about playing a Mexican man in his directorial project, All-Star Weekend. Its a MOVIE. Ben Stiller yet again addressed the controversy around 'Tropic Thunder,' though the details of it, involving blackface and intellectual-disability discrimination, become fuzzier through time. Cruise famously played a sports agent in Jerry Maguire, and its one of his best-known roles. Expand. I said, Shit, you played the Black dude [in Tropic Thunder] and you killed that shit. We got to be able to do characters. (via IndieWire). Robert Downey Jr. was even nominated for an. Dont know who told you that. So there you have it. Its always been a controversial movie since when we opened. Some people see cancel culture as a way to hold powerful individuals or entities accountable for their actions, while others argue that it can be excessive and unjustified, leading to a culture of fear and intolerance. Whats Happening at Kevin Spaceys Sexual-Misconduct Trial? If youre wondering what all the buzz is about, anyway, heres a quick summary: people have taken issue with Stillers portrayal of a character with disabilities, plus Robert Downey Jr.s role as an Australian actor who undergoes pigmentation alteration to play a Black character in the film. In the same tweet, he asserted that he continues to stand by the apology and the movie. Despite Tom Cruises success as Les Grossman, it would have been worthwhile to see his take on the agent character. 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After Cruise read the initial script, he suggested adding in a studio head character. >:((((, i cannot believe this wtffffff??????? The first episode sees Mac in blackface trying to play Murtaugh, and it's even commented on as offensive in the episode, to which Mac responds "I think it was in poor taste that you were doing Murtaugh in white face.". He has reportedly accused Christine Baumgartner of taking his property, paying her divorce lawyer with his employees credit card, and more. foxla.com Ben Stiller says he never apologized for 'Tropic Thunder': I'm 'proud of it' He couldnt make it today, but Im glad he made it when he did. The film received positive reviews from critics, with praise for its humor, performances, and satirical take on Hollywood. This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. 8,280, This story has been shared 8,245 times. I returned to find out, A filmmaker feared his subject had turned on him. "stay home" ! Celebrities Have Labor Disputes Just Like Us, Actors are ready to strike, including Matt Damon and the cast of. Mos Def was offered the part of closeted gay rapper-turned-actor Alpa Chino, but he came to an agreement with the filmmakers that he wasnt right for the part. Proud of it and the work everyone did on it. reached out to Stillers representation in 2018. I stand by my apology, the movie, Shaun White, And the great people and work of the @SpecialOlympics. Ben Stiller had been kicking around the idea for Tropic Thunder since filming a small part in the 1987 Steven Spielberg World War II epic Empire of the Sun, so its no wonder a whole bevy of possible actors went through his head before the eventual cast was set. Source: DC Enquirer. It was a satire with heavy influence from the film Apocalypse Now. Every Term You Should Know to Understand Hollywood on Strike. Yet, despite Stillers tweet, there is no record to be found online of him apologizing for any part of Tropic Thunder blackface or disability related. Actor Ben Stiller, seen during a photo call at a Paris hotel for Tropic Thunder in 2008, says he wont apologize for the spoof. Appearing in Tropic Thunder was a huge boost to Jacksons career, allowing him to land what Im sure was a highly-coveted role in the passing-of-the-torch third installment in the Big Mommas House franchise. https://t.co/3sonj829nn, Matthew D. Morrison (@DrMaDMo) May 1, 2020, just a reminder that Robert Downey Jrs done blackface, yall canceling everybody but Robert Downey Jr. like he aint get casted, accepted and get nominated for an Oscar playing a role in full blackface like WHOLE ASS blackface . I stand by my apology, the movie, Shaun White, And the great people and work of the @SpecialOlympics. Yeah, that was also on Twitter. #cancelrdj, I cant believe rdj played blackface. One things for sure: Ben Stillers version of Rick Peck would have been more over-the-top than Matthew McConaugheys and funnier too. Blackface isnt about intention, your confusing that with minstresly dumbass, blackface is all about the costuming. Not wanting to parody the rap industry, Mos Def asked the writers to change the character to an R&B musician. Using woke like its a slur is so typical of this genre of person (yes he meant it that way, look at his thread). By Joshua N Published on February 23, 2023 Advertisement Despite being released almost 20 years ago, Tropic Thunder continues to generate controversy, and lead actor Ben Stiller has stated that he does not apologize for it. 2008's Tropic Thunder saw an RDJ blackface character, yet surprisingly this didn't receive a major backlash or cause any real controversy for Robert Downey Jr. or the movie. Tropic Thunder: A Three Amigos! for Our Time, The Good, the Bad, and the Weird of This Years Emmy Nominations, The Controversy Around Colleen Ballinger, a.k.a. White apologized after being called out by groups including the Special Olympics. Tropic Thunder Controversy Explained | The Mary Sue The RDJ blackface in Tropic Thunder was a depiction of a fictional white actor using blackface and rightly being called out for it when it counted, rather than a return to the repugnant genuine use of blackface from eras gone.