Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg Discuss Remake Requests for Classic Comedy
Filmmakers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg have expressed their reservations regarding the ongoing interest in a remake of the iconic 1963 comedy, It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. The duo, known for their collaborative work on projects such as The Studio, revealed this sentiment during a feature in the Criterion Closet.
The Original Film’s Legacy
It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World showcased a star-studded cast, which included Mickey Rooney, Sid Caesar, and Ethel Merman. The plot revolves around a motley crew of motorists who, after witnessing a car crash in the California desert, embark on a frenetic race to uncover a hidden cache of money. Rogen and Goldberg noted that they frequently receive inquiries about a potential reboot, highlighting the film’s lasting appeal.
Reflections on the Film
Goldberg commented, “I feel like we’ve been asked to remake this movie a lot. This has come around several times,” to which Rogen added, “Every three years we get a request to remake It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. […] It actually has amazing physical comedy in it.” Despite this, their commitment to originality prevails, as Goldberg admitted to having never seen the film and having no intention to do so, even when Rogen playfully suggested otherwise.
Homage and Inspiration
During their discussion, Rogen shared insights about his film This Is the End, revealing it serves as an homage to Albert Brooks’ Defending Your Life. Rogen praised Brooks as one of the greats, stating, “Me and Evan explicitly ripped off the ending for this movie when we were making our movie This Is the End. We did some work to change it, but it is essentially the same ending.”
The Future of Hollywood Projects
Rogen and Goldberg also recently articulated their vision for their upcoming series The Studio, expressing the desire to cast a diverse range of stars. Rogen remarked, “Not only are they famous people, but the role they occupy in Hollywood is very specific for each person. We didn’t want the audience to have to suspend any disbelief when it came to who is famous and who a studio would be excited about working with. Who would you bend over backwards to work with, and who would you be afraid of? Who would you want to like you?”
Conclusion
As Rogen and Goldberg continue to innovate within the industry, their stance on remaking classics reveals a commitment to originality and a nuanced understanding of the Hollywood landscape.