Seth Rogen dishes out intriguing insights into the real-life inspirations behind "The Studio," highlighting figures such as Steve Asbell and a memorable Golden Globes encounter. During a recent visit to "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," the star, co-creator, and director of Apple TV+'s latest Hollywood satire, unveiled intriguing details about the show and his character, Matt Remick.
"In the series, I run a contemporary Hollywood movie studio," Rogen elaborated. "The central conflict, which I'm sure you're well-acquainted with, revolves around the timeless battle between art and commerce. My character, a passionate movie enthusiast, often finds himself compelled to make decisions that compromise the quality of films. He cherishes directors and movie stars alike, but is frequently tasked with disillusioning them by providing unwanted feedback or, in broader terms, tampering with their creative passion. His ultimate goal is to avoid getting fired, and this internal struggle, I believe, forms the crux of show business."
Prompted by Colbert, who referenced Rogen's earlier comment about his character entering the film industry out of love but ultimately having to tarnish it, the host inquired, "Did a Hollywood executive ever utter those words to you?"
"Absolutely!" Rogen replied emphatically. "During an early-career meeting with my partner Evan [Goldberg], while we were rewriting a script, a studio executive said precisely that. He was giving us notes, urging us to tone down the R-rated, edgy content. Despite finding it amusing, he sighed and confessed, 'I got into this because I love movies, and now it's my job to ruin them.'"
Regarding the identity of this executive, Rogen later confirmed it was Steve Asbell, the current president of 20th Century Studios. "He's a wonderful person, but he's deeply conflicted about his role," the "Neighbors" star chuckled.
Colbert further inquired if any other producers or studio executives had contacted Rogen, recognizing themselves in the series. "Yes, I've been reprimanded three times in the past week," Rogen responded with a laugh. "Some were pleased, while others weren't. Let's just say it's a mixed bag."
Rogen also reminisced about a past Golden Globes incident that inspired a particular episode in "The Studio." "In one episode, my character desperately yearns to be acknowledged in a Golden Globes speech, something incredibly significant to Hollywood executives," he recounted. "Years back, we produced a film that won a Golden Globe. At the afterparty, we noticed one executive crying and assumed it was due to our victory. We approached them, celebrating, 'We won! Is that why you're crying?' They replied, 'No, they forgot to thank me in the speech.'"
He continued, "We crafted an entire episode around this incident. The individual it's based on recently confronted me, quite emphatically."
On the flip side, Rogen noted that some individuals have mistakenly projected themselves onto the characters in the series. "People have incorrectly associated themselves with these roles," he explained. "Conversely, I received a call from a studio executive who said, 'It was so real, so truthful to my experience. I couldn't stop crying while watching it.' I almost felt guilty, but I had to say, 'It's not based on you at all, buddy.'"
"The Studio," featuring a star-studded cast and numerous cameos, releases new episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV+. The first two episodes are currently available for streaming.
