Vince Vaughn, known for his iconic roles in many beloved comedies, often portrays a character with an air of arrogance, possibly concealing a heart of gold beneath the surface. His style of comedy, reminiscent of Will Ferrell’s energetic and loud performances, has won over audiences, though Vaughn brings his own subtlety to the mix. This week, Vaughn is coming with his new Apple TV+ series, Bad Monkey, and as part of the promotion, he has been vocal about his views on the current state of comedy, particularly in relation to the influence of cancel culture.
Vince Vaughn Slams ‘Responsible’ Comedy, Yearns for Unfiltered Humor
During a recent interview with Variety, Vince Vaughn expressed his concerns about the growing pressure to be “responsible” in comedy, which he believes is leading to an increase in dull and uninspired films. The actor reminisced about the days when making films like Wedding Crashers allowed for more freedom and fun, noting that back then, there was a sense of making movies for the sheer joy of it, without the constraints imposed by what he described as “parents” or guardians of political correctness.
“I remember when we first shot [Wedding] Crashers, we were going super [R-rated], and we would do stuff and it was fun because we were almost making a movie for ourselves to be funny and there was no ‘parents’ around,” Vaughn told journalist Todd Gilchrist.
Reflecting on the filming of Wedding Crashers, Vince Vaughn shared that the team was able to push boundaries and create something genuinely funny without worrying about offending anyone. He remarked, “I think that’s a big problem now — you’ve got to let young people go make a movie and leave them alone. They’ll figure it out in the end.” This sentiment underscores his belief that creative freedom is essential for producing authentic and engaging content.
Vaughn also pointed to his role in the 2017 neo-noir film Brawl in Cell Block 99, directed by S. Craig Zahler, as an example of a project that resonated with audiences because it embraced its true nature without trying to conform to societal expectations. According to Vaughn, the success of such films lies in their authenticity and the willingness to provoke thought without fear of backlash.
“I think the stuff that does resonate is always things that at least feel like they’re being authentic to the piece,” he noted. “They’re not trying to code it in a way that feels responsible. That feels like a snoozefest to me; a responsible comedy feels like a time to take a nap.”
In another recent appearance on the popular show Hot Ones, Vaughn further elaborated on why R-rated comedies like Wedding Crashers, Swingers, and Old School are no longer being made. He attributed this shift to executives who, according to Vaughn, are more concerned with protecting their jobs than with creating groundbreaking content. Vaughn commented that these decision-makers tend to “overthink” the process, leading to a set of rules that stifle creativity and fail to connect with audiences.
Vaughn’s candid observations highlight the tension between maintaining creative integrity and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of modern comedy. As he continues to promote Bad Monkey, it is clear that Vaughn remains committed to advocating for the kind of comedy that challenges norms and embraces its true essence, rather than conforming to the increasingly cautious approach that he believes is dominating the industry today.
Bad Monkey: A New Era of R-Rated Comedy?
Bill Lawrence, the creative mind behind the new show Bad Monkey, shared his thoughts on the series in a recent interview with The Independent. He described it as the kind of show that is becoming increasingly rare in today’s television landscape—one that thrives on witty banter and doesn’t shy away from R-rated humor while maintaining a narrative with genuine stakes. “It is hoped that it works, as the success of one often sparks interest in similar projects,” Lawrence mentioned, reflecting on the potential ripple effect Bad Monkey could have if it hits the mark.
Drawing parallels with his previous work, Lawrence highlighted the unexpected success of Ted Lasso, a sports comedy he co-created with Jason Sudeikis, Brendan Hunt, and Joe Kelly. Lawrence pointed out how Ted Lasso faced initial resistance from networks, with only Apple willing to take a chance on it. “It was mentioned in numerous meetings that something like Ted Lasso should be attempted, although it was noted that when the show was first pitched, many dismissed it as nothing more than a throwback to 1990s sports movies,” Lawrence said, underscoring the unpredictability of what resonates with audiences.
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Bad Monkey is based on the 2013 bestselling novel by Carl Hiaasen, a writer known for his Florida-based crime stories. In this adaptation, actor Vince Vaughn takes on the role of Andrew Yancy, a former Miami detective who finds himself demoted to inspecting restaurants in the Florida Keys—a far cry from his former life. The plot thickens when a severed arm is discovered on a fishing line, leading Yancy to team up with Miami medical examiner Rosa Campesino, played by Natalia Martinez, to unravel the mystery behind this gruesome find.
Looking ahead, Lawrence expressed his hopes for the future of the series, particularly the possibility of a second season. Should the show succeed, Lawrence plans to adapt Razor Girl, another of Hiaasen’s novels, for the screen. “With any luck, a second season would allow for the adaptation of Razor Girl. Though Hiaasen hasn’t revisited the same characters often, the next book in the series would fit perfectly,” Lawrence said. He emphasized his excitement about continuing the show, praising the talented cast and crew, many of whom, he joked, “are still alive—both in fictional and real life!“
Bad Monkey offers a blend of dark humor and intrigue, with a storyline that could very well capture the attention of audiences who appreciate crime dramas with a comedic twist. Whether it will follow in the footsteps of Ted Lasso remains to be seen, but Lawrence’s enthusiasm for the project suggests that it has all the makings of another hit.
Bad Monkey will hit Apple TV+ on August 14, 2024.
