Ben Stiller Refuses To Apologize For Tropic Thunder And Says He’s ‘Proud’ Of Movie

Tropic Thunder was well-received and a box-office success, but it also faced controversy. Credit: Paramount Pictures

Tropic Thunder features an all-star cast, starring Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, Tom Cruise, Jay Baruchel, Nick Holte, Steve Coogan, Danny McBride, Matthew McConaughey, and Brandon T. Jackson, among others.

One of the movie’s main criticisms is that it shows Downey Jr. donning blackface.

In the action-comedy, the star plays Kirk Lazarus, an Australian method actor who undergoes a controversial ‘pigmentation alteration’ surgery to temporarily darken his skin for portraying the Black character Staff Sergeant Lincoln Osiris.

Robert Downey Jr. controversially dons blackface in the action-comedy. Credit: Paramount Pictures

As explained by the BBC, blackface ‘commonly refers to when someone (typically with white skin) paints their face darker to resemble a Black person.’

The historical practice involves Black people being mocked for the entertainment of white people, with depictions being both inaccurate and deeply offensive.

The movie was also boycotted by multiple disability advocacy groups, including the Special Olympics, per USA Today, for its use of a word used to belittle people with an intellectual disability.

There are also scenes in which Stiller plays an actor who takes on the role of a character named ‘Simple Jack.’

Ben Stiller, who directed and co-wrote Tropic Thunder, says he’s ‘proud’ of the movie. Credit: Paramount Pictures

Many people have boycotted the film due to these aspects.

Discussing it on X (formerly Twitter), one person says: “It’s extremely offensive… just shows we have a long way to go.”

Another adds: “I’m too uncomfortable to enjoy any of it.”

Stiller, who directed and co-wrote the film, has defended Tropic Thunder and says he’s ‘proud’ of it.

Ben Stiller refuses to apologize for Tropic Thunder. Credit: @BenStiller/X

The actor addressed the movie’s controversy when one fan pleaded with him to never apologize for his involvement.

In response, Stiller said: “I make no apologies for Tropic Thunder. Don’t know who told you that.

“It’s always been a controversial movie since when we opened. Proud of it and the work everyone did on it.”

He also addressed its backlash in 2018, with a tweet reading: “Actually Tropic Thunder was boycotted 10 years ago when it came out, and I apologized then.

“It was always meant to make fun of actors trying to do anything to win awards. I stand by my apology, the movie… And the great people and work of the @SpecialOlympics.”

Ben Stiller has defended Tropic Thunder on X (formerly Twitter). Credit: @BenStiller/X

Before taking on the role, which ultimately earned him an Oscar nomination, Downey Jr. had his concerns.

On The Joe Rogan Experience in 2020, he recounted: “I thought, ‘Yeah, I’ll do that. I’ll do that after Iron Man.’ And then I started thinking, ‘This is a terrible idea.’”

Elsewhere in the discussion, Downey Jr. revealed why he had a change of heart.

“I get to hold up to nature the insane self-involved hypocrisy of artists and what they think they’re allowed to do on occasion,” he explained.

“Ben, who is a masterful artist and director… knew exactly what the vision for this was, he executed it, it was impossible to not have it be an offensive nightmare of a movie. And 90% of my Black friends were like, ‘Dude, that was great.’”

Related Posts

Wrist Ganglion: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments.

A wrist ganglion forms when synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints and tendons, accumulates in an abnormal capsule or bursa. Although there is not always a clear…

I Felt Confident in Bikinis Until I Discovered My Husband’s Nasty Secret

Her story: First and foremost, thank you for sharing your story with such vulnerability and honesty.

Severe Constipation and Toxic Megacolon: Causes and Solutions

When waste accumulates in the colon due to an inefficient digestive system, it causes severe discomfort and bloating. Over time, the colon expands beyond its normal size,…

My 5 y.o. son d!ed in 2020. My good friend kept telling me, “You need to move on,”

my son’s photos covering all her walls.Some of them, I couldn’t even recall sharing with her. Then, to my shock,I found some of his clothes on her…

Every US citizen who would likely be exempt from being drafted in ‘World War 3’ as Trump issues new warning

The U.S. is also seeking a vital mineral deal with Ukraine, but a recent failed meeting with President Zelensky has dimmed hopes for diplomacy, Trump warns that…

My Stepmom Changed the Locks After My Dad Passed to Keep Me Out – She Didn’t Know My Dad Had Prepared for This Scenario

“We should get back to the house,” my stepmom, Carla, said, her voice flat as she adjusted her designer sunglasses. Not a tear had stained her perfectly…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *