Seth Rogen cast as studio executive in new comedy series

Seth Rogen has landed the daunting role of a studio executive in his upcoming comedy series, The Studio, airing on Apple TV+. In the show, Rogen portrays a flustered Hollywood exec who unexpectedly finds himself at the helm of a movie studio after his boss is let go.

Rogen drew inspiration for the series from a meeting he had back in 2000 with a studio executive who admitted to feeling like his job was to “ruin” movies, despite his initial love for the craft. This candid conversation stayed with Rogen and served as the foundation for the comedic portrayal of studio life in The Studio.

Studio executives, as depicted in the show, are responsible for deciding which projects get the green light and which ones end up on the cutting room floor. They provide feedback to creatives with the aim of making films more financially viable. Rogen and his collaborator, Evan Goldberg, gleaned insights from real studio execs to infuse authenticity into the series.

Rogen describes the role of a studio executive as “tragic,” highlighting the fine line between comedy and tragedy in their decision-making process. He acknowledges the pressure these individuals face in delivering challenging feedback that may not always be well-received. Drawing from his own experiences in the industry, Rogen reveals his nervousness leading up to the premiere of The Studio, admitting to feeling vulnerable putting himself front and center in the project.

Reflecting on the risk-averse nature of the film industry, Rogen shares that executives often operate from a place of fear, seeking to avoid potential firings. Surprisingly, the executive that Rogen and Goldberg spoke with years ago still holds a prominent position in Hollywood, underscoring the enduring impact of industry attitudes.

As Rogen gears up for The Studio’s debut on March 26, he gives audiences a preview of his character – someone who aspires to be creatively driven in the world of filmmaking but falls short in execution. This humorous portrayal promises to offer viewers a glimpse into the inner workings of Hollywood’s comedic side through the lens of a hapless studio executive.