Actor and director Ben Stiller, known for his 2008 comedy Tropic Thunder, expressed frustration with how modern “woke” sensibilities have stifled creative freedom, particularly in comedy. In an interview with Collider, Stiller lamented that edgy humor has become “harder to do now,” pointing to the shifting cultural landscape that has made films like his near impossible to create today.
Speaking about Tropic Thunder, Stiller highlighted that even when the film was made 16 years ago, it was considered “dicey,” particularly for Robert Downey Jr.’s controversial portrayal of a method actor undergoing skin pigmentation procedures to play a black character. The role has since drawn accusations of “blackface.”
“The idea of Robert playing that character who’s playing an African American character… incredibly dicey,” Stiller admitted. “Even at the time, it was dicey. The only reason we attempted it was I felt like the joke was very clear in terms of who that joke was on – actors trying to do anything to win awards.”
Stiller noted that in today’s cultural climate, he would hesitate to make such a movie.
While apologizing for certain aspects of the film, including the portrayal of a mentally challenged character named Simple Jack, Stiller has refused to apologize for the film as a whole. Earlier this year, he reiterated his pride in Tropic Thunder on X (formerly Twitter): “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.”
Stiller has long been an outspoken supporter of progressive causes, most recently campaigning for Vice President Kamala Harris during her failed presidential bid. During a fundraiser for Harris, Stiller claimed she would bring “change” to Washington, despite being part of the incumbent administration.
At the event, he made another controversial statement, saying, “She’s Indian, she’s black, she’s everything — I’m Jewish and Irish. I wish I was black. Every white Jewish guy wishes he was black.” The comment drew criticism for being tone-deaf and pandering.
Stiller’s commentary on comedy’s evolution reflects a broader conversation in Hollywood, as creators grapple with cultural shifts that prioritize sensitivity over creative risks. Despite backlash, Stiller remains defiant in his defense of Tropic Thunder, asserting its satire aimed at Hollywood’s vanity and excesses rather than the groups portrayed in the film.
