It’s been 15 years since the release of “Tropic Thunder,” a movie that is still hilarious to this day. The film was co-written, directed, and starred in by Hollywood actor and comedian Ben Stiller, alongside a star-studded cast of Matthew McConaughey, Robert Downey Jr., Tom Cruise, Nick Nolte, Jack Black, and others.
Recently, someone made a false claim that Stiller had apologized for making the film. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Stiller is proud of the film and the work that everyone did on it. In response to the claim, he said, “I make no apologies for Tropic Thunder.”
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.
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) February 21, 2023
The film is a satire of the shallow ways of Hollywood and couldn’t be made today due to the sensitivity of cancel culture. Downey, in particular, played an Australian method actor in the film who appeared in blackface in almost every scene as the fictional Staff Sgt. Lincoln Osiris.
One of the most memorable quotes from the film is when Downey declares, “I’m a dude playing a dude disguised as another dude.” He played all the dudes and did it so well that both critics and audiences loved it.
The film’s characters are so self-absorbed that they don’t realize they’re fighting real armed militants with weapons loaded with blanks. It’s pure comedic gold.
Although the film has courted controversy since its release, the cast has been unapologetic about making such a funny movie. Stiller didn’t need to respond to the false claim, but he did so anyway. By doing this, he made a conscious decision to stand up to cancel culture.
Stiller deserves praise from everyone who supports free expression. He didn’t have to say anything, but he did. It’s refreshing to see someone in Hollywood who isn’t afraid to speak their mind and stand up for what they believe in.
Watch the video below for more details:
Source: WesternJournal