Director Steven Spielberg shared his fondness for actor-comedian Seth Rogen’s stoner films last night on the carpet of the Palm Springs International Film Festival, though he clarified his enjoyment extends beyond the marijuana humor.
“Having never been stoned, I don’t see them as stoner movies,” Spielberg said in an interview with Marc Malkin, Variety’s senior culture and events editor. “I see them as movies about a police officer giving solid, sound advice to a young, impressionable person.”
Spielberg and Rogen’s presence at the Jan. 5 awards ceremony comes four months after the world premiere of “The Fabelmans,” a semi-autobiographical feature directed by Spielberg.
Rogen co-stars in the film as Bennie Loewy, a character based on Spielberg’s real-life uncle, whose name is Bernie. Spielberg began casting for the film in March 2021, though he told Variety he always envisioned Rogen for the part of Bennie.
“I thought of Seth first; there was no second or third choice,” Spielberg said. “Literally, I sent him the script, and [when] he wanted to do it, he made me the happiest guy in the world.”
Spielberg and Rogen’s roots date back to 1999 with the release of DreamWorks Television’s “Freaks and Geeks,” which the three-time Oscar-winning director produced through his production company, Amblin Partners. The short-lived series was where Rogen made his acting debut as Ken Miller.
“He’s been responsible for my entire career,” Rogen said, reflecting on his working relationship with Spielberg.
The two also collaborated on the 2011 sci-fi comedy “Paul,” where Rogen voiced the titular character and Spielberg made a voice-over cameo.
