Jason Segel and Seth Rogen, two prominent figures from the Judd Apatow comic universe, have evolved into some of the most versatile and hilarious multi-hyphenates in the entertainment industry. Segel, alongside Bill Lawrence and Brett Goldstein, co-created “Shrinking,” a unique dramedy that follows an unconventional therapist—played by Segel—navigating the complexities of grief. Meanwhile, Rogen, with his longtime collaborator Evan Goldberg, brought to life “The Studio,” serving as co-creator and co-director of the series where he portrays a newly appointed studio executive striving to stay afloat amidst chaos.
Their camaraderie traces back 27 years to their first meeting during the pilot of “Freaks and Geeks.” Rogen recalls being just 16 or 17, while Segel was 18 or 19. “It’s crazy to think about that,” Segel reflected. During their conversation, they reminisced about their shared experiences on set, particularly the moment when “The Matrix” premiered. “We rolled giant joints and drove to the movie theater and saw ‘The Matrix’ together,” Segel shared, emphasizing the film’s profound impact on their creative journey.
Segel and Rogen discussed how their youthful naivete fueled their creative endeavors. Rogen admitted, “I remember having no clue what I was doing at all,” while Segel noted their initial approach to writing was driven by an innocent curiosity. “We had the naivete of youth. We didn’t really know how to do it,” he added, highlighting the carefree spirit that characterized their early years.
As their careers progressed, both actors acknowledged a shift in their perspectives. Rogen reflected, “I’ve let pragmatism invade my thinking in many ways,” explaining how his focus shifted from “What sounds fun?” to “What’s going to work?” Segel underscored the importance of maintaining that youthful spirit, suggesting that the essence of creativity lies in a sense of adventure rather than strict adherence to convention.
When it comes to the writing process, Segel revealed his reluctance to write often, stating, “I don’t love it. I find it to be kind of fraught.” He described how ideas often come from personal experiences, and if a concept continues to nag at him, he feels compelled to pursue it. Rogen, on the other hand, spoke of a Darwinistic approach to ideas, emphasizing the importance of letting the strongest concepts survive.
In their upcoming project “The Studio,” Rogen and Segel aimed to merge the styles of “Birdman” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Rogen described the show as a fast-paced blend of awkwardness and humor, wanting to infuse each scene with genuine laughter. “I love high-stakes, intense scenes where everyone wants to grab each other and shake each other,” he expressed, demonstrating his commitment to creating engaging content.
Rogen expressed the challenges of directing while simultaneously acting in “The Studio.” “The character is me in many ways,” he stated. He shared his concerns about creatively disappointing the talented actors who joined the project. Segel, intrigued by Rogen’s nervousness, noted that directing while acting can create a tightrope walk of balancing responsibilities.
Segel highlighted the delicate theme of grief in “Shrinking,” aiming to honor the real struggles individuals face while still delivering humor. “This is a show about grief, and we wanted to honor that,” he stated. Rogen added, “You also want it to be funny,” emphasizing the challenge of navigating such a sensitive topic while maintaining comedic elements.
When discussing the addition of Harrison Ford to “Shrinking,” Segel humorously recounted the process of making an offer to Ford, which allowed them to share the excitement of having such an iconic actor involved. “He read it, and he didn’t know anything about me,” Segel explained, underscoring the serendipitous moments that can arise in the industry.
Rogen noted that the cameos in “The Studio” were often actors he didn’t know personally, showcasing their desire to include fresh faces. Segel recounted a memorable encounter with Martin Scorsese, illustrating the unique connections actors form throughout their careers. “I met him at the Golden Globes, and we peed next to each other at the urinals,” he joked, highlighting the humor in unexpected situations.
As they continue to evolve as creators, Segel and Rogen remain committed to exploring new ideas and pushing creative boundaries. Their journey reflects a blend of nostalgia, growth, and an unwavering passion for storytelling, ensuring that they will remain influential figures in the landscape of comedy and drama for years to come.
