Seth Rogen Laments Hollywood’s Risk Aversion; Says ‘Superbad’ “Would Never Happen Today In A Hundred Million Years”

Article excerpt

Seth Rogen told The New York Times that Hollywood has become increasingly risk-averse, arguing that his 2007 comedy Superbad, a raunchy high school hangout film centered on teenage friendship and misadventure, would be rejected by studios today. "It would never happen in a hundred million years," Rogen said when asked if the film could be greenlighted in the current industry climate. The comment reflects broader concerns among filmmakers about how corporate consolidation, streaming pressure, and changing cultural sensitivities have narrowed the creative boundaries studios are willing to test. Superbad, which became a cultural touchstone despite its crude humor and frank depictions of adolescence, exemplifies the kind of mid-budget comedy that has largely disappeared from theatrical releases.