Ben Stiller has already denied rumors that he had apologized for his part in the contentious film Tropic Thunder and has no plans to do so anytime soon.
Viewers panned the 2008 satirical action comedy for a number of reasons, including the film’s portrayal of minorities and crippled characters (Robert Downey Jr. was shown in blackface).
The film’s devoted following has been vocal on social media for over 20 years, praising its enduring popularity and slamming those who have tried to “cancel” it.
View the Tropic Thunder trailer:
The 58-year-old actor and film director addressed the criticism and reiterated his continued “proud” of the comedic feature. “Please stop apologizing for doing this movie.” was the first tweet sent by Twitter user Benny S last year. I still find it hilarious. With cancel culture as it is, it is much funny today. Look, it’s a film. Everyone may just move on. When I first saw it, along with everyone else, I was inconsolable with laughter.
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Someone had tweeted that “liberals are trying to cancel” Tropic Thunder and that the Night at the Museum actor had been compelled to issue an apology. They then posted an image of the tweet.
“Nobody ever said a word when the Wayans Brothers made White Chicks!” This stuff isn’t worth apologizing for, according to one remark from the picture.
The actor wrote: “I make no apologies for Tropic Thunder” in response to the fan’s message. Whoever told you that is who knows best. Since our opening, this film has sparked heated debate. Very pleased with the final product and everyone’s efforts.
@BenStiller Please stop apologizing for doing this movie. It was and still is funny AF… Even funnier now with cancel culture the way it is. It's a MOVIE. Ya'll can just get over it. I was DYING laughing when I first saw it back in the day and so was everyone else. pic.twitter.com/HEyR0ztQD4
— Benny S. (@PatrioticBennyS) February 21, 2023
The fan continued by bringing up a post from 2018 in which Stiller responded to a Twitter user who had joked about the movie being “boycotted” after Shaun White’s apology for dressing up as Simple Jack, a handicapped character in the film.
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The release of Tropic Thunder ten years ago was met with a backlash, and I expressed my apologies at the time. Its original intent was to poke fun at performers who would do anything for a trophy. The star of Zoolander issued an apology and stood by it, the film, Shaun White, and the wonderful people and efforts of the Special Olympics, writing on Twitter at the time.
The initial user who started the conversation, Benny S., commented on the tweet: “I’m guessing people saw this…. and took it, misconstrued it, and ran with it.” I still consider the film a gem. “Bro, I’m with you.”
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
Actors other than Stiller have addressed the criticism of the picture. Downey Jr. has before said that the Hollywood business was designed to be mocked in Tropic Thunder.
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“[Ben] knew exactly what the vision for this was, he executed it, it was impossible to not have it be an offensive nightmare of a movie,” the Iron Man star remarked three years ago on the Joe Rogan Experience, referring to his time in blackface.
“And 90 percent of my Black friends were like, ‘Dude, that was great,'” said he. “I can’t disagree with [the other 10 percent], but I know where my heart lies.”
