New Era for Seth Rogen: From Slacker to Hollywood Player
Seth Rogen’s latest roles in The Studio and Platonic mark a significant shift in his career, showcasing a more refined style of comedy that resonates with contemporary audiences, reports BritPanorama.
The actor, long known for his portrayal of lovable slackers, now plays a Hollywood studio head in The Studio, a character striving to harmonize corporate pressures with a commitment to quality filmmaking. In Platonic, Rogen teams up with Rose Byrne, exploring the nuances of male-female friendships while tackling issues of gender dynamics.
Both series signal a departure from Rogen’s earlier works, which frequently relegated female characters to clichéd roles. Past films like Knocked Up depicted women as mere obstacles in male narratives, often reinforcing outdated gender stereotypes. These portrayals lacked meaningful representation, leaving women feeling disconnected from the humor.
In a notable transformation, Rogen has distanced himself from the “shlubby slacker” trope, candidly acknowledging the shortcomings of his past projects. He has publicly severed ties with collaborator James Franco, following allegations of sexual misconduct. This move highlights Rogen’s commitment to aligning himself with progressive values and distancing his work from toxic elements of the industry.
Rogen’s evolving narrative includes pointed commentary on fellow celebrities; in Platonic, he quips that Russell Brand “smells like hummus and sexual assault accusations,” while in The Studio, he labels Woody Allen a “pervert.” Such remarks illustrate Rogen’s embrace of accountability and a rejection of the sexist attitudes pervasive in previous comedy norms.
His new image is complemented by a significant physical transformation, sporting a polished wardrobe and a sharp new haircut. This visual change mirrors his commitment to personal growth and reflects a more mature approach to his craft.
Rogen’s recent recognition at The Emmys, where he won four awards for The Studio, underscores his resurgence in Hollywood. His acceptance speech, where he acknowledged his wife’s support, further distances him from the stereotypical portrayal of men in comedy.
The culmination of these factors suggests Rogen is no longer just a character in films but an influential voice advocating for change within the industry. As he continues to evolve, audiences are now seeing a Seth Rogen who is not only entertaining but also reflective of the changing landscape of entertainment.
The season finale of ‘Platonic’ is out today on Apple TV+
