B.J. Novak Talks ‘Vengeance,’ Underestimating Ashton Kutcher, A Possible ‘Office’ Reunion & More [The Playlist Podcast]

Some might know him as the Fire Guy or just Ryan Howard. However, B.J. Novak is much more than just one of the stars of “The Office.” And in this episode of The Playlist Podcast, Novak stops by to talk about his new dark comedy, “Vengeance,” which marks his feature directorial debut.

“Vengeance,” tells the story of a writer slash podcaster from New York City who, through some weird mixup, finds himself at a funeral in rural Texas where he hopes to develop a premise for his next big podcast. While there, he meets some unique folks and fully immerses himself in Texas culture, for better and worse. Novak not only writes and directs the film, but he also stars in the lead role alongside folks such as Boyd Holbrook, Ashton Kutcher, and John Mayer. Yes, that John Mayer.

READ MORE: ‘Vengeance’ Review: A Successful Comic Mystery Thriller From B.J. Novak [Tribeca]

In our discussion, Novak talked about why he waited to make his feature directorial debut until now and why he chose “Vengeance.” 

“I wrote three screenplays when I was done with ‘The Office.’ I finished them on the same day because I kept going between them. I liked them all,” said Novak. “One was a sort of Hard-PG, I call it, comedy about a class of kids and their teacher. I wrote with Zach Galifianakis in mind… I also wrote a really, really dark, but moving comedy based on the true story of the guy who went to Tijuana to kill himself, had a crazy blowout weekend, and decided to live. I thought that was a great R-rated comedy. And then I wrote ‘Vengeance,’ which was the hardest one to put in a category.” 

He added, “I think it was the first to get made because it was distinct and cheap, to be honest.”

While Novak is best known for his work on “The Office,” prior to that, he worked as a star in the MTV prank show “Punk’d.” And it’s there that he met Ashton Kutcher, who he reteams with on “Vengeance.” 

“Ashton has always been underestimated,” Novak said, explaining why he cast Kutcher. “And I needed a character who was underestimated. My character goes to him thinking, ‘Oh my God, this goofball, pretentious music producer in the middle of nowhere. This will be a great character for my story.’ And he needs to leave that place blown away, ashamed that he judged this person because he’s smarter than he is.” 

He continued, “What I knew about Ashton is that it’s easy to underestimate him because he’s such a likable, romantic comedy lead… but in reality, he’s this incredibly intelligent, hypnotic thinker.”

Obviously, you can’t talk to Novak without bringing up “The Office,” and when asked if the hope for a reunion is just a pipe dream, the filmmaker is here to give a little hope.

“Well, I mean…yes, but pipe dreams can come true. [Laughs]” teased Novak.

“Vengeance” arrives in theaters on July 29. You can hear my full discussion with Novak below:

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