A lot of people only think of Jake Johnson as the comedic actor who has shown up in a number of big projects over the years. But before all of that, he got his start as a writer in New York City. It’s just his time as a writer was overshadowed by his growing acting career. But for “Self Reliance,” his new Hulu film arriving this week, Johnson is not only returning to writing, but he also directed the film, as well. And in this episode of The Playlist Podcast, I spoke with Johnson about stepping behind the camera for “Self Reliance.”
“Self Reliance” is a comedy about a middle-aged guy who finds himself invited to take part in a Dark Web reality show where he is going to be chased by assassins for 30 days. And if he survives, he wins a big cash prize. Why would someone say yes to this sort of game? Well, there’s a loophole. You see, if he is around someone else, then he can’t be killed. So, all he has to do is find someone to shadow him for 30 days, and it’s an easy win. As you might imagine, that’s where all the fun really begins. Johnson stars opposite Anna Kendrick, Natalie Morales, Andy Samberg, GaTa, Emily Hampshire, Mary Holland, Boban Marjanović, Christopher Lloyd, and Wayne Brady in the film.
In the interview, we talked quite a bit about “Self Reliance” and why Johnson decided now was the time to direct a feature film. We also learn why he doesn’t feel like directing really is something he wants to pursue much further.
“I want to try to at least direct one movie before my time’s up,” explained Johnson. “[‘Self Reliance’] is the one I felt like I had to direct. I hope to direct a pilot for a TV show, and then I hope to be done directing.”
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He added, “If I didn’t take a shot and try to do this, I would just look back and say, ‘I missed something.’ Because there was an opportunity.”
I also have to ask him about one of his “Self Reliance” co-stars, Biff Wiff, who is probably best known for his work on “I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson.” He’s the other shirt brother, for reference.
“With Biff, line one, take one, I was like, ‘Oh my God, he’s it!’” explained Johnson. “Quite literally, he was the first person I presented to MRC to get cast approval. There are always some debates and fights. I said, ‘Please! This guy is it…It has to be Biff, or I don’t know what the movie is.’”
And finally, we talk about the recent news regarding the TV series “Minx” getting canceled again and why Johnson has no interest in working on franchise films anymore.
“There’s a big difference between critics liking things and people liking things, which I don’t think used to be the case,” he said. “It used to be that you really needed critics to like it in order for people to find it and care about it. I don’t think they’re connected anymore.”
He added, “The kick for me, which is more fun than a big franchise, is how to make a passion project—like a ‘Minx’—and actually connect it to the audience.”
Franchises, according to Johnson, require too much of a commitment and corporate control than he’d like to be involved in. He’d rather continue to make passion projects and hope to connect with audiences directly.
“You’re controlling my life for two years,” Johnson said. “All I want to do is make a story with people I really like. And I really want audiences to like it. And if audiences don’t like it, you’re wasting your fucking time.”
“Self Reliance” arrives on Hulu on January 12. You can listen to the full discussion below: