It’s unclear what the long term effects will be seen from the current COVID-19 pandemic in relation to the film industry. We’ve seen studios basically write off 2020 and focus on making sure productions can begin again (safely) and that 2021 doesn’t turn into a bust. This uncertainty has led many filmmakers to try to figure out how to navigate an industry that has been turned on its head. And for Seth Rogen, that means he has to follow the age-old adage, “What would Christopher Nolan Do?”
Speaking to THR, Rogen, who is promoting the upcoming release of his latest comedy film, “An American Pickle,” was asked about what his plan is moving forward when it comes to being one of the most successful producers, writers, and stars in Hollywood. His answer? Simple and also very tongue-in-cheek.
“I’m waiting to see what Chris Nolan does,” Rogen explained. ” ‘WWCND’ is basically what we’re saying at all times. ‘What would Chris Nolan do?’ For a while, it seemed like the answer was to kill his greatest fans. But that’s not the answer of today, it seems, so that’s good. But we have no idea. We don’t want to be the first to rush into anything.”
Clearly, Rogen is kidding a bit when he talks about Nolan’s plan to “kill his greatest fans.” That comment comes in light of the filmmaker’s “Tenet” on the schedule for worldwide release in a matter of weeks and will be the first major film to open (regionally, at least) in the United States since theaters shut down in March. Many criticized Warner Bros’ insistence on putting “Tenet” in theaters this summer, especially given the rising cases of COVID-19 in the US. However, with its latest plan, “Tenet” is only arriving in locations where it’s “safe” to do so.
Of course, “safe” is a relative term, as many are still worried about sitting in an enclosed space for 2+ hours, breathing the same stale air as other film fans, as people casually remove their face masks to eat popcorn and drink sodas. That is to say, people are concerned about catching a deadly illness in what seems to be a pretty high-risk location, all in the name of watching an action film.
Rogen, as mentioned, has found one way to combat the current pandemic by releasing “An American Pickle” straight to streaming on HBO Max. So, while he may be following the lead of the almighty Nolan, at least for film releases, it appears he’s happy to be going the safer route.