A Band Of 'Brothers' And A Barrel Of Laughs
Bosom buddies: Though John C. Reilly (from left), Adam McKay and Will Ferrell have all worked together before, this is their first time co-writing a screenplay. Gemma la Mana/Sony Pictures hide caption
Bosom buddies: Though John C. Reilly (from left), Adam McKay and Will Ferrell have all worked together before, this is their first time co-writing a screenplay.
Gemma la Mana/Sony PicturesWatch Clips
'Can We Build A Bunk Bed?'
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'I'm Burying You'
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'Interview With Pamela Gringe'
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Though John C. Reilly and Will Ferrell's characters take an immediate dislike to each other at the beginning of Step Brothers, the relationship resembles their real-life friendship by the end of the film. Gemma la Mana/Sony Pictures hide caption
Though John C. Reilly and Will Ferrell's characters take an immediate dislike to each other at the beginning of Step Brothers, the relationship resembles their real-life friendship by the end of the film.
Gemma la Mana/Sony PicturesThe team behind Step Brothers — the new comedy about a pair of badly behaved 40-somethings still living at home with their parents — has an enviable life. Director Adam McKay and actors Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly get to hang out together, make jokes and get paid for it.
In this interview, they hang out with Fresh Air host Terry Gross, talking about everything from the inspirations for their new film (which include classic Disney family comedies) to the worst punishments they can remember their own parents dishing out.
The three first worked together on the film Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, and they enjoyed collaborating on the film so much that they thought another film was in order. Leaving behind the world of car-racing, Step Brothers centers around two grown men who never managed to leave their respective parents' houses. Drama ensues when their single parents marry and the two adults become stepbrothers.
Ferrell is an Emmy-nominated comedian who has starred in such films as Old School, Anchorman and Stranger Than Fiction. He also had an extended run on the television sketch-comedy show Saturday Night Live, where he first met McKay.
Reilly has had success in both comedic and dramatic roles. He was nominated for an Oscar for his work in the musical Chicago, and his acting resume also includes films like Gangs of New York, Magnolia and The Aviator. Most recently, he starred in the comedy Walk Hard.
McKay got his start as an improv actor before joining the writing team of Saturday Night Live. He produced sketches for the show from 1995 to 2001, spending three years as head writer. His directing credits also include The Landlord and the aforementioned Anchorman.