Sony’s Unusual Request During ‘Superbad’ Production
The Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill Superbad Controversy has resurfaced after Rogen revealed a surprising behind-the-scenes detail. During the film’s production, Sony Pictures objected to Jonah Hill’s character, Seth, interacting with their products. The studio believed Seth was too “vile” to be associated with PlayStation and requested changes.
The Scene in Question
Originally, the script included a scene where Seth and Evan, played by Michael Cera, played video games together. However, Sony didn’t want Hill’s character using their console. Rogen recalled, “There’s a scene where they’re playing video games, and Sony was like, ‘Jonah can’t touch a PlayStation.’ They said, ‘We can’t have him interact with our products as a character, because it’s too vile a character.’”
Rogen’s Personal Reaction
The request felt personal to Rogen since Seth’s character was loosely based on his own teenage years. He found the decision insulting and joked, “I was like, ‘It’s based on me. That’s very insulting.’ But we accommodated them, ultimately.”
Changes Made to the Film
To meet Sony’s demands, the filmmakers altered the scene. Instead of playing the PlayStation 2 together, Evan used the console while Seth engaged in a different activity. This small adjustment satisfied the studio’s concerns while keeping the scene intact.
The Impact of Product Placement Decisions
This situation highlights the careful planning behind product placements in films. Brands want positive associations, often choosing how and when their products appear on screen. Sony’s reluctance to link PlayStation with a morally questionable character reflects the power of brand perception in Hollywood.
