Ben Stiller stands firm in his refusal to apologize for “Tropic Thunder,” declaring his pride in the film despite ongoing controversy. Released in 2008, the action comedy earned praise with an 82% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a box office gross of $195.7 million. Yet, criticism persists, notably for Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Kirk Lazarus, a method actor in blackface.
Stiller, addressing recent calls for an apology on Twitter, stated unequivocally, “I make no apologies for Tropic Thunder.” He defended the film, noting its controversial nature from the outset and expressing pride in the collaborative effort.
I make no apologies for Tropic Thunder. Don’t know who told you that. It’s always been a controversial movie since when we opened. Proud of it and the work everyone did on it. 🙏✊😊
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) February 21, 2023
Downey Jr., who received an Oscar nomination for his role, discussed the backlash in a podcast, reflecting on the divided reactions from his Black friends and emphasizing the film’s satirical critique of blackface. He acknowledged the complexity of the issue while defending his intent.
Both actors’ statements underscore their commitment to the film’s artistic integrity amid ongoing scrutiny.
