Lewis Pullman Eyes Comedy: A New Direction Beckons

Growing up with a father who once delivered one of cinema’s most memorable presidential speeches, Lewis Pullman has always had rather large shoes to fill. Bill Pullman’s turn as President Thomas J Whitmore in the much-loved disaster epic Independence Day remains iconic, but his career hardly stopped there. From leading David Lynch’s Lost Highway to a supporting role in Sleepless in Seattle, and even a memorable stint in Casper, Bill’s filmography is nothing if not varied. For Lewis, the weight of expectation could have been overwhelming, yet he’s managed to forge his own path, earning respect in his own right.

After making a mark with his performance in Bad Times at the El Royale, Lewis has steadily built a reputation for versatility. He’s appeared in everything from dark comedies to horror, and even made his way into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s clear he’s not one to be pigeonholed, and his range continues to impress audiences and critics alike.

Ambitions Beyond the Familiar

Despite his growing list of credits, there’s still one area Lewis is keen to explore. In a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, he revealed a particular interest in collaborating with two filmmakers known for their offbeat humour.

“I really wanna try and weasel my way into the David Gordon Green, Danny McBride world,”

he admitted.

“They’ve kind of created their own genre of comedy, and it’s right up my alley in so many ways, and it looks like so much fun that they’re having. Like whenever I’m bummed out, I literally watch bloopers from Eastbound & Down or Vice Principals or Righteous Gemstones, and it is an immediate blast.”

Green and McBride, who first made waves together in the early 2000s, have become synonymous with a particular brand of irreverent comedy. Their partnership has produced cult favourites such as Pineapple Express and Your Highness, with McBride often taking a role behind the scenes and Green stepping in front of the camera. Their comedic output has been both prolific and influential, shaping a unique corner of the genre.

From Comedy to Controversy

In recent years, however, the pair have shifted focus, turning their attention to reviving classic horror franchises. Green directed, and McBride wrote, the rebooted Halloween series, as well as The Exorcist: Believer. These ventures, though ambitious, have not been universally well received, and some would say their reputations have taken a bit of a knock as a result. The critical response to these projects has been, at best, mixed, and their standing in the industry has become a topic of debate.

It’s this context that makes Lewis Pullman’s enthusiasm for working with them particularly intriguing. Had he expressed this desire five years ago, it would have seemed a natural fit, as Green and McBride were then at the height of their comedic powers. Their earlier series, including the first run of The Righteous Gemstones, were met with widespread acclaim, and their brand of humour was in high demand.

Looking Ahead

Now, with the dust still settling from their foray into horror, it remains to be seen whether Green and McBride will return to their comedic roots. Should they do so, Pullman’s admiration and eagerness to join their ranks is clear. As long as he avoids being cast as a notorious slasher villain, there’s every chance they could create something rather special together.