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Los Angeles serves as the backdrop for the new comedy series, The Studio, available on Apple TV+. Co-created, directed, and starred by Seth Rogen, this satire of Hollywood offers a compelling look at the entertainment industry. The show boasts an impressive array of celebrity cameos—including iconic figures like Martin Scorsese, Charlize Theron, and Steve Buscemi—and showcases notable locations across the city, such as the Warner Bros. lot and the renowned Smokehouse restaurant in Burbank.
In remarks made after the series premiere at the South by Southwest Film and TV Festival in Austin, Texas, Rogen emphasized the goal of authentically representing a Hollywood studio. He stated, “Our aim was to create a realistic depiction of a Hollywood studio that resonates with true film lovers.”
Rogen reflected on his motivation, noting inconsistencies he observed in portrayals of celebrity culture, particularly in a previous project like the Entourage film, where he felt the guest stars didn’t align with the personalities expected at such a celebration. “We wanted to ensure that our depiction was as genuine as possible,” he explained.
The critical reception thus far has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Rogen’s insider perspective on Hollywood’s workings. The Studio has gained traction on social media, particularly following its two-episode launch. Anticipation for future episodes continues to build as more -high-profile guests like Ron Howard and Olivia Wilde are set to appear, positioning the show as a strong contender for Emmy recognition and a flagship comedy for Apple TV+.
For viewers who appreciated the humor but may have missed some subtler references, here are four Easter eggs from The Studio that warrant a closer look.
Hollywood References Abound
Rogen has acknowledged The Larry Sanders Show as a significant influence on The Studio; however, the spirit of Robert Altman’s film The Player is also apparent. This 1992 thriller follows a studio executive named Griffin Mill, who inadvertently becomes entangled in a murder mystery before ascending to leadership of his company. Notably, the character Matt Remick, played by Rogen, works under a similarly named CEO at Continental Studios, portrayed by Bryan Cranston. This connection serves as a nod to the original film rather than a direct correlation.
In the pilot, Matt’s mentor, Patty Leigh, played by Catherine O’Hara, is shown getting fired after a series of unsuccessful projects—leading to Matt’s rise within the studio. This subplot mirrors the real-life trajectory of former Sony executive Amy Pascal, who also shifted from a leadership role to producing after her departure. Rogen credits Pascal as a major influence, saying, “She has been a mentor to us and impacted our careers significantly.”
I Heard You Paint Houses
As Matt assumes his role at Continental Studios, he faces the challenge of balancing artistic integrity with commercial pressures. Specifically, he is pressured to produce a movie based on the Kool-Aid brand, which contrasts with his desire to create meaningful cinematic experiences. In a twist, he considers a pitch from Martin Scorsese about the Jonestown massacre, cleverly tying it back to the Kool-Aid theme. Interestingly, this mirrors real-life discussions where Scorsese initially wished for The Irishman to carry the title I Heard You Paint Houses, referencing the book by Charles Brandt, despite Netflix’s preference for its eventual title.
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The character Matt embodies the internal struggle between producing quality films and meeting the commercial demands of studio executives. He acknowledges his passion for cinema—indicated in a scene referencing Paul Dano’s film Wildlife—but grapples with the fear that his role may lead to compromising artistic values. Rogen shares that the line about ruining films was inspired by a conversation he had with an executive years prior, reflecting a sentiment often felt in the industry. Rogen notes, “People often question why so many poor movies emerge, but the real mystery lies in how any good films get made.”
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