Bromance Goals Seth Rogen & Jason Segel Spill 27 Years of Hilarious Secrets!

Seth Rogen and Jason Segel Reflect on 27 Years of Friendship and Creative Collaboration

It's not often you witness a friendship that spans nearly three decades in the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood. But for Seth Rogen and Jason Segel, their bond, forged in the crucible of Judd Apatow's comic universe, has not only endured but flourished, leading to remarkable success as two of the industry's most versatile talents. In a recent insightful interview, the duo opened up about their shared history, creative processes, and the evolution of their careers.

Their journey began **27 years ago** on the set of the cult classic "Freaks and Geeks," a pivotal moment that neither of them could have predicted would blossom into such a lasting connection. Rogen, recalling their first encounter, stated, "The first time we met — 27 years ago — I was 16 or 17 when we shot the pilot of ‘Freaks and Geeks.’ How old were you?" Segel responded, "I was 18 or 19. It’s crazy to think about that."

A Shared "Matrix" Moment

Segel fondly remembers a specific bonding moment: their shared experience of watching "The Matrix." "While we were shooting the pilot, “The Matrix” came out... We didn’t know each other that well... and all we knew is that you and I both liked to smoke weed," Segel chuckled. Rogen added, "[The film] came out the day the pilot wrapped, so in my head, the whole pilot was just a march to “The Matrix” being released."

This shared cinematic experience served as a catalyst for their early creative aspirations. "We rolled giant joints and drove to the movie theater and saw “The Matrix” together. I remember coming out of that movie legitimately feeling like something had changed. It was a very inspiring thing," Segel elaborated. Rogen compared it to their generation's "Star Wars."

The Evolution of Craft

Their conversation delved into the nuances of acting and writing. Rogen admitted, "I remember having no fucking clue what I was doing at all. Meeting you — you had thoughts about the craft of acting. You were the first serious actor I ever talked to." He explained that he initially focused on memorizing lines, while Segel was already crafting fully realized characters.

Segel offered his perspective: "But don’t you think acting is all just tricks so that when they say “Action,” you feel comfortable?" Rogen, reflecting on his experiences, stated, "The longer I act, the less I understand it, honestly."

Navigating Creative Pragmatism

The discussion then turned to the balance between creative freedom and pragmatic considerations. Segel expressed the importance of retaining youthful naiveté: "Don’t forget the guys who felt like, 'Why can’t I make this movie and end it with a Dracula puppet musical? Why can’t we do this whole movie about trying to get booze?' You know what I mean? There was a naivete that we had: 'Who’s going to stop us?'"

Rogen acknowledged the encroachment of pragmatism: "I’ve let pragmatism invade my thinking in many ways. You get too realistic about things, and you’re like, 'What’s going to work?' instead of 'What sounds fun in the moment?'"

Current Projects: "Shrinking" and "The Studio"

Both actors are currently involved in exciting new projects. Segel co-created "Shrinking," a dramedy about an unconventional therapist navigating grief. Rogen, alongside Evan Goldberg, co-created and co-directs "The Studio," a comedy series where he stars as a studio executive.

Rogen described the genesis of "The Studio" emphasizing the energy he wanted to infuse into every scene: "I wanted it to be fast — that was a word I would use a lot... How do we infuse every scene so I’m only doing scenes that are really funny?" Segel compared the show's energy to a mix of "Birdman" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

Key Takeaways from Their Conversation:

• Friendship and Collaboration: Their nearly three-decade friendship has been a cornerstone of their success.
• Creative Evolution: Both have evolved significantly as actors, writers, and directors.
• Balancing Pragmatism and Naiveté: Finding the sweet spot between realistic considerations and creative freedom is crucial.
• Risk-Taking: Willingness to experiment and push boundaries.

Harrison Ford and the "Great Dick" Compliment

In a humorous anecdote, Segel revealed how he landed Harrison Ford for "Shrinking." After a meeting with Brett Goldstein, Ford was sent Segel's previous works and, according to Segel, Bill Lawrence received a text from Ford saying: “I’m in. And tell the kid, great dick."

A Lasting Impact

Seth Rogen and Jason Segel's conversation offers a glimpse into the enduring power of friendship, the evolution of creative talent, and the constant negotiation between artistic ambition and practical considerations. Their journey, from the set of "Freaks and Geeks" to their current roles as multi-hyphenate powerhouses, is a testament to their dedication, talent, and the unwavering bond that has sustained them through it all. It's inspiring to witness how their shared experiences and mutual respect continue to fuel their creative endeavors, promising even more engaging and innovative projects in the years to come.

Tags: Jason Segel, Seth Rogen, Shrinking, The Studio, Judd Apatow, Freaks and Geeks, interview, comedy, actors, dramedy, creative process, friendship, Hollywood, television

Source: https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/seth-rogen-jason-segel-friendship-interview-1236414688/