Ben Stiller blames social media for decline of comedy films

Ben Stiller has blamed social media for the decline of comedy movies, arguing that the instant feedback from platforms like Twitter has changed the landscape. The actor, known for hits like There’s Something About Mary and Zoolander, believes the “immediate response” online has made both comedians and film studios wary. Stiller pointed out that, in the past, controversy, such as the backlash over the “Simple Jack” character in Tropic Thunder, didn’t escalate like it would today. “Instant reactivity can now, all of a sudden, just kill,” he said.

The actor expressed frustration with the industry’s shift towards big-budget films designed to make billions, leaving comedy behind as studios focus on what they think will succeed financially. He believes this environment stifles creativity, as studios increasingly shy away from making movies that might not have mass appeal.

Stiller also opened up about the pressure he felt in directing the documentary Stiller and Meara: Nothing Is Lost, which honors his late parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. Reflecting on his own family life, Ben admitted he spent much of his career focusing on his work rather than learning from his parents’ performances while his own children were young.