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DEADLINE: Andrew, could you tell us about the inspiration behind the film?
ANDREW DEYOUNG:The seed of it came [during] 2018.
Im like, Oh, wow.
Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd in ‘Friendship’Andy Rydzewski
DEADLINE: Did you intend the film as a sort of send-up of buddy comedy tropes?
DEYOUNG: No, I dont really think that way.
I just write from a place that feels interesting.
In an interesting way that feels like something universal, but in a way thats kind of timeless.
That sounds kind of pretentious, but thats where Im coming from.
DEADLINE: Tim and Paul, what appealed when you read the script?
TIM ROBINSON: When Andy sent it to me, it was like the fastest Id ever read anything.
PAUL RUDD: Same.
I think the characters are funny, relatable.
I just thought it was funny.
And tonally, I was like, what is this, exactly?
I couldnt quite put my finger on it when I read it.
What would you say the choices youve been making say about the place youre at, creatively?
RUDD: I dont know.
I judge each thing kind of just individually.
It was never like that before the Marvel stuff.
Youre not painting on such a wide canvas.
DEADLINE: Tim this being your first big film, was acting for the big screen always a goal?
Or was this just a case of the right project coming along?
Do you see yourself getting into film more going forward?
ROBINSON: I think this was just the right fit for me.
I was a big fan of it.
DEADLINE: Your character here feels very in the vein of those you play onI Think You Should Leave.
What is it that interests you about socially awkward characters in scenarios taken to extremes?
ROBINSON: I think its as simple as, its a sensibility thing.
Its just what is funny to me.
BecauseThe Masteris really funny and could be all kinds of things, and any kind of reaction is right.
And these guys are just so brilliant and effortless.
RUDD: I feel like [Tim and I] just both kind of innately knew what this was.
DEADLINE: Is that fun for you, though?
Or do you just happen to end up in comedies asking that of you?
RUDD: I dont know.
I think it was just, that part was in the script.
The fact that the guys in a band is cool, and the fact that hes on TV.
Its fun to do.
Hes got his own insecurities and things that make him sad in his own right.
DEADLINE: Was there much improv on this set?
DEYOUNG: No, barely.
DEADLINE: How did you get Subway on board for a toad venom hallucination sequence?
DEYOUNG: Honestly, thats a producer question.
I didnt think we would ever get them.
And do you want money?
It was like, Oh my God.
They were just down for anything, and it was fantastic.
RUDD: I mean, comedy movies arent going anywhere.
Theyre always around, and theyre the ones I want to watch.
Itd be nice to see a renaissance where they start making a lot more, but I dont know.
I cant figure out my frickin thermostats, let alone the movie industry.
I dont understand what the reasoning behind most things is.
There are more television shows.
It seems like they put more into that.
DEADLINE: Andrew and Tim, youve recently reteamed on the comedy pilotThe Chair Companyfor HBO.
What can you tell us about it?
DEYOUNG: I absolutely love it.
Fingers crossed that we get to make more.
What are you most excited about at the moment?
RUDD: Football season.
The Carney thing, I just finished.
Hes terrific, and it was a unique and fun experience.
Im excited if it all comes together, seeing how that is.
