Movies

On his travel show, Conan O’Brien is on a treasure hunt for the unexpected

BBG News

Given more careful planning and sufficient funds, our conversation with Conan O’Brien would have been more fitting if it took place within the grandeur of Vatican City instead of a virtual Zoom setting.

Our discussion happened as the papal conclave, or the private meeting of cardinals for choosing a new pope following Pope Francis, began. Referencing the event, O’Brien humorously mentioned his slight delay: “Pardon me, I had to figure out there was a secret code to enter this room,” he said. “It felt like I was joining the conclave myself.

He goes on, suggesting, “Perhaps it’s time we cast our own ballots.” He then queries, “Why don’t they seem to be listening to us? Aren’t you observing this situation closely? Don’t you have someone you’re backing?

I express to him that I’m only supporting Stanley Tucci, alluding to his skillful portrayal of a cunning and strategic cardinal in “The Conclave” from last year.

“I appreciate your affection for Tucci. I admire how you’ve made it difficult to distinguish reality from drama.” (In a different context, Cardinal Robert Prevost was chosen as the first American pontiff, adopting the name Pope Leo XIV. No relation to Tucci.)

Enjoying the sights outside St. Peter’s Basilica among thousands of global tourists is a type of experience that Conan O’Brien and his team would undoubtedly enjoy during their Max travel show, “Conan O’Brien Must Go.” This series, wrapping up its three-episode second season on Thursday, resembles a virtual postcard filled with humorous and insightful journeys as O’Brien explores various cultures, meets fans, and continues the tradition of international escapades from his talk show days. It also incorporates elements of his podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend.

In the second season of the show, he traveled to Spain, where he shared playful moments with actor Javier Bardem, recorded Spanish voice-overs, and also visited New Zealand. There, he received cultural guidance from a prominent advisor and attempted to set a haka world record alongside filmmaker Taika Waititi. The journey concludes this week with the finale, which was shot in Austria.

Currently, he’s working from his residence in Pacific Palisades, as he has just moved back there following several months of staying at a hotel due to smoke cleanup and restoration efforts that followed the wildfires in January.

He expressed his gratitude, using words like “fortunate” and “extraordinarily fortunate”, saying, “We’re in a position where we don’t experience the surreal feeling of stepping outside our home and seeing landscapes that resemble the moon.

The season has been shortened for several reasons. Originally planned for four episodes, life events such as my parents’ passing, the Oscars, and the fires caused us to reconsider. So, instead of four, we decided to produce only three episodes. I hope it doesn’t feel too brief to viewers, but this is what we were able to manage during this period.

In the conversation, O’Brien shared memorable highlights from the current season of “Conan O’Brien Must Go,” as it has been granted a third season extension. He also touched upon his upcoming projects related to the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and his exciting first steps into feature filmmaking.

Hollywood Inc.

The emcee, who is also a comedian, garnered favorable comments following his role at the recently concluded 97th Academy Awards. Interestingly, this event experienced a minor increase in audience numbers.

In one of your adventures, you shared a cozy moment with Javier Bardem and provided a Spanish voiceover. You also donned the persona of Sigmund Freud and visited a museum resembling a snow globe. Of all these experiences, which particular moment left the deepest impression on you?

Regardless of your gender, you won’t be able to forget sharing a cozy moment with Javier Bardem. It’s an experience that transcends any boundary. His charm knows no limits, appealing to everyone. Working together in those ludicrous pajamas was quite enjoyable. A standout memory I have is when we were improvising in a restaurant scene. I’ve collaborated with some of the top improvisers in entertainment, and he ranks among the best.

Experience cuddling with Javier Bardem won’t slip away from your mind, irrespective of whether you are a man or a woman. He breaks all gender barriers with his undeniable charm. The time we spent in those funny pajamas was a blast! One of my favorite moments was when we improvised together during a restaurant scene. I’ve worked with many talented improvisers in the entertainment industry, and Javier is right up there with the best.

I adored being on the hill where Julie Andrews sang “The Sound of Music.” One of our writers, Jose Arroyo, composed a song about not being able to sing that very tune – a paradox I appreciate greatly. It’s one of my favorite things to do: getting close to something without actually doing it. For instance, at the Oscars, I’d create a musical number titled “I won’t squander your time” – I enjoy the process and its twist is not performing the thing, but rather making it about abstaining from it. To be honest, donning Freud’s costume was particularly striking; I must admit, I felt like I had slipped into madness. When they apply makeup and dress me up, I often find myself embodying the character I’m portraying.

Initially, I believed we’d perform the haka just once during our visit to New Zealand. However, as I got into it, I discovered that it was a continuous performance, as the crowd seemed unwilling to stop. Since I always give my best, whether I’m on “Hot Ones” or performing the haka, I found myself giving it my all. With Taika by my side and the whole crowd joining in, I was swept away. To my surprise, they kept repeating the dance, and since we were in a stadium, there was no stopping. After that performance, I felt as if I needed medical attention.

Upon reaching the hilltop while wearing traditional Swiss attire, I found myself pondering, “What could Martin Short possibly comment about these garments?

Wow, you’re spot on! Marty Short could come up with a thousand jokes about my legs – spam, freckles, and paleness. He’d be like an instant comedy book. I need to prevent that episode from airing in Toronto, as I believe he spends his summers there.

A particularly memorable moment for me occurred at the Snow Globe Museum when you inquired about the life-size doll on the shelf. The woman revealed it was her father, but that wasn’t the most intriguing part. The most interesting part was when you asked for his best advice to her, and she replied, suggesting that one should “experiment as much as possible, as long as you’re not married.”

At the Snow Globe Museum, I had a very striking experience when we talked about the life-size doll on the shelf. The woman shared it was her father, and while that tidbit was interesting, what really caught my attention was when you asked for his best advice to her. She said, “Experiment as much as possible, just make sure you’re not married.”

Both versions convey the same information in a more natural and easy-to-read manner.

In a nutshell, what’s intriguing about this show is its ability to consistently surprise me by revealing unexpected aspects of different cultures and people, much like stumbling upon an unscripted gem. It seems that the creators have a knack for capturing the unusual or the unexpected in their on-location segments, which keeps me constantly on the lookout for something unanticipated. I can’t imagine scripting the words of the characters, especially when they say things so out of the ordinary, like that eerie doll peeking out of a window.

One aspect that draws me to this show is my curiosity about various cultures and people around the world. It feels like an adventure to explore these differences and present them in a way that shows Americans as open-minded and receptive to humor. However, the real treasure lies in capturing those awkward or peculiar moments I wasn’t expecting – those are like gold to me; once I find one, it’s like discovering a precious artifact, and I feel an uncontrollable excitement, almost like Gollum with his ring.

Entertainment & Arts

For podcast producer Matt Gourley from Pasadena, ‘Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend’ represents the conclusion of his work on shows such as ‘Superego,’ ‘James Bonding,’ and ‘Mallwalkin.’

If ‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’ represents your professional travels, how would your loved ones characterize your travel personality?”

This version maintains the original meaning while making it more conversational and easier to understand for a wider audience.

In simpler terms, Liza is always eager to arrive early whenever we travel, even before the plane is fully constructed. She’s the one who takes charge of planning our accommodations and itinerary, often researching ahead of time. Her organizational skills are a huge advantage on trips. As for me, I don’t sleep much during flights. Instead, I aim to adjust to the local time zone as quickly as possible upon arrival. If necessary, I will do whatever it takes, such as using a coffee enema, to stay awake and acclimate to the new time zone swiftly.

My preferred way of spending time is aimlessly exploring new places. A point of contention between me and my spouse is that she prefers destinations renowned for their exceptional cuisine, often praised in food magazines. However, I find no appeal in that. Instead, I am drawn to locations where the bustling crowd can be witnessed from an outdoor vantage point. Essentially, I’m a fan of tourist hotspots.

Has the series been extended for another round? Are you currently deciding on the destinations you’ll explore?

Yes, we’re in the process of looking through [locations].

Are you concerned about the Trump tariffs? How might this impact your reception or potential outcomes?

During Trump’s first term, I visited Haiti, where people were initially hostile towards me due to his derogatory remarks about their country. Instead of fleeing, I tried to win them over by showing them clips of my work and personality. The world is changing rapidly, and it seems we have a leader or government that’s wary of the outside world. However, my instinct has always been to engage with others and represent my country in a positive light. I hope that our show can help bridge gaps and make friends, even if we encounter hostility or difficulties along the way. If these encounters aren’t particularly funny, they can still serve as opportunities for understanding and connection.

Regarding your Mark Twain Prize speech, have you decided where to display the award since you’ve returned home?

As for me, I have an unusual attachment to awards. Normally, they end up tucked away in a closet. However, this one is peculiar – it’s an unclothed figure of Mark Twain, which seems odd. Why can’t he wear a shirt? I guess I might find him a tiny shirt or even a white suit. I’ll come up with something, I promise. Frankly, I’m not comfortable with the bare-chested depiction of Mark Twain, and I apologize if that seems nitpicky, but it appears to stop just above his nipple.

Are you still appearing to enjoy yourself as much as before? Has the satisfaction you derive from your current work changed significantly since you first began?

Reflecting on my experiences, I’ve come to understand that life is about growth and change. Initially, starting in 1993, I found immense joy behind a desk in Studio 6A, even though it was often challenging. Over the years, I cherished every version of the show, including “The Tonight Show.” However, after 28 years, I felt the urge to venture into new experiences. You see, life doesn’t stand still; it’s about evolving.

This desire led me to explore podcasting, which is now over five years old. It was fascinating to engage in deeper conversations with guests for extended periods instead of just a few minutes at a time. This, in turn, sparked my interest in travel shows, as they had always ignited a sense of wanderlust within me. Even before I had the time to do so on TBS, I was already planning escapades, like visiting a chocolate bunny factory in Geneva. Now, with Max, we can capture these adventures using drones, making it even more exciting.

Lastly, the opening of our show sets just the right tone – solemn, self-important, and slightly vicious towards me – which brings me immense joy. In essence, I’m happy because I’m growing, evolving, and exploring new horizons.

How about considering an action that mimics the phrase, “If I had feet, I’d kick you”? Did this situation seem to challenge or push you beyond your usual comfort zone?

Initially, I found myself stepping far beyond my comfort zone when I agreed to participate in the Oscars event. It was more like, “Seize the day, attempt extraordinary feats.” The opportunity presented itself when Mary Bronstein reached out to me; she had a script and encouraged me to read it, emphasizing that it was from A24 Productions. Adam Sandler also contacted me on behalf of the Safdies, urging me to take a look at the script. Upon reading it, I was captivated and found myself intrigued despite having no acting ambitions. Mary Bronstein persistently advocated for my role, promising to guide me in person, which she did diligently, much like Rocky’s training montage. She helped me delve deep into the character, rehearse lines, and prepare for scenes. On set, I was awestruck by Mary’s professionalism, and I must admit, who isn’t charmed by Rose Byrne? Knowing she was part of the cast made me feel a bit anxious because I admire her acting prowess. My apprehension grew when I learned that many of my scenes would be with Rose, and they could get quite intense. I didn’t want to disappoint her, so I strove to be a reliable scene partner for Rose Byrne. The lack of an audience added to my fear, as it wasn’t about me or my usual persona. I was a completely different person, even physically. Watching the final film, I was incredibly proud of Rose and Mary’s work. I am genuinely impressed by their achievements.

The night before your first day of shooting, could you sleep? Do you get stage fright?

Instead of nodding off, let me share an interesting detail: The scene was filmed within what appears to be a therapist’s compact office on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. It’s filled with commotion before everyone exits, leaving only me and Rose behind. As you hear “Action!” echo down the hallway, I was initially self-conscious, knowing it wasn’t perfect. However, Mary returned and encouraged me, saying, “Great, great, great.” She didn’t scold or criticize, instead offering a subtle hint: “On this next one, just a little more this way.” It dawned on me that I had multiple opportunities to improve. With her guidance, I eventually stopped worrying about it and focused solely on the performance.

Are you set to host the Oscars again, with a bit more time to prepare this time around? Have you begun thinking about when you’ll start your preparations yet?

It seems you won’t be able to complete and fully ready the room by early January due to budget constraints for bringing in writers and other resources. We need to wait for developments – the storyline and participants. However, I plan to initiate preparations before we officially begin. One concept I have is undergoing significant cosmetic enhancements now so that when I step out as the Oscar host next year, there’s a noticeable transformation that leaves the audience in awe, similar to an audible gasp, wondering, “What has he done?” I’m referring to Botox, fillers, and other adjustments like eyebrows reshaping, hairline alterations, etc.

Or you can come out as Freud.

1. Analyze each movie from a Freudian perspective if you’re interested. Here’s your opportunity to join us. Share your unique insights with our team.

2. If you’re keen, jump on board! We’ll provide you with access and welcome your fresh ideas about the movies.

3. Want to contribute? Great! Join us in examining each movie from a Freudian point of view. Let’s collaborate on this exciting project together.

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2025-05-22 13:33

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