Movies

Ben Stiller’s Surprising Shift: From Comedy King to Serious Filmmaker

BBG News

Ben Stiller’s frequent partner in work discusses the reason behind Stiller moving away from strictly comedy productions. Although there has always been a hint of gravitas in his projects, it’s understandable that he is most recognized for his comedic roles due to films such as Dodgeball, Zoolander, and Tropic Thunder. However, in recent times, the former Saturday Night Live cast member has been delving deeper into his more serious side, a shift that is evident through his critically acclaimed series Severance, which can be just as likely to deliver an emotional impact as it is a humorous one.

Over the years, Theodore Shapiro, a composer, has had multiple collaborations with Stiller. This extensive work experience with Stiller allows him to observe and understand Stiller’s creative transformation. He shared this insight with ScreenRant, explaining that since their days on Tropic Thunder, where the focus was always on increasing the chaotic energy without space for other nuances, Stiller has found new, more dramatic tones in his work.

It seems to me that Ben’s style of filmmaking has significantly changed throughout the years. In Tropic Thunder, you can feel an immense, continuous energy in the music and overall production. The constant escalation and building was essential for that movie. However, it was quite intense, and it appears that Ben has since discovered a more relaxed and open approach to his filmmaking. As a viewer, I find this new style incredibly exciting.

What This Means For Stiller

He’s Not Leaving Comedy Entirely Behind

Stiller’s artistic journey has led to a greater emphasis on drama and intrigue in his projects, but it also signifies a significant reduction in his acting appearances. Following his impressive performance in the critically-acclaimed film “The Meyerowitz Stories” in 2017, Stiller shifted towards taking on smaller roles or cameos, while still focusing on production work. Last year, he made a comeback as a lead actor in the comedy “Nutcrackers,” directed by David Gordon Green. In 2025, you can find him starring in “The Dink” and reprising his role in “Happy Gilmore 2.”

Stiller has confessed that the extensive work on his current project, “Severance,” consumes much of his time. However, he also has other ventures in progress, such as a film based on the 1986 Tour de France and a documentary about his renowned parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. Given these upcoming projects, it appears that the director’s transition from comedy might persist, moving further away from the outrageousness of “Zoolander” and “Tropic Thunder.

Our Take On Stiller’s Evolution

The Seeds Were Planted Early On

Stiller’s inclination towards delving into content beyond the typical excessive absurdity might disappoint fans eager for sequels like “Tropic Thunder 2” and “Zoolander 3“, but it won’t be surprising to those who recognized the emergence of dark comedy in Stiller’s filmography since his early works such as his directorial debut “The Cable Guy“, and performances in films like “Flirting With Disaster” and “Your Friends & Neighbors“.

The show, titled Severance, serves as a platform for Stiller to fully express his knack for dark comedy. This is evident in its skillful blend of grim, dystopian drama and absurdly funny elements. If Stiller had not ventured into these diverse tones, he might have continued making films similar to Zoolander, still achieving success. However, the audience would have missed out on experiencing the joy of a waffle party, or learning unique phrases such as “devour feculence.

As a cinephile, I’ve always admired Ben Stiller’s journey from comedic actor to the mastermind behind “Severance.” It was only a matter of time before this transformation took place, and the fact that it unfolded gradually might be the only shocking aspect. His recent appearance in an Adam Sandler film demonstrates his ongoing affection for comedy, but as a director, he appears to be dedicating himself to projects that are intellectually stimulating and emotionally profound.

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2025-05-28 19:20

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