In a recent interview, Seth Rogen shared fascinating insights into how Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav influenced Bryan Cranston's character in the new AppleTV+ series 'The Studio.'
Rogen, who stars as Hollywood executive Matt Remick and co-directs the series, explained that Cranston's character Griffin Mill was initially conceived as a straight-laced, intimidating executive. However, after meeting Zaslav, the creative team reimagined the role.
"I've met David Zaslav," Rogen said. "He's much more like Bryan in this - a mover and shaker, a fun guy. He knows his reputation, so he wants to present himself as cool and loose. But the things he's saying are anything but!"
The contradiction between the executive's relaxed demeanor and cutthroat business approach became central to Cranston's portrayal. According to Rogen, this duality better reflects real Hollywood executives who are socially charming but ruthlessly focused on profits.
"They're social, they go to parties, they are friends with billionaires and movie stars," Rogen observed. "But at the end of the day, they will destroy you to make one dollar more."
Cranston's ability to switch between comedic charm and menacing intensity made him perfect for the role. "Someone who is kind of silly and goofy but then on a dime locks in and you're like, 'Oh no, this man might kill me,'" Rogen explained.
'The Studio' features an impressive roster of guest stars, including Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard playing versions of themselves. The series streams new episodes weekly on AppleTV+ through May 21.