Adam Scott Shares His Surprising Experience with Improv on Step Brothers

Adam Scott in ‘Step Brothers’.
Credit :

Alamy

Adam Scott Reflects on Learning Comedy in ‘Step Brothers’

Actor Adam Scott recently reflected on his role in the 2008 comedy film Step Brothers, expressing how he navigated the challenges of working alongside comedic icons Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, and Kathryn Hahn.

Speaking on the January 20 episode of Hey Dude… The 90s Called!, hosted by Christine Taylor and David Lascher, Scott admitted that he felt out of his depth when he joined the cast. “I didn’t know what I was doing,” he shared. With no prior improvisation experience, he described the situation as akin to “learning how to do the high jump at the Olympics.”

Scott portrayed Derek, the younger brother of Ferrell’s character, Brennan, in a story about two stay-at-home sons who become friends after their parents marry. Despite his apprehension, Scott eventually found his footing. “By the third month, I felt like I had sort of clicked in a little bit,” he said.

He recounted meeting Taylor and her husband Ben Stiller soon after the film’s release. “I couldn’t believe you guys were talking to me… and that you guys had seen Step Brothers,” he noted, capturing the surprise of the experience nearly two decades ago.

Taylor indicated that Step Brothers is a favorite in her household, to which Scott responded, “If I wasn’t in that movie, it would be a movie I would watch a thousand times.”

Adam Scott in ‘Step Brothers’.

Columbia/Courtesy Everett

When asked about the mix of talent on set, Scott confessed, “Not at all. Not in the least.” He noted that he was a novice in improvisation, saying, “I had never really improvised before.” To cope with his lack of experience, he would jot down jokes on pieces of paper and pull them out during scenes.

Describing his co-stars as “well-oiled improv machines,” Scott laughed about his initial struggles but highlighted the support he received over time. He recalled being cast in the role of Derek after the original actor departed, and noted that auditioning with Ferrell was a pleasant experience.

“I just thought there was no way I’m gonna get this,” Scott said. He credited Kathryn Hahn, who played his on-screen wife, for being “firing on all cylinders.”

Since Step Brothers, Scott has had a significant trajectory in comedy, including roles in Party Down and Parks and Recreation. “That period of time, all of that stuff, kind of helped me,” he remarked.

Now, Scott stars in Ben Stiller’s Apple TV series Severance, reflecting on a career path that began in earnest with Step Brothers. “I just kind of loved working in comedy. I never wanted to go back. It was just so fun,” he concluded.