Macon Blair, Dave Franco, and O’Shea Jackson Jr. Share Insights on Their Road Trip Movie ‘The Shitheads’ Before Sundance Premiere
In a landscape where feature comedies often underperform and indie films struggle to deliver unexpected gems, the trio behind The Shitheads—Macon Blair, Dave Franco, and O’Shea Jackson Jr.—is striving to reinvigorate the genre.
Set to premiere at Sundance tonight, The Shitheads marks Blair’s return to the festival following the success of his previous film, I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore, which won the Grand Jury Prize before being distributed via Netflix.
Described by producer and star Franco as “this wild, relentless road trip movie,” The Shitheads expertly merges humor with “shocking and violent set pieces,” where “every new chapter…is more unhinged than the last.”
The film follows Mark (Franco) and Davis (Jackson Jr.), two well-meaning but hapless individuals tasked with transporting a wealthy teenager to rehab. What begins as a simple road trip descends into chaos, marked by violence and bad decisions as they confront the dangerous Mason Thames as Sheridan.
At its core, The Shitheads is a heartfelt narrative about flawed individuals navigating their way through life. With strong writing and direction, alongside the natural chemistry between Franco and Jackson Jr. as the millennial odd couple, the film features standout performances from Kiernan Shipka and Nicholas Braun, particularly Braun’s memorable role as Pricka Bush Da Werewoof.
DEADLINE: Macon, the seed of the idea for this film—regarding the transport of troubled teens—originated from discussions with producer Alex Orr. What resonated with you about this premise?
MACON BLAIR: The individuals involved were the reason it resonated. It wasn’t just the job itself; it was how unregulated it was. No training or qualifications—just guys tasked with handling a sensitive situation. Alex suggested it could serve as a fun premise for a road movie, and I’ve always had a soft spot for characters who are out of their depth, doing their best.
DEADLINE: Why do you think you have that affinity for the underqualified?
BLAIR: It offers rich potential for both drama and comedy. While films can feature skilled professionals, I’m drawn to stories where characters lack qualifications yet still strive to achieve their goals. It’s messy, endearing, and often leads to laughter.
DEADLINE: You’ve likened watching this film to experiencing “a nasty little rock’n’roll show.” What does that mean?
BLAIR: I wanted the film to feel fast, exciting, and even a bit dangerous. It should evoke a good time, with audiences rooting for the characters. I aimed for a whirlwind experience akin to being in a mosh pit, where the viewers leave feeling energized and excited. This playful chaos stems from the performances, humor, and suspense present throughout.
DEADLINE: You often embody a punk rock energy in your work, similar to that of Jeremy Saulnier. What’s that about?
BLAIR: Jeremy and I grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, surrounded by a vibrant hardcore music scene. That culture drives a fast-paced style that influences my writing. While I don’t consciously set out to create a punk rock film, its rhythm and DIY sentiment shape the production.
DEADLINE: O’Shea and Dave, what first drew you to this project?
DAVE FRANCO: I was eager to work with Macon. Ever since seeing his first film, I’ve sought to collaborate with him. He masterfully blends comedy with visceral action, a challenging feat to pull off.
We discussed this project nearly nine years ago, but back then, the timing wasn’t right. Recently, I reached out to Macon to see if it was still in development. I ended up coming on board as a producer, assisting in securing funding.
O’SHEA JACKSON JR.: Dave’s enthusiasm piqued my interest. We previously worked together on The Now, and his belief in my ability to shine in this role was motivating. The script captured my attention and offered an opportunity to push my emotional range as an actor.
FRANCO: I envisioned O’Shea as the only choice for Davis. Our prior collaboration deepened my respect for his talent. He can portray both sweet vulnerability and explosive unpredictability, showcasing a layered character.
DEADLINE: The film features memorable depictions of drug use and hallucination. How did you approach these scenes?
BLAIR: There’s a moment where Dave’s character, having consumed too much liquid marijuana, receives the line, “Think about the dogs.” It captures that disorienting experience of confusion and paranoia that often accompanies drug use. This specific moment was inspired by a personal high school experience.
FRANCO: I’ve become known for playing characters involved in drug use, which has been enjoyable. Portraying different aspects of drug experiences is liberating, and there was a moment during filming where I felt it might be the funniest thing I’d ever done on camera.
DEADLINE: Mason Thames delivers a menacing performance as Sheridan, showcasing a different side of his acting ability. How did you determine he was right for this role?
BLAIR: After casting Dave and O’Shea, Dave suggested Mason for the role. Knowing Mason mostly from The Black Phone, I was surprised by his audition’s unsettling quality, which perfectly aligned with the character’s dynamic. Sheridan serves as an intelligent opposing force to the protagonists, and Mason conveyed that effectively at a young age.
FRANCO: After working with Mason on Regretting You, I recognized his natural talent. He typically plays heroic characters, so I was intrigued to see him explore darker territory, and he delivered an impressive performance.
DEADLINE: Did you have any specific film references while making this film? One that came to mind for me was Hal Ashby’s The Last Detail.
BLAIR: Absolutely. When Alex and I began discussing the film years ago, our pitch was essentially “The Last Detail with hard drugs.” Its blend of humor and melancholy greatly influenced our approach.
DEADLINE: Can you elaborate on how you secured financing for this film?
BLAIR: After a period of development, we connected with some financiers who appreciated our straightforward comedy premise. We aimed for a crowd-pleasing film, allowing the deeper themes to naturally surface during the viewing experience. The tight production schedule fostered a dynamic energy that we believe translates on-screen.
FRANCO: Macon streamlined the script over the years, ultimately making it feel like a relentless road trip. The careful editing enhanced the film without sacrificing its original structure.
DEADLINE: What’s the current appetite for comedy in the industry?
BLAIR: In meetings, I sensed that there’s a strong desire for more comedies. I claimed people were desperate for them, even if I didn’t have data to back it up. However, the sentiment resonated with executives.
DEADLINE: Nicholas Braun stands out in this film, portraying a character named Pricka Bush Da Werewoof. Discuss his performance.
BLAIR: Nick participated in the casting process years ago, delivering the best audition I’ve ever seen. His commitment to the character during the audition made it memorable. When the project re-emerged, I was determined to bring him back onboard.
FRANCO: Nick’s pivotal scene felt cathartic for him, and you can see that emotion in his performance. It’s evident that he needed to portray this character, adding depth to the film.
JACKSON JR.: Nick truly brought something special to the set. Once he transformed into Pricka, he became unrecognizable to us. His unique character added a fascinating element to the film.
FRANCO: Macon’s films feature uniquely engaging characters that could easily carry their own stories. I’d gladly watch Nick as Pricka in a standalone series.
DEADLINE: How does it feel to premiere a film at Sundance today? What does it mean for indie films to succeed in the current market?
JACKSON JR.: I always feel nervous at premieres. I typically avoid watching the film beforehand, as I prefer experiencing the audience’s reaction live. Indie films allow actors to showcase their true skills, and I hope The Shitheads can inspire people as we navigate this shifting landscape of cinema.
FRANCO: I’ve reached a point where I refrain from setting expectations for my projects. I’m hopeful for a positive response but also find peace in the belief that we created something special.
DEADLINE: How do you perceive the future of indie films in today’s unpredictable climate?
JACKSON JR.: The indie film sector resembles the gaming industry, focusing on unique projects often overlooked by mainstream audiences. Just as gamers seek out indie games, film enthusiasts are discovering films that spark passion. It’s a moment ripe for indie films to reconnect with audiences.
FRANCO: In today’s landscape, creating something distinctive is crucial for cutting through the noise. Our film delivers unpredictable twists paired with humor and emotional depth, offering a fresh experience for audiences.
