Renowned filmmaker Peter Farrelly has returned to the comedy genre with his latest film, 'Ricky Stanicky,' now available for streaming on Prime Video. The movie stars Zac Efron, John Cena, Jermaine Fowler, and Andrew Santino in a hilarious tale about three friends who create an imaginary character named Ricky Stanicky to take the blame for their misadventures.
Farrelly, known for hits like 'Dumb and Dumber' and 'There's Something About Mary,' took a break from comedy to direct award-winning films like 'Green Book' and 'The Greatest Beer Run Ever.' However, 'Ricky Stanicky' marks his return to the ribald comedy style that made him famous in the 1990s.
The film's journey to the screen was a long one, with the script being on the Black List in 2010 and undergoing several revisions over the years. Farrelly praised John Cena's performance in the title role, citing his exceptional preparation and dedication to the character.
Zac Efron's casting was a result of Farrelly's admiration for the actor's talent and professionalism during their collaboration on 'The Greatest Beer Run Ever.' Farrelly emphasized that Efron's trust in the director made him a dream actor to work with.
Discussing the current landscape of theatrical comedies, Farrelly acknowledged the shift towards streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video. He expressed support for the streaming model, noting that it allows for broader accessibility and potentially higher viewership than traditional theatrical releases.
Despite the evolving comedy genre, Farrelly maintained the importance of originality and authenticity in storytelling. He highlighted 'Ricky Stanicky' as a unique and fresh concept that stays true to its comedic roots while offering a new and entertaining experience for audiences.
Looking ahead, Farrelly expressed interest in continuing his work on the acclaimed series 'Loudermilk' and shared updates on his upcoming Christmas comedy, 'Dear Santa,' featuring Jack Black and Ben Stiller.
As fans anticipate the release of 'Ricky Stanicky,' Farrelly teased the film's fun and irreverent nature, drawing parallels to the impact of 'There's Something About Mary' on the R-rated comedy genre. While acknowledging the distinctiveness of each film, Farrelly hinted at the potential for 'Ricky Stanicky' to make a memorable mark in the comedy landscape.
