In 2013, the cinematic landscape was graced by Emma Watson's presence in the film "This Is the End." Yet, within this apocalyptic narrative, an intriguing incident unfurled – one that led to Watson's departure from the set. The account behind this departure has been unveiled by none other than Seth Rogen.
Seth Rogen has peeled back the curtain on the circumstances that prompted Emma Watson to exit the set of "This Is the End" back in 2013. Crafted as an apocalyptic comedy, the film not only marked the screenwriting debut of Rogen and Evan Goldberg but also ushered them into the realm of directing.
Alongside Rogen, the movie boasted a star-studded cast including James Franco, Craig Robinson, Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, Danny McBride, and various other luminaries. The plot ingeniously centered around fictionalized versions of the cast, navigating the aftermath of a global biblical apocalypse. Evidently, the movie's ingenious concoction resonated with audiences, earning a remarkable $126 million worldwide.
Amidst this creative journey, Emma Watson's involvement emerged as a noteworthy aspect. Although her performance garnered accolades from critics, there existed a scene within the film that Watson found discomforting due to its portrayal of cannibalism.
Consequently, she made the decision to walk away from the set. This pivotal scene involved actor Danny McBride, who assumes control over Channing Tatum, compelling him to greet their newfound companions while enacting the role of his "gimp." The crux of Watson's unease lay in the revelation that both McBride and Tatum's characters were depicted as cannibals.
Fast forward to May 2023, and for those seeking a deeper dive into Emma Watson's involvement in "This Is the End," fortune smiles upon you. This article has been imbued with additional insights by Katie Downey.
Seth Rogen Bares No Grudges
In an interview with British GQ, Seth Rogen confirmed the veracity of this incident, though he refrained from delving into the specifics of Watson's decision to depart. "I mean, I don't look back on that and think, 'How dare she do that?' You know," reflects Rogen. "I think sometimes when you read something and then it comes to life, it doesn't manifest quite as you had envisioned."
Evidently, Watson's sensibilities did not align with the carnivalesque portrayal of cannibalism that the crew was attempting to convey. Admittedly disconcerting, this episode, however, aligns with Rogen's oeuvre, which frequently dances along the boundary of unsettling narratives. Whether this scene stood as the zenith of the film's disturbing elements remains open to interpretation.
Notably, while Watson did exit the set, she returned the following day to ensure amicability with the cast and crew. Rogen clarifies, "It wasn't a cataclysmic conclusion to our collaboration. She made a return the next day for her farewell. She actively participated in promoting the film. There exists no lingering animosity, and I am genuinely pleased with the final outcome of the movie," Rogen continued, sharing his sentiments with British GQ.
A Creative Evolution
Ultimately, Seth Rogen posits that the trajectory of "This Is the End" was positively impacted by Watson's perspective. "She likely had a point. The eventual execution was perhaps imbued with a more refined comedic essence." The originally envisaged cannibalistic cameo and denouement underwent revision, resulting in the creation of an alternate scene that juxtaposed McBride and Tatum. Rogen acknowledged that this latter rendition carried a more tasteful resonance in the final analysis.
A Different Creative Landscape
Harking back to 2013, Seth Rogen and the ensemble cast of "This Is the End" were incredulous at the multitude of notable figures who embraced participation in this audacious comedy. "Essentially, everyone we reached out to hopped aboard, unless scheduling constraints intervened," he revealed to GQ during that period. "We managed to coax individuals into performing acts in this movie that I still can't believe they agreed to. The level of audacity is astonishing."
Rogen also offered insight into Watson's involvement. The enlistment of Tatum in the role of McBride's gimp was a shock for Rogen, much like Watson's participation. Both instances contributed a layer of eccentricity to the film, evoking laughter-induced tears from audiences.
In his reflection on Watson's inclusion, Rogen highlights that his co-star was initially an unlikely candidate. "Seth managed to foster a sense of comfort around her," James Franco echoed in the interview, revealing that Rogen's rapport eased Watson into their distinctive brand of comedy. Franco humorously elaborates, "It was evident that this terrain was uncharted for her. She embraced the challenge with gusto, but the approach was markedly different from the methods employed in 'Harry Potter.'"
In Closing: A Peculiar Departure
"This Is the End" resides worlds apart from the milieu of "Harry Potter." Nevertheless, Emma Watson managed to seamlessly integrate into the ensemble, albeit with certain reservations – particularly those tethered to the portrayal of cannibalism. In navigating this artistic juncture, Watson's exit and eventual return underscore the complexities and nuances of the creative process.
