Matthew McConaughey has become the latest celebrity to defend “Tropic Thunder.”
As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, a host of disability advocate groups have been protesting the movie, at the premiere and in the media, over the use of the “R-word” in the film.
In particular, the organizations are upset over a scene between Ben Stiller’s character, actor Tugg Speedman, and Robert Downey Jr.’s character, actor Kirk Lazarus. As Speedman and Lazarus take a break from filming a Vietnam war action film, they discuss Speedman’s recent role playing a person with special needs in “Simple Jack,” a fictional film Stiller’s character starred in. During their banter, the two talk about how to play a person with special needs, regularly using the “R-word.”
“If you see it, I think you’ll agree that all the ‘touchy’ humor is in context, and in no way mean spirited or irresponsible,” McConaughey, who has a cameo in the movie, wrote on his MySpace Celebrity blog. “It’s just funny.”
As for his own role in the film, McConaughey said he had a great time making it.
“I had a blast steppin’ in to work on this project for just a few days,” he blogged. “It’s another ‘brand’ of comedy and a comedy team (Stiller and gang) that I wanted to play with, and am happy I did…. Never lose your sense of humor, and just keep livin’.”
In related news, “Tropic Thunder” became the first film to topple “The Dark Knight” from its reign at the top of the box office. “Thunder” brought in $26 million over the weekend while “The Dark Knight” pulled just $16.8 million.
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