In a surprising turn of events, Ben Stiller's dark comedy, which made over $128 million at the box office, has landed on Netflix's global charts 18 years after its original release. This resurgence highlights the film's enduring popularity and Stiller's significant impact on the comedy landscape since the 1990s.
Stiller, who has been a comedic force since the debut of his sketch comedy series, The Ben Stiller Show, has continued to evolve as an artist. His career trajectory includes memorable guest appearances on iconic shows like Friends, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Arrested Development, and Extras, the latter earning him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. Transitioning from television to film, Stiller starred in a string of successful comedies, including romantic hits like There’s Something About Mary and Along Came Polly, as well as more absurdist fare such as Zoolander, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, and Tropic Thunder.
Tropic Thunder, which exploded onto screens in 2008, grossed a staggering $195 million worldwide and became notorious for its biting satire of Hollywood excess, method acting, and war films. However, the film was not without controversy, particularly due to Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Kirk Lazarus, an Australian method actor who undergoes pigmentation alteration surgery to play a Black soldier. Director Ben Stiller admitted in a recent interview that attempting such a creative choice today would be incredibly risky.
Despite the backlash, Tropic Thunder has maintained a cult following and is widely regarded as one of the best comedies of the 2000s. Stiller confirmed he has had discussions with Tom Cruise about a potential spinoff centered around Cruise's character, Les Grossman, although nothing is currently in development. This has sparked renewed interest in the original film, which is available on Paramount+.
As director, co-writer, and star of Tropic Thunder, Stiller played Tugg Speedman, a fading action star desperate to reclaim his credibility. Speedman's strategy involves starring in a disastrous Vietnam War film while recovering from a previous Oscar-bait disaster in which he portrayed a mentally challenged character in Simple Jack—a running gag throughout the film.
Since 2008, Stiller has balanced his career between acting, directing, and producing. He continued the Night at the Museum franchise and directed and starred in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Recently, he has shifted toward directing and producing, notably executive producing and directing the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series Severance. In a 2023 social media statement, Stiller expressed his unwavering pride in Tropic Thunder, stating, "I make no apologies for the film and am proud of it and the work everyone did on it."
Robert Downey Jr., who played Kirk Lazarus, received Oscar, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for his controversial role. Following Tropic Thunder, Downey Jr.'s career skyrocketed with his portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, establishing him as one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors. After concluding his Marvel role in Avengers: Endgame, he embraced new challenges, winning an Academy Award for his performance in Oppenheimer. Over the years, Downey Jr. has defended his Tropic Thunder role, despite the controversy surrounding it.
Danny McBride portrayed Cody Underwood, the film's explosive expert with a flair for pyrotechnics. While not as prominent as other characters, McBride infused his signature aggressive comedy into the role, enhancing the film's ensemble dynamic. Post-Tropic Thunder, he created and starred in several successful HBO series, including Eastbound & Down, Vice Principals, and The Righteous Gemstones, solidifying his reputation as a unique voice in comedy.
Jack Black, who played Jeff Portnoy, a drug-addicted comedian, showcased his character's struggles with addiction, providing some of the film's most outrageous moments while revealing glimpses of vulnerability. Black continued his successful career post-Tropic Thunder with roles in Bernie, the Jumanji reboots, and the Kung Fu Panda franchise. He also returned to video game adaptations in 2022's Borderlands and maintained his musical career with Tenacious D.
Tom Cruise's performance as Les Grossman became one of the film's highlights. Under prosthetics and a bald cap, Cruise transformed into the foul-mouthed studio executive, showcasing a different side of the typically clean-cut action star. His explosive tirades and memorable dance sequences became iconic moments. Since Tropic Thunder, Cruise has returned to his action hero roots, focusing on the Mission: Impossible franchise and films like Top Gun: Maverick, which became his highest-grossing film to date.
Veteran actor Nick Nolte played Four Leaf Tayback, the supposed Vietnam War veteran whose memoir serves as the basis for the film-within-the-film. Nolte's character is later revealed as a fraud, adding depth to what could have been a one-note role. Following Tropic Thunder, Nolte continued his distinguished career with roles in films like Warrior and A Walk in the Woods, transitioning successfully to television with series like Graves, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
As of May 2025, the second part of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning is set to hit theaters, further solidifying Cruise's status as a Hollywood mainstay. The legacy of Tropic Thunder, however, continues to resonate, reminding audiences of the film's audacious humor and the talented ensemble that brought it to life.
