Tropic Thunder is a 2008 satirical action comedy film directed by Ben Stiller, who wrote the screenplay with Justin Theroux and Etan Cohen. The film stars Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., Jay Baruchel, and Brandon T. Jackson as a group of prima donna actors making a Vietnam War film. When their frustrated director drops them in the middle of a jungle and dies in an accident, they are forced to rely on their acting skills to survive the real action and danger. Tropic Thunder parodies many prestigious war films, the Hollywood studio system, and method acting. The ensemble cast includes Nick Nolte, Danny McBride, Matthew McConaughey, Bill Hader, and Tom Cruise.
Theatrical release poster
Film set in Kaua'i in September 2007
Stiller signing autographs before a screening at Camp Pendleton on August 3, 2008
This Kaua'i film set was used for the Tugg Speedman "Let's be friends" speech scene.
Benjamin Edward Meara Stiller is an American actor, filmmaker, and comedian. He is the son of the comedians and actors Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. Stiller was a member of a group of comedic actors colloquially known as the Frat Pack. His films have grossed more than $2.6 billion in Canada and the United States, with an average of $79 million per film. Throughout his career, he has received various awards and honors, including an Emmy Award, a Directors Guild of America Award, a Britannia Award and a Teen Choice Award.
Stiller in December 2020
Stiller signing autographs before a screening for Tropic Thunder at Camp Pendleton in August 2008
Stiller in 2010
Stiller with Dustin Hoffman, 2017