This big screen version plays out like the unaired pilot of the classic show. And rather than strictly follow the original show's formula, writer/director Todd Phillips fashioned "Starsky and Hutch" the movie into more of an action-comedy.
"We wanted to play it straight and just let the irony of thirty years later be what it is. This movie is referencing a show that was such a phenomenon when it was on the air, and we aren’t trying to spoof it or parody it in any way. We’re not trying to say, ‘hey, look how goofy the 70s were,’" explains Stiller.
On February 26th, the stars of "Starsky and Hutch" joined special celebrity guests to celebrate the movie's World Premiere. Check out what some of the stars of the movie had to say about bringing the still-beloved "Starsky and Hutch" series to the big screen.
BEN STILLER (‘Starsky’):
It’s nice to see your hair is back to being normal.
It’s gotten way back to normal.
Is this the worst hair you’ve ever had to have for a role?
Oh no, I loved it. I actually embraced it. I just kept the wig on a little wig stand and I talked to it every night and told it to stay poofy.
Did you massage it?
Sure.
This premiere’s toward the end of award season. Do you have any good survival tips for next year’s awards season?
No, but I am exhausted. My hair was not gray before I started.
How quickly do you and Owen Wilson catch on to what one another’s doing in a scene? Do you talk it over first?
It’s hard to get in touch with Owen because usually he’s out of touch and late and doesn’t read the script. It’s sort of like you have to control him on the set. He’s like a child in that way - a beautiful, wonderful, creative child (laughing).
TODD PHILLIPS (Writer/Director):
How tough is it to bring a 70s movie to life now?
I don’t know that it’s tough but it’s just a challenge to make any movie, and we had a good time doing it.
I heard you didn’t want to make a 70s movie, but that you wanted to make a movie that was set in the 70s.
Yeah, which is a real hard thing to explain, but what I mean is I didn’t want it to be about the 70s, I still wanted it to be about Starsky and Hutch – with Ben and Owen and Snoop and everybody else – but I didn’t want the 70s to get in the way and become like, “Ohhh, everything is groovy, everything is cool.” So we tried to make it as realistic as possible. I know that sounds funny when you’re talking about this movie but we did, I swear (laughing).
You’ve described “Starsky & Hutch” as a romantic comedy between two guys. Can you elaborate?
What I meant was that it follows a lot of the same beats as a typical romantic comedy. Meaning at first they don’t want to be together, then they are forced together, then they break apart, then they are back stronger than ever. That’s kind of how I meant it.
What is it about working with Vince Vaughn?
I’m in love with Vince. He’s my favorite actor in the world. He really is. I would do anything I could – I would always work with Vince. If he’s the only guy I ever worked with, I’d be happy.
MORE FROM THE PREMIERE OF "STARSKY & HUTCH:"
Snoop Dogg and Amy Smart Interviews
Fred Williamson and Brande Roderick Interviews
"Starsky & Hutch" Premiere Photos
ADDITIONAL "STARSKY & HUTCH" RESOURCES:
"Starsky & Hutch" Production Photos
"Starsky & Hutch" Trailer
"Starsky & Hutch" Credits, Movie News and Websites
