Lewis Pullman Eyes Comedy: Wants In With Green and McBride
Lewis Pullman, son of Bill Pullman, shares his ambition to join David Gordon Green and Danny McBride’s unique comedy world, despite their recent stumbles in horror. Discover why this genre is his next big goal.
Growing up with Bill Pullman as your father means living in the shadow of one of Hollywood ’s most iconic on-screen presidents. Bill Pullman’s unforgettable turn as President Thomas J. Whitmore in Independence Day set a high bar, but his career didn’t stop there. From leading David Lynch’s Lost Highway to memorable roles in Sleepless in Seattle and Casper, he’s left a lasting mark on film. For Lewis Pullman, the pressure to carve out his own path was real, but he’s managed to do just that, building a reputation that stands on its own.
After making waves with his breakout role in Bad Times at the El Royale, Lewis Pullman has shown his range across genres—tackling everything from dark comedies and horror to a major part in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His versatility has proven he’s more than just his father’s son, but there’s still one creative itch he’s eager to scratch.
Chasing a Unique Comedy Dream
In a recent interview, Pullman opened up about the kind of project he’s itching to take on. More specifically, he’s got his sights set on working with two filmmakers who have carved out a distinct comedic niche.
“I really wanna try and weasel my way into the David Gordon Green, Danny McBride world,”
he admitted.
“They’ve kind of created their own genre of comedy, and it ’s right up my alley in so many ways, and it looks like so much fun that they’re having. Like whenever I’m bummed out, I literally watch bloopers from Eastbound & Down or Vice Principals or Righteous Gemstones, and it is an immediate blast.”
Green and McBride’s partnership dates back to the 2000s, when they made a name for themselves with a string of offbeat comedies. With Green often behind the camera and McBride in front, they scored big with hits like Pineapple Express and Your Highness. Their TV work, especially Eastbound & Down and Vice Principals, set a new standard for irreverent, character-driven humor. Pullman’s admiration for their style is clear—he’s drawn to the energy and unpredictability that define their work.
Comedy Legends with a Horror Detour
In recent years, though, Green and McBride have taken a detour into horror, collaborating on the Halloween reboot series and The Exorcist: Believer. While these projects brought them plenty of attention, they also sparked controversy among fans of the original franchises. Their foray into horror has been divisive, with some critics arguing that their take on these classics missed the mark.
Despite the backlash, Pullman’s interest in their comedic world hasn’t waned. If anything, he seems eager to see them return to the kind of subversive, laugh-out-loud projects that first put them on the map. He’s ready to jump in—just as long as he doesn’t end up playing a masked slasher villain.
Looking Ahead
For now, Pullman’s dream of joining Green and McBride’s comedy universe remains just that—a dream. But if the duo ever decide to revisit their roots and bring back the wild, unpredictable spirit of their earlier work, they’ll know exactly who to call for a leading role. Until then, Pullman continues to build his own legacy, one genre at a time.