I Am Erik Stolhanske, actor/writer/co-founder of Broken Lizard...AMA

How did you guys come up with the idea for Super Troopers. BTW- I think it has the funniest opening scene of any movie

We were all in Jay's car and got pulled over for speeding. Jay got the ticket since he was driving and we made fun of him for turning into such a wimp when the officer came to the window. Then we thought, these guys have so much power! What if they actually had a good sense of humor and like to play games on speeders when they got bored. That was basically when the seed was planted.

Bearfucker?

Do you need assistance?

In my four year tenure working at Blockbuster, Super Troopers, along with the Tupac documentary, was the most un-returned movie in our collection. Coincidence?

No.

what did you guys drink in place of beer while shooting beerfest? Similarly, whats the real story on the syrup scene in Supertroopers?

What do you mean 'what did you guys drink IN PLACE of beer'?? Beer! And I may have been joking about drink beer the whole time in Beerfest, but we did actually drink real syrup in Super Troopers. Fo reals.

This has been an ongoing discussion on Reddit, courtesy of the IMDB trivia. Can you clarify once and for all consummation of this real syrup? Was it maple? Was it diluted? Was that a genuine look of disgust when you had to finish your bottle?

Originally the prop woman had iced tea in the bottles, but it didn't have that glug, glug, glug thick look when we chugged it... so Jay and I said 'we gotta do the real thing' - then went into a diabetic coma on a dark floor while everyone else enjoyed their lunch

Yeah but did Brian Cox really eat the soap?

Yes, BUT interesting story. The prop person carved the soap out of white chocolate. We were just about to shoot the scene and Brian (who is diabetic) was just about to bite into the soap, when he stopped for a second and said 'there isn't any sugar in this is there??" The prop person said 'Of course, it's white chocolate'. He said "I can't eat this." So the prop person had to go track down sugar-free white chocolate to carve a new bar of soap. No easy task!!

I've been looking forward to this for awhile just so I can personally tell you how much I love Broken Lizard films. I've seen them all many, many times. They have such an incredible charm, and the characters are always fantastic and well done. So thanks for all the laughs. My question: how do you guys develop your characters?

Hey thanks! I've been looking forward to talking to YOU for a while.

When writing our roles we try to cast the opposite what we played in the last movie. Otherwise, we mostly develop our characters on paper. We do a lot less improvising than most people think. Really didn't improvise until Beefest.

Beefest

NOT THE BEES!!

Our comedy about Killer Bees.... you did see that, right??

beads?

Beadfest... now that is a whole different movie! Gadzoooks.

1) Good or bad, can you shed any light on a Super Troopers pre/se-quel? Is there any interest among the other Broken Lizard crew to do this? There are internet rumours that a script is complete, at least. Can you confirm/deny this?

2) What do people recognise you from most? What do you wish they recognised you from?

3) I love watching stand-up comedy. Who's your favourite comedian these days?

4) Who's the most famous person you've met in the entertainment industry? What was the experience like?

5) In your professional life, what projects have you worked on that you're most proud of?

6) What can we see you in next?

7) Do you ever wish you could do more dramatic/dark/serious roles, or are you more happy/comfortable in comedic roles?

8) If you hadn't gone into the entertainment industry, what do you think you'd be doing for work?

9) If you could be interviewed by any show host/reporter (still alive), who would it be?

hi. Super Troopers sequel is written, and Broken Lizard is very excited to make it. Right now it's in the hands of the studio Fox Searchlight... waiting for them to give us the greenlight.

Get recognized most from ST would like to be recognized from Puddle Cruiser, that was the role I really enjoyed.

Michelle Bachman is my favorite comedian these day (and that is not a political statement!) I just think she is hysterical.

You asked what am I doing next? Currently traveling around doing a lot of speaking and in addition to speaking at University and Corporations, it's been really meaningful meeting with wounded warrior groups. Love meeting vets! Amazing the sacrifices they make daily for us and our country.

Thanks for supporting us vets! In 2003 when I was in Iraq we somehow got a hold of an old TV/VCR combo and plugged it into a light generator. We had two vhs's. Training day and super troopers. So thanks for the laughs everytine we watched it. It took our mind off things for a while :)

Thank you for what you do. Love working with Vets. Recently been spending a lot of time volunteering with the DAV. Great organization!

Thanks very much! Is there anything fans can do to sway Fox Searchlight to approve it?

Maybe write them and let them know how much you would love to see Super Troopers 2.

Only if you make the title something awful like, "Super 2roopers"

That is the first time I have ever seen that! And I'm not being sarcastic. Seriously.

[deleted]

I agree. People ask us about it EVERY day.

Right now it's in the hands of the studio Fox Searchlight.

What can we, the internet, do to help?

Maybe let Fox Searchlight know how much you would like to see Super Troopers 2.

What's the funniest thing you have ever done?

One of my favorite stories is when I first met Jay. We were building sets together in college. Hammering away. He told me he was from Chicago, I told him I was from Minneapolis. We quickly got into a heated debate about which city was tougher. He insisted it was Chicago. So... I picked up a hammer and SMACKED myself in the ankle as hard as I could and said "Hey Chicago, are you that tough?!" That's probably only funny if you know that I have a fake leg - which he didn't at the time.

What exactly is a Z-J?

Some great definitions on Urban Dictionary. Some made me laugh.

Is your last name really not Stolthandske? Ever thought about changing it?

Original spelling = Stahlhandske. Swedish. Never really thought about changing it. Know it's hard to remember and spell, but always like the idea of having it on the back of my hockey jersey. Sounds tough! Even if my hockey jersey is imaginary. Go Wild!

Any updates on the possible animated film, Potfest?

No real update. Had a blast outlining it, but no script yet. We put most of our energy into writing Super Troopers 2 which we would love to make.

Do you Broken Lizard guys write characters for yourselves or with one of you particularly in mind? Or are the characters written, and then chosen/cast after the fact?

We always cast last so no one writes for themselves.

Always always? Was there really a possibility of anyone else playing Farva? Because I simply can't imagine it any other way.

Yes, originally I was supposed to play Farva (Read one of the answers above)

I guess a follow up to the casting question that I've always been curious about is how Kevin felt getting cast as Farva. I know a lot of people still associate you guys with your roles in Super Troopers and I was wondering if you feel like he's always going to be remembered as the fun-hating Rod Farva or if you guys think he's redeemed himself through Lars or Landfill or any other role.

I think Kev probably gets most recognized for being Farva - typecasting! - just kidding, actually I was originally cast as Farva (if you can believe it), but we try to cast opposite of what we played in our previous film and I had just played the the outrageous character-y character in Puddle Cruiser - Freaky Reaky - so we cast Kevin as Farva. And he knocked it out of the park. What's funny though is kevin is a lawyer and has passed the bar in NY and CT. Quite the opposite of Farva. Testament to Kev's acting chops.

Do you guys fight over who gets to play what character? Were there any in particular that you really wanted?

Never huge fights. Everyone is pretty flexible about roles. Not sure I can speak for the rest of the guys, but think it's fair to say, it's more fun to play the more far out character roles. However, there has to be a straight guy to play off, so we rotate that character.

watching beerfest in the theatre, I got laughing so hard that I started farting uncontrollably. Seriously, it lasted a good 30 seconds of laugh-fart-laugh-fart and so on. It ended on a positive note, though. The girls who were sitting in front of me talking moved to a different part of the theatre.

You're like PigPen in "Peanuts". Which makes me like you because Charles Shultz is from MN.

What do make of the disconnect on Rotten Tomatoes between critics and fans regarding movies such as Super Troopers and Beerfest?

Basically, I guess my question is, do you care that critics pan certain movies if people seem to like them anyway?

The first thing Adam Sandler told us (Broken Lizard) is don't read your reviews.

I just remind myself that Led Zepplin, Animal House and Fast Times at Ridgemount High were all panned when they first hit the scene.

Pretty interesting to look back and see all the things that were panned when they first came out.

Just read Keith Richards autobiography (great read!) and Nixon tried to have The Rolling Stones banned from the United States. Amazing.

My advice... make up your own mind.

Thank you. I have done 5 rounds of p90x in the last few years and I always have questions that pop up in my mind while working out.

-What is tony like in real life?

-How long does it take to film a workout? Did they have to do the same move multiple times to get a good take?

-How much help did the first trial group get in dieting and exercise? Like did they make eat specific meals, supplements etc. and did you exercise with tony everyday?

-Any good stories about the other workout people?

-Did you get any royalties?

Tony is a great guy. Really walks the walk and talks the talk. And very funny ... used to be a stand up. For years now, we've been working out every Tues and Thurs morning together - and in addition to getting in a great workout it's as much for the laughs and good times. We have a blast together.

Filming a workout was just one time through. Otherwise think we would have gotten too burned out.

In trial group we were pretty strict with diet. However, I didn't have as great of results as I could have... because I had trouble not enjoying myself every once in a while. For example, if I'd go out to a concert, couldn't turn down enjoying a brew. But yes, we did work out with Tony every day.

No royalties.

Daniel Haas wears red sox when he gets angry.

Also Tate Taylor who directed 'The Help' was in our test group. Awesome to see him doing so well!

when in the p90x plyo video.. what was the temperature in that room? it seems people are sweating buckets before the warmup is done.

and what happend to your leg? born without one? cancer? car accident? macho competition?

Ha. Felt like 10,000 degrees but then again that might have been due to the fact that I knew I was about to embark on a plyo routine. Actually wasn't that hot, think we were all just sweating in anticipation.

Leg = lost it when I was hit by a comet fixing the space station. If you don't believe that you can check out www.erikstolhanske.com... see if I'm telling the truth.

He explains about his leg on his website: http://www.erikstolhanske.net/

Wow. I definitely was not expecting something so... corporate.

My website is kind of my own thing, but probable less corporate stuff on my facebook page and also the broken lizard facebook page and our website brokenlizard.com

According to IMDB, you're the only member of the Broken Lizard crew to not have done a nude scene. What the fuck, man?

(edited to include: oh of course you're the bomb, super troopers, beerfest, and (if drunk enough) Club Dread were all awesome. Looking forward to Babymakers. Finally someone tapping into that jizz caper comedy gold mine.)

Ha. Nobody wants to see me nude. Would turn any comedy we would make into a horror film.

Happy you like our movie, man!

Babymakers really doesn't have anything to do with Broken Lizard. We didn't write it or even produce it. Completely a side project of Jay's

How's it feel to get punched in the gut by Michael Clarke Duncan, Guy?

Like being tickled by a feather...

A close friend of my was in your fraternity at Colgate, and I believe he said most of the other BL members were too? (after you guys graduated, btw). Any crazy memories from that time/any that inspired some of of your comedy ideas?

Jay and I were roommates while at Colgate and some of the Thorny/Rabbit dynamic was based on our friendship. For example, the syrup chugging contest was based on the macho man competitions we used to challenge each other too all the time.

Did you think he was a mexican?

He's not Mexican?

I'm surprised that more people haven't jumped on this already.
I didn't see "Super Troopers" until 5ish years after it was released and it quickly became one of my favorites. We still quote that one and "Beerfest" all the time!!

Since I don't actually have any legit questions...Thanks for making one of my favorite movies! I could watch it over and over again and still laugh just as hard as the first time I saw it. :-) I hope you had just as much fun making it as I do watching it.

Cheers! Thanksgiving dinner at your house next year??

How was it to work with Larry David on Curb?

Intimidating, but historical- just happy to be part of the show. It was fun. The first rehearsal was showing up in a room and having to improvise with Larry - with the whole cast up against the wall watching.

that does sound intimidating. So what did your improvisation consist of?

I was just handed a piece of paper that said.... You're Swedish and Larry mistakes me for being Norwegian.

And go...

I'm wondering how you guys get people like Brian Cox, Donald Sutherland, Jürgen Prochnow in these very silly movies when they are serious actors for the most part.

Is it money for them or do they do it for the fun of it?

Also any word on when we can expect Super Troopers 2?

We love to cast serious actors like Brian, Donald and Jurgen for heft. They anchor us. Also, serious actors don't get offered comedies often. Brian contacted us because he loves comedy and grew up a huge fan of Jerry Lewis. Jurgen agreed to do Beerfest because his kids were Broken Lizard fans and told him he should do it.

I highly recommend Liam Neeson next time around. His bit in the first episode of Life's Too Short is possibly the best deadpan delivery I've seen since Leslie Nielsen broke into comedy.

Loved it!

Blew my mind when you did Plyo with one leg. You were and still are my inspiration to keep pushing play! Thanks, bro.

P.s. Shenanigans

Like a one legged man in an ass kicking competition. Literally!

Super Troopers is the most quoted movie in my household since I was 12. I am now 21. You guys have done a great service to my and my brother's lives. Thank you. Now can I get a goddamn literacola?

12 to 21?! Coincidence?? I don't think so....

And yes you can get a literacola at Burger King. We used to always go get a litre of iced tea when we were hung over. That's where that originally came from.

How bad did it burn when your entire body was covered in menthol shaving cream?

Ha. You must have heard the commentary. Think we had to start over once we found out that it was all menthol - was like taking a bath in Mentholathum!

I just want to say, you rock! I was so happy to hear you were going to do this AMA! I'm interested in hearing your response to the question on doing more dark/serious roles. I thought you were amazing in Club Dread.

As a fellow Twin Cities resident, what's your favorite restaurant when you visit home? And, best show you've seen at First Ave (or anywhere in the TC)?

Thanks for doing this!!

First off, Minneapolis rules! And thank you for your kind words. Would love to get more dark roles. But seem to only get offered comedy. If anyone out there is casting a movie... call me dammit! However, just before this AmA, I had an audition for Paranormal Activity 4- that would be cool. Love Al's for breakfast and Bar La Grassa. Dig Quang's for Vietnamese, Rainbow for Chinese, King and I for Thai, and chill out at La Belle Vie lounge a lot.

The Replacements are by far and away my favorite for music, but have seen SO many shows over that years. HUGE music fan and at some point want to write a movie (love letter) to the Minneapolis music scene from the 80's.

Haha, I really like Bill Paxton as basically Jimmy Buffett.

That is all, friend. :D

One day I found myself eating fish tacos and drinking Corona's in Malibu overlooking the Pacific Ocean with Bill Paxton AND Jimmy Buffet... and it wasn't a dream, although it felt like one.

who is Guy Meatdrapes?

Really just an insecure guy who wants to be loved like all of us. Guy likes cool jazz, long walks in the park, and listening... and really hearing.

I feel like your guys' movie's are some of the most quotable comedies I have ever seen. Out of all of your movies do you have one line that everyone quotes that you still find funny?

I'm not sure everyone quotes it, but I still love Foster's line from Super Troopers, "I will avenge you, Michael!"

Where does the inspiration for Broken Lizard's comedy come from? You seem to employ a great blend of slapstick and dumb jokes, but there are really some intelligent gems, even in films like Beerfest. I'm just wondering what the writing process is like?

Btw, you're awesome.

You're awesome.

We basically write what makes us laugh. That's sort of the litmus test. We write many drafts, think 22 for Super Troopers, so even though it may seem like a dumb joke it's probably been crafted that way.

Stålhandske = Steel Glove

Ya... or Steel Hand. Vikings rule.

in Norwegian Stolhanske = Chair Glove

I wish! That would be awesome. Would love to be Chair Glove. However, think it's Swedish for Steel Hand or Steel Gauntlet.

Is there any chance of Potfest happening? or is it a joke similar to Kung Pow 2

We would like to make it, but no immediate plans

Hey there Erik. Before my p90x related quedtions I wana say the "no excuses from any of you" bit at the beginning of plyo motivated me from day 1 through day 100+ so thank you for kicking ass!!

Now questions:

How choreographed are the workouts? How scripted Tony and the gang's responses? E.g. did you know you'd be hands in the air for round 2 of mary katherines?

How did you meet Tony and get in the videos? Also any Tony stories or info are greatly appreciated!!

Was it annoying having Dom jumping "through the roof" throughout plyos? He almost runs into you on leapfrog squats!!

Favorite and least favorite p90x workout?

Thoughts on p90x2?

Thank you so much for answering questions!!!

You're the one that pushed play every day. THAT'S awesome. Workout was just shot in one take and whatever was shot was what it was... no planned responses.

I'm a HUGE fan of your work - just thought I'd get that out of the way. What is the group dynamic like of Broken Lizard and how did you guys meet? If you had the opportunity to work with any actor in any sort of film, who and what would it be? Thanks for the AMA and for making awesome movies that never get old!

We were all great friends in college - Colgate University. Ideally, would love to work with Bill Murray. Or at least, just go watch a Cubs game with him (However, I'm a Twins fan, but know he's a Cubs fan so figure he'd be in a better mood if we went to a Cubs game)

What is the greatest moment of your life?

What is the biggest regret you have?

Greatest moment... right here, right now!

Biggest regret... not having met you earlier.

I missed seeing you all in Burlington, Vermont a few years ago when I was out of state. Any plans on making another visit anytime soon?

No plans yet, but that was an epic night. Ended upstairs from some bar that the owners kept open for us until the sun came up.

When you are not writing and acting in your own movies, what other movies do you enjoy watching?

Love old 70's movies - Five Easy Pieces, Klute, Husbands, etc... Also, anything with Paul Newman in it. Hud being one of my all time favorites.