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Airplane! Director: Studios Fear Backlash, Shun Comedy
18 Jul
Summary
- Studios don't value comedy and fear backlash, says director.
- Comedies struggle to perform on streaming platforms.
- Prop from "Airplane!" sold for approximately £160,000.
Jerry Zucker, the director behind the iconic comedy "Airplane!," has voiced concerns that film studios are increasingly neglecting the comedy genre. He attributes this trend to a fear of public backlash and a general undervaluation of comedy projects by studio executives.
Zucker explained that comedies often require theatrical releases to succeed, a model studios are hesitant to invest in due to high costs. Instead, they prioritize blockbuster franchises like Marvel and Star Wars. He also pointed out that studios seem to have "forgotten how to promote comedy."
In a separate note, Zucker recently auctioned off several film props, including Otto the autopilot from "Airplane!," which sold for approximately £160,000. This decision was partly influenced by the wildfires in 2025, which nearly caused him to lose his Los Angeles home.
He expressed hope for a resurgence in studio support for comedy, noting that decision-makers in their 50s and 60s might still feel the pressure associated with "wokeness."
