For many fans of comedy, Judd Apatow is nothing short of a legend. From Freaks and Geeks to The 40-Year-Old Virgin, his projects have defined a generation’s sense of humor. Recently, Apatow sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to discuss his career, the making of his breakout hit, and whether movies like that could still succeed today.
The 40-Year-Old Virgin Turns 20
It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since The 40-Year-Old Virgin premiered. For Apatow, the process almost ended before it began. After just three days of shooting, the studio threatened to shut down production, citing concerns that Paul Rudd was “too heavy” and that Steve Carell’s character looked like a serial killer.
Apatow recalled:
“They told us in the middle of the third day of shooting to shut down… All the scenes that we had shot that led us to get shut down are in the movie and killed.”
Despite the studio’s doubts, the film went on to become a massive hit, filled with iconic moments that still resonate today.
The Infamous Waxing Scene
Perhaps the most legendary scene is Steve Carell’s chest waxing — a sequence that was filmed for real, capturing Carell’s genuine pain. Apatow explained how it came to life:
“Steve said, ‘Maybe you could just wax me for real, and it’ll hurt so much, it’ll be funny.’ So we set up five cameras like it was a documentary and just did it.”
The scene worked because of its authenticity, becoming one of the most memorable comedy moments in modern film.
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Could The 40-Year-Old Virgin Be Made Today?
Apatow believes it’s still possible:
“It might be a slightly bumpier road, but I think the studios would love comedies to do very well… The best comedies come from out of nowhere and are often based on unique and wild concepts.”
He pointed out that films like Anchorman and Superbad faced resistance for years before eventually becoming cultural milestones. For Apatow, the risk-taking spirit is what keeps comedy alive.
The Future of Comedy
Big studio comedies may be rarer now, but Apatow remains optimistic. He sees an audience eager for communal laughter, something theaters are uniquely positioned to deliver. As he notes, comedy requires bold ideas that may not look promising on paper but connect powerfully once on screen.
Two decades later, The 40-Year-Old Virgin remains a landmark comedy, thanks to Judd Apatow’s vision and Steve Carell’s breakout performance. As studios navigate new trends, Apatow’s reminder is clear: the funniest comedies often come from risks, not formulas. And with audiences craving shared laughter more than ever, the genre may yet see a resurgence on the big screen.
