Jonah Hill's new documentary titled Stutz is expected to finally hit film festivals this fall, yet the actor has recently revealed that he still doesn’t intend on promoting his film at all.
Hill got his big break in the mid-2000s, when he starred in major hit comedy films Knocked Up and SuperBad, granting him lots of attention and praise from critics and audiences alike. He has since collaborated with some of the biggest names in comedy, such as Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen. Throughout his long-standing career, he has easily become one of the most beloved and successful comedic actors of his generation. However, if the world was ever trying to put Hill into a singular box, he completely broke down barriers and perceived expectations when he started slowly departing from the comedy genre entirely. In 2011, Hill took a giant creative leap when he starred in Bennett Miller's Moneyball. Whether the world was going to take him seriously as a dramatic actor, Hill showcased his inner belief in himself as an artist - that he was without a doubt capable of taking on more complex characters and emotions. To Hill's surprise, or not, the world embraced this new side of him and so did the Academy. Moneyball went on to be nominated for both a Golden Globe and an Oscar. From there, Hill continued to tackle more serious roles and honor his comedic talents at the same time, making him a certified double threat.
However, Hill didn’t stop there when it came to exercising every creative muscle in his body. His directorial debut came about in 2018 with the release of his critically acclaimed Mid90s, on which he also served as the screenwriter. The hit coming of age drama was reportedly very much so based off of Hill's rocky childhood. Mid90s is easily the most vulnerable, soul-bearing project that Hill has worked on thus far, that is until it was announced that he has had a secret film in the works for a while now. Hill is set to star in and direct his latest film, Stutz, which will be a documentary that will recount his life-long battle with mental health, particularly at the peak of his rise in Hollywood. Although Hill is adamantly proud of the film he has created, Deadline reports that he has made the decision to not promote Stutz at all.
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In a new statement, Hill revealed exactly why he has no intention or desire to promote his new documentary. “The whole purpose of making this film is to give therapy and the tools I’ve learned in therapy to a wide audience for private use through an entertaining film. Through this journey of self-discovery within the film, I have come to the understanding that I have spent nearly 20 years experiencing anxiety attacks, which are exacerbated by media appearances and public facing events," Hill said. "I am so grateful that the film will make its world premiere at a prestigious film festival this fall, and I can’t wait to share it with audiences around the world in the hope that it will help those struggling. However, you won’t see me out there promoting this film, or any of my upcoming films, while I take this important step to protect myself. If I made myself sicker by going out there and promoting it, I wouldn’t be acting true to myself or to the film."
Hill created Stutz with the sole intention to help provide resources and mental health awareness to others who may be facing similar struggles, and to share his story. If he did the very things that triggered his anxiety most, which he has revealed is largely due to being constantly in the public eye, then he is leading by example and honoring his needs. Through this single act of defiance, Hill will draw in his target audience of people who need to see this film the most, those who need to be told it is okay to tend to their own garden - no shame, no guilt.
Stutz is expected to hit the festival circuit in fall 2022.
Source: Deadline