Ben Stiller insists comedy is about having the freedom to speak "truth to power"
The 59-year-old star has urged comedians to keep "taking chances" where they can despite the current political climate, which has seen the likes of Jimmy Kimmel suspended after a joke referencing the death of Charlie Kirk, with President Donald Trump vocally criticising many late night hosts
22 October 2025
He told the Radio Times magazine: "We live in a world where taking chances with comedy is more challenging.
"You're seeing that front and center in our country. But I think it's important that comedians keep doing what they're doing, speaking truth to power and being free to say what they want.
"That's the most important thing."
The Severance producer also opened up on the impact social media has had on comedy.
He acknowledged that "you have things that go out to huge audiences very quickly", but the bite-sized TikTok skits could be dumbing things down.
He added: "I think we've reduced our attention spans down a little bit. I feel lucky to have grown up in the analogue world."
Earlier this month, the Zoolander star insisted social media was also to balem for the decline of comedy movies.
Ben told The Times newspaper: "There are landmines everywhere. Twitter changed everything. It took off in 2009, and offers an immediate response."
He recalled the offence caused by the character of Simple Jack - a boy with learning disabilities - who featured in a spoof movie featured in 2008 film Tropic Thunder.
He said: "We had issues on Tropic Thunder with Simple Jack. It wasn't a Twitter storm. Everything didn't blow up. But instant reactivity can now, all of sudden, just kill."
The Night at the Museum star believes that such an environment makes both comics and film studios "trepidatious".
Ben explained: "Yes, you're more trepidatious, and there's no denying the environment is more volatile, but when studios keep saying no, creatives will stop trying and, instead, pivot to movies they think will get made, and that's awful.
"Studios are trying to create movies that will make a billion dollars, but comedy is cut and dried. People are laughing or not. And that's tough."
© 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity
