In a surprising revelation from the set of the cult-classic comedy Superbad, co-writer Seth Rogen disclosed that Sony once banned Jonah Hill’s character, Seth, from interacting with a PlayStation 2 during a video game scene, deeming the character too “reprehensible” for their brand. The anecdote, shared during a red carpet interview at South by Southwest (SXSW) 2025, has resurfaced in a post by IGN on X, sparking laughter and intrigue among fans of the 2007 film.
Superbad co-writer Seth Rogen said Sony found Jonah Hill’s character so “reprehensible” that reps insisted he stay away from a PlayStation during a video game scene. https://t.co/LoiKqrPe2D pic.twitter.com/2Ko04eQqnn
— IGN (@IGN) March 13, 2025
Superbad, directed by Greg Mottola and co-written by Rogen and Evan Goldberg, follows two high school friends, Seth (Jonah Hill) and Evan (Michael Cera), as they navigate the chaos of their final days before college. The film’s irreverent humor and memorable characters, including the iconic McLovin, have made it a beloved staple of teen comedy. However, Rogen’s recent comments shed light on a quirky behind-the-scenes moment involving Sony, the makers of PlayStation.
According to Rogen, a scene originally scripted to show both Seth and Evan playing video games on a PlayStation 2 was altered due to Sony’s objections. “They were like, ‘Jonah can’t touch a PlayStation,’” Rogen recounted, explaining that the studio found Hill’s portrayal of Seth—known for his loud, awkward, and often crude behavior—too vile to associate with their product. As a result, the scene was rewritten so that only Evan, played by Michael Cera, is seen playing The Getaway: Black Monday on the console, while Seth tries on ill-fitting shirts in the background.
Rogen, who drew inspiration for Seth from his own teenage self, admitted to finding Sony’s note mildly offensive, humorously noting, “I was like, ‘It’s based on me! That’s very insulting.’” Despite the studio’s concerns, the change didn’t detract from the film’s success, which grossed over $170 million worldwide and cemented Hill and Cera as comedy icons.
IGN’s post, featuring an image of Jonah Hill at the Superbad premiere, has reignited interest in the film’s legacy, blending nostalgia with a humorous glimpse into Hollywood’s corporate sensitivities.
