The Knockturnal attended Vulture Festival 2021.
Seth Rogen has some strong thoughts when it comes to Christmas and Thanksgiving (Spoiler alert: he’s definitely not a fan).
Sure, he might be playing Santa in HBO Max’s upcoming animated series Santa, Inc., but make no mistake: Rogen won’t be singing the praises of the old jolly guy anytime soon. Despite this, I’d argue that the actor is just about the jolliest celebrity I’ve ever seen.
The Knockturnal caught up with Rogen on the red carpet of the event.
The Knockturnal: Tell us a bit about the Holiday Spectacular we’re about to witness!
Seth Rogen: I have no idea, I’m curious myself! I wish I could provide more information for you *laughs* I just know that people are going to go into it disappointed that Sarah Silverman is not here so that’s a great vibe in general!
The Knockturnal: What can you tell us about your the world of your upcoming project with Sarah, ‘Santa, Inc’?
Seth Rogen: There is a corporate entity and Santa is the CEO of it. It’s an Amazon-esque corporation. Every year we’re gearing up towards Christmas and there’s only been white men who have been Santa Claus and Candy Smalls, Sarah’s character wants to be the first non-white male Santa Claus. As Santa, I want to be viewed as progressive so I consider taking her under my wing, mostly so I look good.
The Knockturnal: Do you have a favorite comfort holiday film?
Seth Rogen: I like Scrooged, the Bill Murray movie that Richard Donner directed. I love that movie. That to me is one of my favorite Christmas movies.
The Knockturnal: Taylor Swift just rereleased her re-recording of ‘Red,’ have you listened?
Seth Rogen:*laughs* I know nothing about any of that. I’m an old man! *laughs* I’m at an age where I shouldn’t know anything about that!
During the festival’s panel “Seth Rogen: A Holiday Spectacular,” The Interview star revealed just how little he actually knows about Christmas. Having grown up in a Jewish household and attending a Jewish elementary school, he admitted that the film Home Alone was his strongest reference to how the holiday was celebrated.
“People love Christmas and I’m amazed by it,” Rogen told the crowd. “The first time I saw a Christmas tree, I was like, ‘Oh, they really do this shit.’”
In awe of people’s connection to Christmas, Rogen hilariously recalled taking joy in ruining the secret of Santa’s existence to kids growing up, including his Freaks & Geeks co-star John Frances Daley.
“If you bring your young kid near me, I will tell them there’s no Santa Claus,” Rogen said.