In the past year, Seth Rogen has taken the “Pineapple Express” from zero to superhero.
Rogen — who stars in “Express,” the stoner action-comedy due out in August — is suddenly getting picked for more ambitious roles than the lovable screw-ups he played in “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and “Knocked Up.”
Columbia Pictures tapped him to star in the superhero flick “The Green Hornet.” And just this week Rogen and his “Knocked Up” co-star Jay Baruchel were announced as the stars of “Jay and Seth vs. the Apocalypse.” The action-comedy is about … two guys fighting the apocalypse, surprisingly enough.
Yes, both projects are comedies. But the question has to be asked: Does Hollywood see Rogen as an action star?
SETH APPEAL
What makes Seth Rogen such an appealing star for action movies all of a sudden? RedEye just got the (highly unscientific) analysis back from the lab. Here’s the breakdown.
7% “Rogenator” nickname scores high with kids.
9% Just hired Sly Stallone as his “nutritionist.”
60% If you point at his curly hair and make a Ronald McDonald joke, he will totally mess you up.
24% “Knocked Up” had action — did you not see the birth scene?
Fruitopia
A few characters, real and fictional, who unfortunately won’t be starring in “Pineapple Express.”
Liz Lemon (“30 Rock”)
Darryl Strawberry
Mango (“Saturday Night Live”)
Fiona Apple
Mr. Orange (“Reservoir Dogs”)
Strawberry Shortcake
