Conan O’Brien, the beloved host of the hit talk show Conan O’Brien Needs, recently shared one of the funniest moments he has ever seen on television. During a conversation with Ben Stiller, Conan brought up the iconic gas fight scene from the movie Zoolander. According to Conan, the scene never fails to bring him delight, and he considers it one of his favorite comedy moments of all time.
In the gas station fight scene, the characters in Zoolander are seen throwing gasoline on each other and laughing in slow motion. Conan described it as pure comedy gold that never fails to make him laugh. As he explained, there is something about the absurdity of the situation that just works and leaves a lasting impression.
However, what made this anecdote even more interesting was the revelation that Conan stumbled upon an old cut of the gas fight scene. In this version, the fire that engulfs the models lasts for a whopping two minutes! Conan described it as a “master class in the difference between what is funny and what is not.” He could clearly see how the shorter version, which made it into the final movie, was far more hilarious than the extended one.
Conan also emphasized the dedication and commitment that went into creating such scenes in the early 2000s. In the case of the gas fight, real stuntmen were doused in a flammable jelly and set on fire for the authentic effect. The explosion ended up being so big that it even knocked the windows out of nearby buildings. It was a different time for movie-making, and Conan acknowledged the risks and effort involved in creating memorable comedic moments.
Throughout his career, Ben Stiller has been involved in numerous comedy projects that have left a lasting impact on audiences. Conan mentioned other standout moments from Stiller’s films, such as the bridge scene in Tropic Thunder and the hilarious cable guy character. The collaboration between Stiller and other comedic talents has always been a recipe for success, and Conan has enjoyed being a part of it.
As the conversation continued, Conan and Stiller reminisced about their own collaborations over the years, particularly when Conan hosted Late Night. They reflected on the creative process behind the segments they worked on together and marveled at the level of dedication that went into producing a comedy piece for a late-night show. Conan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with Stiller, who was always open to ideas and willing to go the extra mile to make a comedic vision come to life.
In the end, both Conan and Stiller acknowledged how things have changed since those early days. Conan mentioned his own energy levels and how he approaches his current talk show. While there may still be wacky ideas thrown around, Conan admitted that he now prefers a more laid-back approach, just chatting about the work and enjoying the conversation.
Conan O’Brien‘s enthusiasm for comedy and his appreciation for the talent of performers like Ben Stiller are evident throughout this lively conversation. The gas fight scene from Zoolander will forever be etched in their memories as one of the funniest moments to grace the screen.
