Exploring the Comedy of Ricky Stanicky with William H. Macy: A Dive into Air Dicking and John Cena's Softer Side

Zac Efron is back to his comedic roots in the movie Ricky Stanicky, following his impressive performance in the dramatic film The Iron Claw in 2023. This time, he is joined by real-life wrestler-turned-actor John Cena, who takes on a funny yet surprisingly emotional role. The R-rated movie, available on Prime Video, is directed by Peter Farrelly, known for There's Something About Mary. The story revolves around a group of friends who have been avoiding facing the consequences of their actions by using the name "Ricky Stanicky."

In the film, Ricky is the imaginary childhood friend of Dean, JT, and Wes, played by Efron, Andrew Santino, and Jermaine Fowler, respectively. They use Ricky as an excuse whenever they find themselves in trouble or need to skip a baby shower to attend a concert instead. However, things take a turn when they decide to hire Rock Hard Rod, portrayed by Cena, to impersonate Ricky in front of their partners and their intimidating finance boss Summerhayes, played by William H. Macy from Shameless. This decision forces them to reevaluate the importance of friendship and confront the consequences of their own lies.

Ricky Stanicky Is About Zac Efron & John Cena's Dramatic Chops As Well As Comedic Timing

Screen Rant interviewed Farrelly and Macy about the highs and lows of Ricky Stanicky. They discussed the valuable character work that costars Efron and Cena brought to their respective roles. Farrelly highlighted the human side of his script and its characters, while Macy added humor by reenacting his serious training for Summerhayes' signature "air dicking" move.

Zac Efron as Dean and John Cena as Rod at the office in Ricky Stanicky - Ricky Stanicky Is About Zac Efron & John Cena's Dramatic Chops As Well As Comedic Timing

Screen Rant: Ricky Stanicky was so much fun. Peter, you are an Efron fan, clearly. What do you like best about working with Zac as an actor?

Peter Farrelly admires the talent of John Cena, describing him as a versatile actor who can easily adapt to any direction given to him. He appreciates Cena's open-mindedness and willingness to collaborate with the director, making him a pleasure to work with. Farrelly expresses his desire to work with Cena on multiple projects in the future.

The role of Ricky, or Rod, portrayed by John Cena, is described as challenging due to the character's combination of humor, embarrassment, and heartbreak. The interviewer inquires about how Farrelly and Cena managed to navigate this delicate balance while bringing the character to life on screen.

William H. Macy: When it comes to perfecting his air dicking technique, there is a certain authenticity that needs to be captured. It all starts with understanding the character of Rod and his background. Rod is portrayed as someone who has faced numerous challenges in life, making his transformation into a beloved and successful individual all the more impactful. As he navigates through newfound friendships, a romantic relationship, and job opportunities, the audience witnesses a significant change in his life. However, the question remains - what will happen if he decides to walk away from it all? Fortunately, working with John made this process seamless. John's remarkable talent as an actor, coupled with his ability to effortlessly switch between humor and seriousness, truly brought Rod to life on screen.

William H. Macy as Summerhayes lookng shocked in Ricky Stanicky - How William H. Macy Perfected His Air Dicking Technique

William, I am a big fan of you and all that you do. I think Summerhayes's signature air-dicking move is genius. Who made you do that, and how hard was it to perfect?

William H. Macy was hesitant at first, but he couldn't resist the script. He had so much fun shooting the comedy and exploring different ways to perform the role, even if it meant his wife questioning his sanity. He always wanted to collaborate with the director.

Peter Farrelly took a chance by approaching William H. Macy for the role. Despite their doubts, Macy agreed to the part wholeheartedly. Farrelly was surprised by Macy's enthusiasm and dedication to perfecting his performance, even practicing at home. It was a pleasant surprise for everyone involved.

William H. Macy finds the term quite amusing. He thinks it's really funny.

When it comes to the character of Summerhayes, William, I find it quite surprising. Despite the initial impression of him being tough and uncaring, he actually shows a softer side towards Dean, JT, and even Ricky. Can you discuss how you embraced this sweeter aspect of his character?

William H. Macy: The film's magic lies in bringing together characters who all grow and become more human by the end, while still making the audience laugh throughout.

Everyone Has Their Own Ricky Stanicky Story

I didn't have a Ricky Stanicky equivalent in my childhood, but I was definitely a liar. My father was very strict and expected a lot from me. Whenever his car pulled into the driveway, I would feel anxious, knowing that I might be in trouble for something I did wrong.

Growing up as a teenager, I would often be questioned about drinking, with people asking, "Are you drinking?" My response would always be a quick "No, of course not." On the other hand, my older and more honest sister would admit, "I was planning to have a couple of beers." She would then engage in a battle of wills with our parents, while I would simply reassure them not to worry and then go off to do my own thing. Despite our different approaches, our actions stemmed from a shared fear of getting in trouble. Looking back, I do recall not always being truthful as a child.

About Ricky Stanicky

John Cena with his arms up in Ricky Stanicky - About Ricky Stanicky

RICKY STANICKY is a hilarious R-rated comedy that follows the story of a childhood prank that spirals into a long-lasting lie. The movie stars Zac Efron, Andrew Santino, and Jermaine Fowler as childhood pals Dean, JT, and Wes, who invent a made-up character named Ricky Stanicky. To keep the lie going, they hire John Cena to play the role of their imaginary friend, Ricky Stanicky.

Check out our other interviews with:

Lex Scott Davis

Andrew Santino & Jermaine Fowler

Ricky Stanicky premieres March 7 on Prime Video.

Source: Screen Rant Plus

Editor's P/S:

The article provides an engaging glimpse into the upcoming movie "Ricky Stanicky," highlighting the comedic talents of Zac Efron and John Cena while showcasing the dramatic depth of their performances. The interviews with Peter Farrelly and William H. Macy offer intriguing insights into the creative process behind the film, revealing the challenges and rewards of bringing such a unique and entertaining story to life.

The movie's premise of using an imaginary friend as an excuse to avoid responsibility resonates with me on a personal level. Growing up, I often resorted to small lies and evasions to escape unpleasant situations or avoid confrontations. While these actions may have provided temporary relief, they ultimately hindered my personal growth and relationships. The film's exploration of this theme serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of honesty and accountability, both in our personal lives and in society as a whole.