Summary
In the movie This is the End, Michael Cera was actually slapped by Rihanna, adding humor and realism to the scene.
The movie's absurdity and ridiculous premise, combined with its incorporation of humor into every devastating scene, have made it notorious. This is the End garnered both commercial success and critical acclaim, credited to its unforgettable celebrity cameos and clever wit.
Michael Cera has revealed that Rihanna did, in fact, slap him while filming This is the End. The film, a dark comedy set in a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles, features various celebrity cameos in exaggerated versions of themselves. In one memorable scene, a drug-addled Cera slaps Rihanna, only to receive a powerful counterstrike in return.
Unlike many on-screen slaps, which are usually staged, the slap in This is the End was genuine. Cera confessed in an interview with GQ that he actively encouraged Rihanna to deliver a real hit, resulting in him being knocked to the ground. Here is an excerpt from Cera's statement:
I mean, she certainly struck me, yes. It was something I truly desired. I find it much more humorous and persuasive. Therefore, she hit me with considerable force. I mean, she truly made me soar, and it was absolutely thrilling. Now, this agony that I endured is forever captured on film.
This Is The End Is Memorable For Its Absurdity
Michael Cera has starred in numerous peculiar films throughout his career. Among them, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World particularly stands out due to its outrageous scenarios where he confronts his girlfriend's malevolent exes. However, It is the End takes the prize for its unbelievably comical plot, incorporating humor into every calamitous scene. Cera's cameo in the film serves as evidence that realism is of little concern in this absurd masterpiece.
While only making a brief appearance in the movie, Cera's eccentric cameo in This is the End leads to several outrageous moments. In his first scene, he delivers a slap to Rihanna, setting the tone for the absurdity that follows. Cera then reunites with Jonah Hill and Christopher Mintz-Plasse, reliving their Superbad days, but with a twist - he surprises Mintz-Plasse by showering him with cocaine, which backfires. Additionally, Jay Baruchel unintentionally stumbles upon Cera engaged in a peculiar form of oral sex with two female partygoers. Cera's wild cameo reaches its climax as he meets his demise, impaled by a streetlight while accusing someone of stealing his cell phone.
This is the End's comedic style is responsible for its tremendous success. Despite being made on a budget of less than $50 million, the film grossed over $126.5 million at the box office. It also received positive reviews from critics, earning an impressive 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie's numerous celebrity cameos, including those of Rihanna and Michael Cera, only further validated the undeniable appeal of its humor. A decade since its release, This is the End remains unforgettable due to the memorable interactions between its characters.
Source: GQ