Dont do things unless you think theyll be part of the cultural conversation, Banks recalled theSNLboss saying.
Ive tried to make choices based on that.
Im getting older, and I want to stay relevant and be in the conversation.
Elizabeth BanksEverett Collection/Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images
ELIZABETH BANKS: Its rare.
I mean, I love, obviously, the big idea.
I had never trusted that process before.
Universal Pictures
So for me, it was a real learning experience of just, you have to get over that.
Because thats what convinced me I could do it.
I know how to trigger the set; I know how to create comedy in these moments.
I can put together the set piece.
I cannot computer generate a bear.
I had to rely on other people to do that, and that loss of control was really scary.
DEADLINE: Tell us about the pitch that landed you the project.
Iknowyou put together a grisly pitch deck.
If everybody sees it this way, then we should jump in with both feet.
I want everybody to be excited about the movie that were about to make.
I need those partners to get behind it, and so I love putting together presentations like that.
Its how you get everybody to be the cheerleader for it.
[As far as] the gore, I just felt like the title is bold and audacious.
The script is bold and audacious.
I didnt want to make choices that were not also bold and audacious.
Like, the audacity of the choices, they have to live up to the title.
The movie cant live up to the title if we shy away from anything.
I was like, We need to lean in full on.
And bears dont kill their prey before they eat them.
They eat things alive.
Its intense, so that kind of led us.
Just a little bit of research led me.
So, thats what were talking about.
Did they inquire about your filmmaking methodology here?
We said, Dont worry, were not going to use a single real animal.
And we just got a thank you note from PETA, saying Thank you for showing the way.
[Laughs] So, thats a first in my career.
BANKS: To me, you answered the question, which is in its best form.
Thats what Judd did really well, and thats what the best comedies are always about.
I mean, I love comedy.
Im never going give up on it.
Everything I do has some sort of sense of humor inside of it.
Im a joyful person.
Im a mother thats trying to connect with my daughter.
Im a husband grieving the loss of my wife and trying to connect with my son.
Im a father trying to hold together the family business.
Thats where its hilarious.
Because how would anyone deal with that?
DEADLINE: In what ways has your depth of experience as an actor informed your work behind the camera?
BANKS: Well, its just my experience of being on sets.
And I felt really ready to directCocaine Bearwhen it came across my desk.
I was excited to do it.
That was really exciting to me.
But thats the experience that Ive gathered through years of being an actor and just an on-set participant.
I sit in video village.
Im sort of the annoying actor.
Im never in my trailer.
I like to be on; I like to be up in everybodys business on set.
How is Special Effects going to come up with the blood?
How are they going to blow up that car?
I mean, I just love it.
I love all of the collaboration and technical aspects that go into it.
Im constantly trying to improve myself and learn more.
DEADLINE:Cocaine Bearmarks one of the iconic actor Ray Liottas final projects.
And I dont think hes well known for those things, you know?
But at the same time, hes also a comically unfit grandpa.
Theres more going on there, and I just knew that he would be very game.
And that that was it.
He came joyfully to set every day.
He never said no to me, and he was such a gift.
DEADLINE:What was one of your favorite days on set, or aspects of the experience withCocaine Bear?
BANKS: Gosh, I had a lot of favorite days on set.
She just would fall into giggles every time they talked, and that was a delight.
They just were entertaining the crew nonstop.
I mean, every take was fresh and funny.
DEADLINE:The film has some pretty memorable death scenes that must have also been interesting to work out.
[Laughs] Like, describing whats happening to my friends.
The blood is pouring down your face.
Breathe slower; breathe faster.
Do you see further concrete examples of how you might capitalize on the idea going forward?
BANKS: I dont know.
Ive got to figure out another genre to attack.
Maybe itll just be a comedy-comedy next time, Im not sure.
You know, look.
I like to go to the theater and be entertained.
They approached a life event or a traumatic thing with humor.
But for me, Im always going try and present the more entertaining way, I guess.
DEADLINE: As a director, youve so far gotten to tacklea nice balance of original and franchise films.
Or is there anything you’re able to share, otherwise, about what you might make next?
[Laughs] Truly, Im open to everything.
And if I can continue to put my stamp on things, Ill consider that a success.
DEADLINE: Anything to add in terms of the slate youreproducing via your company, Brownstone?
BANKS: Were excited about the new season ofBumper in Berlin.
Were excited aboutRed Queen, which is an IP that weve just loved and loved.
And were working with Peacock on that, as well.
[Laughs]
DEADLINE: What stage of the process are you at withRed Queen?
BANKS: Were in the script stage.
