Overview

• In a new Hollywood Reporter interview, Apatow details early Universal notes that prompted him to scrap the first three days of filming over concerns about tone and how the leads read on screen.
• He says Steve Carell originated the concept from an unfinished Second City sketch, with improvisation shaping key moments during production.
• The team filmed Carell’s chest waxing for real using multiple cameras, with Apatow recalling waxer Miki Mia as inexperienced during the painful shoot.
• An unrated cut features a Stormy Daniels fantasy bit that some viewers later criticized for leaning too heavily on porn elements.
• Apatow adds that Seth Rogen now regrets the improvised “You know how I know you’re gay?” exchange despite its strong preview reactions at the time.