Danny McBride Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

Danny McBride breaks down his most iconic roles from films and television, including 'Tropic Thunder,' 'This Is the End,' 'The Foot Fist Way,' 'Eastbound & Down,' 'Hot Rod,' 'Pineapple Express,' 'Your Highness,' 'Vice Principals,' 'Alien: Covenant' and 'The Righteous Gemstones.'
Read Danny McBride's GQ Global Creativity Awards profile here: www.gq.com/story/danny-mcbrid...
Director: Robby Miller
Director of Photography: David Keller
Editor: Evan Allan
Talent: Danny McBride
Producer: Camille Ramos
Line Producer: Jen Santos
Production Manager: James Piptione
Talent Booker: Ernesto Macias
Camera Operator: Pat Black
Gaffer: Jimmy Rojas
Sound Mixer: Suzan Brand
Production Assistant: Sarah MacDonald
Groomer: Leigh Ann Yandle
Post Production Supervisor: Rachael Knight
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Rob Lombardi
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
00:00 Danny McBride's Iconic Characters
00:24 Tropic Thunder
03:05 This Is the End
04:45 The Foot Fist Way
08:18 Eastbound & Down
11:50 Hot Rod
13:36 Pineapple Express
15:35 Your Highness
18:07 Vice Principals
21:31 Alien: Covenant
23:41 The Righteous Gemstones
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[@GQVideos]

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[@hexenhaus_]

no

[@irisheric3]

No

[@nitrum3000]

No

[@jakefrommyspace]

Everything he touches turns to comedy gold

[@reach4thesports897]

the last three Halloween movies were certainly laughable

[@briceticker6721]

Including alien covenant. Hilarious movie

[@prathapkutty7407]

​@@briceticker6721 well his character was a lot of fun.

[@niconice2171]

Except for Halloween Ends 😂

[@mathieuduval7544]

@@reach4thesports897Yeah idk wtf they were thinking (him and David) trying to make a trilogy of one of the most popular and iconic horror franchise ever!!!.... horror movies are NOT for them, especially DGG!!!

[@JeewanthaBandara]

Him playing himself in This is the End is the best representation of chaotic (and hilarious) evil I've seen in a movie.

[@Unpainted_Huffhines]

_"Calm down,_ I'm sure _the Green Goblin_ can afford more bacon..."

[@johnclavis]

When does he NOT play himself?

[@morganghetti]

He plays himself in everything

[@Puppy_Puppington]

Channing tate-yummmm

[@Panama_Red]

​@@johnclavisright? He is the character and hats of to him for making a successful career out of it.

[@kreipoyke]

Kenny Powers is one of the greatest comedy characters of all time. HBO needs to keep letting him make whatever he wants because Eastbound, Vice Principals and Righteous Gemstones are hilarious

[@jroenker1]

Absolutely 💯!!!!!

[@DavidLoveOfficial]

Kenny F***ing Powers

[@danielrichardson6054]

Gemstones has gotten better for sure. Didn’t know what to make of it at first.

[@RemoWilliams1227]

Absofreakinglutely!

[@AJ-das]

Not to mention, the ending scene of the series is the best finale in cinema history. Untouchable

[@Dreamagain11]

Lmao Bill Hader's "are we gonna get this in a wide shot" line always sticks in my head and hearing that it was actual studio notes passed to stiller makes it even more hilarous

[@TonyMarselle]

So true

[@jasonfitzpatrick2197]

Him becoming a Mad Max cannibal chieftain in about six hours was definitely a highlight for me.

[@Puppy_Puppington]

You mean a raider?

[@TheBorz0]

In about six hours?

[@jasonfitzpatrick2197]

@@TheBorz0 Hundreds of people understand what I said, what's causing confusion?

[@TheBorz0]

@@jasonfitzpatrick2197 what movie/show you're talking bout

[@jasonfitzpatrick2197]

@@TheBorz0 This Is The End

[@Nastynati0513]

This dude is so underrated. Just look at all the tv shows he's had come and go alone. All bangers, even vice principals. Then, add in his movies, dude is a comedy genius.

[@TheColorTheft68]

Vice Principals was friggin' great!

[@trentsikes2106]

Eastbound is one of the all-time greats.

[@lovebearextraordinaire1.069]

Ridiculously underrated.

[@michaelhahn5328]

More people need to know Vice Principals

[@actnow3]

Who underrates Danny McBride? Dude has been in nothing but bangers, and he rated just where he should be (highly)

[@abelincoln4374]

No TV show has ever made me laugh like eastbound and down. All 4 seasons are absolute gems.

[@friedchopstickz]

"Your gonna break the door, are you gonna pay for it" 😆 Lives rent free forever

[@DanielRodriguez-eh1qd]

“It’s my cats birthday” that one always does it for me lol.

[@friedchopstickz]

@DanielRodriguez-eh1qd and "kimono dog, makes me aerodynamic when I fight"

[@keeponlivin81]

It makes me aerodynamic when I fight! I can take danger!

[@friedchopstickz]

@keeponlivin81 "tryna get a mfkn scholarship"

[@keeponlivin81]

​@@friedchopstickz it's a cold sore. I never had one before. Started to cry.

[@chrisramirezv]

Eastbound and Down is a masterpiece!

[@edwardduarte7393]

The opening is so funny!

[@1chrisanderson]

His character arc and the amount of catharsis you get in the final season... It's up there with the very best of them

[@alcoholocaust7]

GOAT 🐐

[@kristenmkerber]

Getting a tattoo of Kenny Powers lolol

[@Emery101]

Pick up those FIXINS!

[@jimsheppard3166]

It's strange hearing Danny converse like a normal human being, without the heavy accents and/or profanity. 😂

[@titania642]

I had no idea he had such love for movie making. That scene in This is the End when he talks about coming everywhere is still one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen in my life. He’s a legend!

[@HeyCupertino]

"I'll come anywhere I wunt!"

[@TheDersEffect8]

I’ve been dropping loads everywhere since I got here!

[@fuzzybutkus8970]

Never met a guy that doesn’t like Danny McBride. “The righteous Gemstones” is brilliant.

[@chrishaus1607]

I wish he went over his role in Land of the Lost. Loved that movie when I was a kid

[@connormoorerocks]

same!

[@benshabaan]

I wish he talked about GTA 5 and Arizona

[@Dantheman-bw8hv]

It was the first movie I saw him in

[@l1lunc1v1l]

MY childhood movie

[@SvPVids]

how dare he skip that one

[@mtbra9435]

His entrance in This Is the End is the definition of "iconic"

[@alexello1189]

My dad and I still do the interlocked finger wave he does at breakfast. It’s up there with jack blacks “I’ll have a small glass of carrot juice” at restaurants

[@roccosaint5844]

@@alexello1189 "Yeah, we don't have that here." "Then I will have nothing."

[@terrellgrant1570]

Preach

[@Jake-pz7oi]

‘F*** yeah!’

[@Native174]

And his exit when he leaves the house lol 😂

[@criticalrapture]

Vice Principals ended too soon. It was a masterpiece.

[@miguelespino6087]

Would have loved more seasons.

[@budderkiller9876]

No land of the lost😢

[@DeltaAsherHill]

Awe!! Darn!

[@iTalkALotDontListen]

I was looking forward to him talking about that the most 😢

[@angrybob8126]

I wanted to see Arizona underrated movie

[@samuelpeterson5472]

Frrr

[@MikefromQueens]

Downey talking to himself lmao amazing

[@Oureradication]

IMMA GO DRAIN THE SNAKE

[@Livelarge913]

Drain the main vein

[@jc4jax]

You mean Kurt Lazarus, cause that's what a method actor would do

[@EMMYK1916]

​@Oureradication in Ireland, the lads would say "strain the spuds "

[@dasupertramp5855]

At the beginning of the cast commentary, Jack Black tells Downey that he heard him peeing in character. It's worth listening to 😂

[@jar768jake]

You could argue that Danny is pretty much just playing a variation of the same character each time, but I'm here for it every time.

[@pony3284]

I think thats always been my subconscious idea too, almost in a negative way. But seeing him here is a nice reminder that dudes pretty chill and takes this stuff seriously

[@thedrizzle5411]

Similarly, Will Ferrell plays a variation of the same character himself

[@shudderbutter4540]

True although totally different characters in Eastbound and Vice Principals.

[@jshumphress13]

Maybe but mostly due to him being a naturally funny human being.

[@Nimajneb42069]

@@pony3284it’s not subconscious, it’s true. He openly talks about this in interviews he did for his role alien covenant. There’s a reason guys like robin williams, Jim carrey, and Adam sandler who can do both drama and comedy at a high level are so rare

[@Nelly34e]

Hard to do a Pineapple Express sequel when Hollywood has basically blacklisted James Franco

[@carlosrodriguez-xt1ug]

Danny McBride and Walton Goggins is a serious force I think people are finally understanding.

[@user-rc3sv2wo2q]

When I saw this in my feed, I heard "Let the boy watch, let the boy learn."

[@Locusto199]

I said the exact thing to my wife, DONNAAA.

[@TranceRufus]

HEAVY BREATH

[@jaredgibson7462]

Ima pay ya 2 hunnert bucks kenny.

[@Sean-fu3oi]

Getting’ ready for the farmers market. 🍑

[@sternonisoil]

Deep down in my plums

[@SuperNathan125]

Danny and Walton Goggins were truly hilarious in Vice Principals. One of my favourite shows

[@suffolkNgood1]

Unreal 😂

[@kreipoyke]

Baby Billy's Bible Bonkers

[@Sklagmann]

Love that show!!

[@Hai_hosen]

Truffle butter

[@seanfinity3689]

Can't forget The Righteous Gemstones. They're both in that, as well as Edi Patterson.

[@AMoonDancer]

Danny B is an American treasure. Those of us who grew up in the South know a guy who is a variation of each character he has played. He knows comedy and is among the best we have at knowing how to capture it for film/tv.

[@zncuentertainment712]

Eastbound, Vice Principals and Righteous Gemstones are three of my all time favorites.

[@erikshaw7]

Hot Rod, one of the greatest comedies of all time

[@kcook8023]

I drink green tea all day!!! 😂😂

[@Panama_Red]

Hwat do mean? Hwy are you saying it like that?

[@Flint-Dibble-the-Don]

"They're Rhodesian"

[@Thrashman-ye4cf]

“I GO TO CHURCH EVERY SUNDAY, YOU GONE BRING THE DEMONS OUTTA ME”

[@chrishaus1607]

cool beans

[@alextorres7655]

Crazy how he did foot fist way as a nobody and went on to get most of his iconic roles as a result of it.

[@XeresKyle]

I had no clue Danny MacBride was this well-spoken and articulate. I think we always take the characters actors play as the real actor's personality when we see them in movies; so I never thought Danny would be able to articulate his experiences on these movies so well. He is a great actor afterall.

[@APR702]

Pineapple Express 2 would have an entire generation at that movie. Please make it happen

[@Puppy_Puppington]

I wish but didn’t Franco and rogen mess up their relationship

[@pandorin2348]

Such a high expectation for PE2 that i think it would be a let down.

[@ebdo7863]

@@Puppy_Puppington Yea, when he said 'that time had passed' for a sequel to PE, I think he meant that Franco has been shunned (maybe justified) by hollyweird, and doubtful it'll be made without him. That's why he didn't mention Franco much here!!! I think

[@RosieYogi40]

I mean if you want to see what they would have done with a sequel you just have to watch This Is The End only they would have gotten the actual Woody Harrelson instead of having Jonah Hill portray him.

[@jonathanolson7179]

@@Puppy_Puppington weird take - franco is the one who turned out to be a total creep, not seth

[@djartl]

This is the most well overdue GQ Most Iconic✔️

[@ilgvarscevers7514]

pound for pound probably the funniest guy for the past 20 years in movies and TV. everytime he shows up its likely the funniest scene/-s in that movie or tv show

[@mocahmcgrady7530]

He never misses. Whenever I see his face in something it’s always worth watching

[@A-vg2yp]

I concur. I’m glad HBO lets him do whatever he wants.

[@nickblood7080]

Vice Principals is so underated.

[@siin875]

Danny randomly mentioning Time Bandits was awesome.

[@Artofficial1986]

Never realized how many of my favorites feature Danny.

[@benrosn8154]

Danny McBride is one of the best actors working today. I freaking love righteous gemstones best show ever.

[@juan2three618]

“You keep saying The Draven like we should know what that is” 😂😂😂 mssp with danny was the funniest thing possible

[@ImpatientTurtle]

One for the Dawgs.

[@Stevieeee775]

so we’re just gonna forget about ‘30 Minutes or Less’ ???

[@paulmartindale6637]

That’s why they made this video 28:40 lol

[@Locadel2003]

He actually gave a very dramatic, honest and emotional performance in "Up in the air" with George Clooney

[@reynaolvera7526]

Love that movie

[@connormoorerocks]

I also would of mentioned: Land of the Lost & 30 Minutes or Less, another two movies I think of whenever I see Danny McBrides face.

[@zandergonzales671]

Land of the lost was awful. What are you smoking?

[@matthewbailey8588]

​@@zandergonzales671 typical narcissistic d bag that doesnt understand other people have opinions too

[@liq8898]

30 minutes or less is a hilarious movie

[@Koutsimouka]

I like both them movies too

[@soundout4000]

I love how he talks about writing for a series being just like for a movie, but with more time to play with. Its why i think Eastbound and Vice Principals worked so well, they always had a clear end in mind.

[@carfish]

Danny seems very genuine, always cool to listen to people talk about something they truly love

[@carlossixtos]

danny mcbride is the only person who can make me actually laugh out loud in a movie or a show. hes the goat.

[@user-xn3vq5wz3n]

The only person really?

[@carlossixtos]

@@user-xn3vq5wz3n when it comes to acting yeah for the most part, unfortunately 😪

[@jonnygranville281]

​@user-xn3vq5wz3n stop it. You know he's being hyperbolic.

[@captainunderpants200]

Even just the out of context clips on this video had me in tears.

[@carlossixtos]

@@jonnygranville281 i’d love to prove you wrong

[@turtleboypurp]

one of the top comedic geniuses of the almost last two decades. Hope he never stops writing and making content.

[@craigmills6275]

Everything he has ever done has been gold. Eastbound and down, Vice principals, righteous gemstones, foot fist way, etc. list is endless.

[@winklestiltskin]

Danny is a national treasure. I would love to see sequels of Pineapple Express, Hot Rod & This Is The End.

[@Locusto199]

Well, technically we got a PE sequel in This Is The End 😂.

[@tmtmtlsml]

I don't know how you can make a sequel to a movie that ended with the world literally ending in the Biblical apocalypse, but if anyone can write it, it's McBride

[@Locusto199]

@@tmtmtlsml Maybe Danny is trying to infiltrate Heaven, and his ex friends have to fight him off? I agree with you tho, they should leave it be and not force a sequel.

[@phillipjfry4943]

I love Vice Principals so much.

[@Robertgio]

F*€k’ n A dude! Soo bad they didn’t make it 3rd or 4th season.

[@jamfranjam5940]

One of my favourite actors of all time, his characters and line delivery are genius.

[@JB-is4gt]

Watching these clips back to back it’s so easy to see how much Shane Gillis is inspired by McBride’s characters

[@TheDorkKnight5419]

This was one of the most comprehensive and well done breakdowns I've seen in a while. Well freaking done

[@Studeb]

I always tell people about his series, they don't seem to get as advertised as you'd expect. The Righteous Gemstones is so well made, every episode feels like a movie. Surprised that there was no mention of producing the Halloween movies.

[@Jay91Byrd]

Eastbound and Down is one of the best series ever made🔥

[@scottallen8499]

Danny cracks me up in every roll he plays 😂😂😂

[@Baseds__Backup_Account_3]

Danny McBride himself is the most iconic character of all time tbh, ya know, lol.

[@danhalen4231]

I still find it hard to believe this guy went to the same high school as me in Virginia. He was a junior when I was senior and we all had no clue greatness walked amongst us.

[@Dr_Jim57]

Stop making this about yourself

[@mattd1659]

Pineapple Express is very underrated. Franco saying ‘you threw up on my printer! Did you break it?’ is so hilarious and I don’t know why

[@supremeflavagenericsaucebo5635]

Eww chicken fries

[@MrEazio]

Linger!

[@scottbrownp18]

Love his comedic roles, but his voice performance in Mitchells vs. the Machines was incredible! He played a misunderstanding but loving dad so well in it, and the heartfelt scenes involving him were amazing to see him do.

[@808mauna]

"Land of the lost" was a classic aswell! Tropic Thunder,Pinneapple Express, Hot Rod HOF

[@JohnDoe-qu7gm]

Your Highness is one of the most underrated comedic gold movies ever

[@acehole4788]

The wizard turtle cracks me up every time

[@kool-o4823]

I love that film; never understood the hate and unlikings of it

[@connormoorerocks]

"da da defend yourself brother!"

[@davidgaither1504]

I came here to say this. Your Highness is an absolute classic to my friend group. I feel like it does not get the love it deserves.

[@blazzmatazz9051]

​@@kool-o4823 silly stoner comedies never get enough love

[@Torzelan]

Love 'Your Highness' and have watched it SO many times, really wish it got a 4K physical release.

[@tstrap4477]

Even though the characters he plays are all pretty similar I would watch a million more movies/ shows he's typecasted in. Eastbound & Down is still my favorite show ever made. Danny is a legend!

[@Sporacle]

I'm 31 and Your Highness is still hilarious

[@YoungTCash]

I’m 31 next week and I agree

[@AK-oz3yz]

I’m 42 and still love it. Favorite lines of the movie: Franco - It might be a trap McBride - The only thing those **** will trap is my warm spray

[@dakotakoll-is3rg]

34 and love it. Hilarious and awesome. It was parodying cheesy fantasy movies, don't know why it gets all the criticism for being dumb

[@mr.thunder1219]

PlAyFuL SeCrEtS

[@hammurds]

I’ve still never watched the whole thing, but I thought it was funny

[@Volte6]

Walton is one of my top 5 favorite actors. So underappreciated.

[@jamedeo4555]

Danny is one of my favorite actors of all time. I have been waiting for this one for so long. THANK YOU, GQ.

[@carpeimodiem]

Two words: *"The Draven"* If you know, you know...

[@christopherjones7513]

I hear you dawg

[@juancarlo888]

Gotta happen

[@calv279]

Unexpected to see this, Danny McBride! Always enjoyed his movies

[@Panama_Red]

I'm not a fan of his style but to his credit he knows exactly where his character type fits. Alien Covenant is the prime example. Same character as always but he knew it would fit and went all in. I'll put respect on his name

[@rodneyquqgliqtq9765]

He was awesome in Alien. Covenant.

[@warrantykillers41]

Foot Fist Way is sooooo accurate. Especially the testing scene with the guy looking around. LOLOL

[@fvances]

his pastor character in don verdeen is so spot on. like, i’ve encountered that pastor before 😂 love him and goggins together

[@jlarrybrewer1149]

The fight scene with Red in “Pineapple Express” is the funniest scene in the movie😂😂

[@connormclaren5134]

He’s also amazing in Land of the Lost!

[@goldbondisgod]

Eastbound and Down is the best comedy of all time

[@darshin95]

his trilogy of HBO Shows are legendary

[@sirsteppa1109]

Bro is one of the most underrated actors of all time ☝️

[@pyrok007]

No…. Just no

[@matttordone562]

Not really, he is very appreciated. Been popular for years, and well loved. Maybe re-learn what underrated means.

[@cwg73160]

Go back to school, and come back when you learn how to correctly use words.

[@sirsteppa1109]

@@cwg73160 you need a license for all that d-riding?

[@ButIer]

Danny McBride is a national treasure

[@THEGMSSHOW]

The fact those guys actually got injured pretty bad during that fight scene in Pineapple Express makes that scene even funnier cuz it really did look like they were getting hurt BAD 😂😂😂😂

[@r1chard077]

That first season blooper reel of Eastbound & Down will never not make me laugh

[@onemysore6120]

Pineapple Express should have won a million Oscars.

[@StephenSchaal]

There is literally no one that is funnier than McBride.

[@drshin9893]

You clearly do not know what “literally” means. Especially when discussing opinions and dealing with few to no facts. Not sure if you’re trying too hard or not trying hard enough.

[@kermitthehermit9588]

If there’s ever a movie about Pantera, Danny McBride has to play Dimebag Darrel. Kyle Gas as vinnie Paul, Steve Buceme as Rex and Jason Mews as Phil. Plus a cameo by Jack Black as Kerry King. It would be hilarious

[@bjpearce3415]

The breakdown we all were waiting for❤

[@itsyrboy]

This is my hat now! This is totally my hat.

[@anabriones2175]

I thumbs upped this video before even watching it , I love Danny so much!! Thanks GQ for recognizing this genius!

[@lumpy1603]

Your Highness is hilarious. It gets better every time I watch it

[@srecko2673]

It seems that he is always a same character in all the movies. Yet, it is not boring- it is sooo loveable and hilarious! I have feeling that he could do well in dramas or other genre. I wish he can try to do so.

[@gottajiboo40]

I first became aware of Danny McBride as Martin in The Heartbreak Kid. I immediately fell in love with his extremely unique approach to comedy and playing a character. Ever since then I have watched everything he has been in. Dude is an absolute comedic genius. Just when I thought Eastbound & Down couldn't be topped, he did just that with Vice Principles. Being born and raised in Raleigh, NC I felt a connection with the way Danny, Ben and Jody approached comedy. I am sincerely hoping for another HBO series. RIP Ben.

[@billybobb8850]

Tropic thunder , Eastbound and down definitely favorites

[@MaxTovstyiMusic]

Some of the best comedy movies and tv series, I am in the middle of Eastbound n Down and that's solid gold, Gemstones and Vice Principles are crazy funny too

[@serwinzzalot9989]

Your highness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Masterpiece and so underrated

[@thegreatbarrerquief7473]

Danny & Gillis need to colab. Straight up!

[@juancarlo888]

Gillis would have been great in Gemstones

[@johnjamesleahy4065]

He made some great points that seem simple enough but really are true About ensemble characters having different senses of humor etc and that show really does deliver with such an eclectic cast

[@ottomattix86]

It's amazing how many funny characters he's done.

[@madweedz15]

We love us some Danny McBride! HE'S LA FLAMA BLANCA!

[@rangerthederpgoat2326]

That was a blast to watch, thanks for getting him on!

[@MattTee1975]

The fight scene in Pineapple Express is one of the funniest friggin' things ever.

[@LIL_APO]

Danny is the best

[@evirobtion]

Your Highness is awesome. So rewatchable.

[@kevindavison201]

Absolutely freaking love The Righteous Gemstones!!! Can't wait for the new season to start!!!

[@Los32]

La Flama Blanca forever ⚾️

[@alexandriareese1195]

McBride Mullet is Legendary

[@Lil-Britches]

Vice Principles is amazing slept on. Everyone should watch it ❤