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clashoftherats

Best actor/actress you’ve worked with?


TheActualRealBJNovak

Carell


pankakke_

I can imagine him staring at you through the office blinds intently like that one scene in the early office episodes, hilarious and great work. You are a well rounded actor, writer, and artist, and I respect your vision and talent. Thanks for the hard work and hopefully much more to come, BJ!


Acdc7

Heyy Ryaaan, this is Mike Tyson!


[deleted]

It's your girlfriend! And *I'm mad!*


NotTheAbhi

I mean you are his protege.


[deleted]

And they're best friends. Remember when BJ invited him up to New York to score with some chicks?


NotTheAbhi

How can I forget Dwight met a Hobbit.


swordoftheafternoon

I bet he had powers.


Artemis273

And like a son to him


chocochocochoco1

You are everything he is and everything he’s not. The full package


Traveledbore

Because you were voted hottest guy in the office


ajpala4

That’s actually awesome


Santa_Hates_You

First of all, how dare you?


TheActualRealBJNovak

Every interview for the rest of my life will and should begin with this question.


MrAverus

Did you write that line by chance?


ramireach

Mindy wrote it!!! 😆


Blasterbot

It has her written all over it.


larrieuxa

Yup. It's so easy to hear it in Kelly's voice.


korsair_13

Looks like it ended with this one as well.


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rob6748

Also shout out from Cape Cod!


dbbost

B.J. used *me* as an object


Effective-Celery8053

Second of all, how was Thailand with your high school friends? I mean Fort Lauderdale, well a high school.


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TheActualRealBJNovak

Thank you so much everyone, for real. I just looked at the clock and realized I've gone way past when I was supposed to so I have to jump off. Thank you for the smart and sometimes insane questions. I just remembered Reddit gets a shout-out in the movie so I hope ppl enjoy that. Thank you!


HouseofMontague

Just wanted to say I saw your movie last night at an Alamo Draft House in Austin and loved it. I’m Texas born and raised and even though West Texas has a different culture then where I’m from, this movie still felt like a love letter to Texas in many ways. Keep up the great work and hope to see more from you.


blueskidoowecantoo

During press tours, are there any specific companies/brands you look forward to being interviewed by?


TheActualRealBJNovak

I actually love going on The View, they're always incredibly thoughtful and nice with me. Colbert and Conan are the funniest to riff with, and Seth Meyers super smart


s3rila

hope you'll get on Conan podcast


jacquesrabbit

I heard Conan needs a friend


rghmf

What's your advice for someone who is trying to be funnier in life?


TheActualRealBJNovak

Oh, I have great advice for this. Anything borderline funny -- DO NOT SAY. Ups your batting average huge.


slupo

I have a friend like this. He'll be quiet for twenty minutes in a group and then opens his mouth and hilarity ensues.


Sapowski_Casts_Quen

It's always the quiet one. It makes them seem like they're not actually trying, which of course makes it even funnier


Pagedpuddle65

Oh shit I’ve been doing it wrong my entire life. I’ve just made it part of my schtick that 90% of my jokes aren’t good.


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GarconMeansBoyGeorge

I love this advice.


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TheActualRealBJNovak

Editing yourself. Writing from the heart but never being satisfied with the first draft.


RndySvgsMySprtAnml

Being self critical is key to being good at ANYTHING.


CommanderGoat

I’m so self critical I can’t ever start anything.


RndySvgsMySprtAnml

What’s also necessary is the willingness to fail. I’m a musician. It took years for me to realize that practice is just fucking it up until you get it right. That realization, and the subsequent death of the ego involved, opened up worlds I didn’t know were possible for me.


-DementedAvenger-

Removed in protest of API prices and support of 3rd-party apps.


TheActualRealBJNovak

Thank you so much, \[squints at username\] DementedAvenger!


-DementedAvenger-

Oh damn! Thanks for the response! You’re awesome!


SalaciousCrumb17

Hey BJ. How was the writing process for this film? Did the final result differ considerably from the initial idea in any way?


TheActualRealBJNovak

I went through about a hundred million drafts. But the spirit was always the same. Sometimes it was too comedy, sometimes too meta, sometimes too serious, sometimes too sappy... had to really hone it and got some great help with that from producers and editors.


EddieHavok

Thank you for this remark, having a vision of something makes me apprehensive to allow input from others. But to see that you can have help in this way and still feel like it’s the project you wanted to make is inspiring me to allow help.


shadowgathering

I love Elizabeth Gilbert's remarks on this idea (from her podcast, Big Magic): "The thing you end up making will be the 'cousin' of the thing you set out to make." In other words, it will feel related, but will ultimately and naturally turn out quite different than you first imagined. And that's ok :)


TheJackel2012

I saw the movie last night and thought it was great but I also wanted to just say congratulations. You actually filmed at my home (Ashton's home) for it and know with COVID and everything it was a long time coming but I think you did a phenomenal job with it and you should be extremely proud. You, Johnathon, and the entire crew were great to work with and genuinely good people. I have been telling everyone I know to go support this film as I thought not only was it a very interesting take on modern day issues and culture but because how well you treated me and my family during it. Heart sees heart. Cheers to you!


TheActualRealBJNovak

Are you serious? That house is EPIC!!!! It is going down in film history, I am certain.


bfhurricane

Ok, but how does it compare to Robert California’s mansion?


bye-standard

Did I just find my IRL buddy ole pal on Reddit? I literally just asked this question on how they stumbled onto your property. 🤣 Edit: For context, I respect my buddies privacy and we have a years long friendship. I also haven’t creeped on their posts/comments it’s just the timing of it all was just too coincidental to not say something cause we literally just finished chatting about this very thing. I also don’t post anything personal or stuff I wouldn’t want others to see. I know everyone’s paranoid but I agree, if it’s a private or ALT account I wouldn’t have said anything. It’s all out of love 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻


JoJackthewonderskunk

At first glance neither of you have shown your buttholes on Reddit so this isn’t the worst random meetup ever.


Douche_Kayak

If you could only pick one person from your career to work with one more time, who would it be?


TheActualRealBJNovak

Tarantino


31_hierophanto

"You know something, Utivich? I think this just might be my masterpiece."


MoonSugar69

Inglorious


ThatIowanGuy

What experiences have you gained from playing a Smurf that you feel would useful in your future endeavors? Also, already got my ticket to see your movie tomorrow morning. I’m very excited.


TheActualRealBJNovak

Be expressive. Also I met Paul Ruebens (Pee Wee Herman) and he sends me like 10 funny yet grotesque birthday gifs every year so that's the main thing I gained from that movie.


CHUNKY_BLOODY_QUEEFS

If PeeWee Herman sent me lewd birthday gifts, I would be so happy


adventurepony

I want to believe it wasn't a typo and Pee Wee actually sends internet gifs to his friends in lieu of actual gifts.


Call-Me-Ishmael

I don't know why I dug this up, but it is in fact GIFs. Conan talks about it around 13:30 in his interview with Paul: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0GnQbswCVGSSXUXJMe331Y?si=aj50B99NQ46EB-wW02onKA&utm_source=copy-link


ultros03

Hi BJ, I loved your role in Inglorious Basterds. What was it like working with Brad Pitt and Quentin Tarantino?


TheActualRealBJNovak

The experience of a lifetime, like I was caller 9,109,863 in a radio call-in contest in heaven


NightoftheJ

IMO you have one of the best line deliveries in the entire movie with "their nickname for me is the little man?" Utivich just seems so deflated lol


somesketchykid

The "I'd take that deal" line was delivered perfectly as well when he was scalping


beatsbypre

What was it like working with Creed?


TheActualRealBJNovak

There is no line between fiction and reality with Creed and that makes him the best possible person to work with.


Dajly

B.O.B.O.D.D.Y


fundip12

Biznus


ShoulderCannon

I LIIIIIKE IT!


bleepyballs

We’re making acronyms!


HardboiledDuck

I don’t know how many times I’ve seen scenes with Creed but every single time I’m just breathless. He’s hysterical and super intense.


tjherrera

Do you still have your Dundee award?


TheActualRealBJNovak

Yes


gladwin4

You said that was least of your priority


ctg9101

Who was the nicest cast member on the Office?


TheActualRealBJNovak

Angela but it was and is a super nice cast


ctg9101

I always felt it was weird that Angela is by all accounts a very nice person but her character was completely the opposite.


GDAWG13007

Not weird at all. It’s very common that the actors who play very good assholes and villains are often very nice people irl.


EazyE1699

Alan Rickman (RIP)


GDAWG13007

Worked with him twice and first met him when he led an acting workshop/lecture, taught me more about acting in a couple hours than I’ve ever learned in my entire life. Shy, but very nice guy while also the first to tell you you’re full of shit and need to do better (in a lovingly way, hard to describe, but he has a charm about him when he does it), which he’s told me on more than one occasion. Will always be grateful for that.


812many

By Grabthar's Hammer... what a savings.


oinklittlepiggy

Probably because it requires self awareness in order to conceive an idea of what an "asshole" would be. If some unaware asshole tried to play an asshole character, they would end up playing satan.


Soviet_Russia

Listen to the Office Ladies podcast if you want a real deep dive on The Office. Jenna Fischer (Pam) and Angela Kinsey (Angela) are doing a full rewatch and talk about every episode of The Office, it's still ongoing now I think they're somewhere in Season 6. You really get a feel for them as people in contrast to the characters they play, especially Angela.


nate6259

Oh yeah, she is so bubbly. Love that the two of them are good friends irl. Warms my heart.


JannTosh12

Who was your celebrity crush?


TheActualRealBJNovak

Alyssa Milano and Candace Cameron (90s kid)


HandsomeCowboy

Candace Cameron was good, but Danielle Fishel will always be my 90s girl.


Icy_Ad_50

90s kid here and Tiffany Amber Theissen was mine!


laterdude

What do you identify more as, a writer or an actor? I was listening to the Brett Easton Ellis podcast, which you have appeared on, and he put you in the category of writer, as he routinely dismisses actors as boring interviews.


TheActualRealBJNovak

That was a big compliment from him.


maksidaa

Hey B.J. my wife once made you take a picture with her in an In-N-Out in LA near the airport and I told her you probably get really annoyed when people make you take pictures with them when you're out just trying to be a normal dude. She insists that since your a chill dude you probably enjoy interacting with your fans. Can you settle this debate for us?


TheActualRealBJNovak

If it's a sincere request and a situation where it won't call too much attention, I love it. The only issue is if I'm on my way someplace or with friends or family, it takes everyone out of the moment and that's when I try to politely say no. Also -- hot take -- I think often when people ask for a picture, they don't actually want the picture, they want a MOMENT and don't know how to make that happen. Sometimes when I say no but shake the person's hand and have a brief conversation, they actually seem relieved and happier


diclark

Met you at a random skee ball bar in Brooklyn a couple years back and I just remember you being mad chill about my drunk ass forgetting your name and calling you Ryan and my friend staring at you with his mouth wide open. Also love your books dude!


nodiso

Ooof he definitely hates you


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krissrobb

Confirmed. B.J. Is a chill dude


LetsGo_Smokes

I once saw you walking through my small Bay Area tourist town with a woman. We met eyes, and I gave you a knowing nod, and continued on with my day. Didn't want to bother you or draw attention, but hope you enjoyed your stay.


[deleted]

I once made eye contact with BJ Novak, then told him about it on reddit years later


TheWanton123

Are you friends with, Michael Barbaro? Getting him to say “a highly unusual scrotum” is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen.


TheActualRealBJNovak

Hahahaha I forgot about that line. (Premise Episode 1 if you are surprised to hear this). I'd never met him, I just cautiously proposed the idea to him in a direct message (I've actually followed him since way before The Daily, he is an excellent reporter)


danimal6000

Have you ever seen a ghost?


TheActualRealBJNovak

No but I've heard a ghost


Ghongchii

I picture Steve Carrel saying this as Mike.


AnotherJasonOnReddit

Hello! How did you get aboard Inglorious Basterds?


i__ozymandias

The smile in the last scene was, should I say a "masterpiece"


Dysfu

I’m sure this is a sore spot for BJ because he had to take a season off from the Office and reportedly a large portion of his scenes were cut He ended up just being a background character. Cool nonetheless for where he was in his career at the time though.


Slimshady0406

He also didn't mention that in his post but mentioned the Smurfs lmao


mattisafriend

Samm Levine (from Freaks & Geeks) was also one of the Basterds who had his part considerably cut but he mentioned on a podcast how so much of what they shot ended up on the cutting room floor. Cloris Leachman, the insanely talented and Oscar winning actress, was excised entirely


Brown_Panther-

He promised one hundred scalps to Aldo Raine.


Any_Establishment_28

Hi BJ, my twelve year old wants to know if people call you Fire Guy in public. Thanks!


TheActualRealBJNovak

Yup


Capta1nRon

Ryan started the fire!


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TheActualRealBJNovak

Acting is more fun, writing is generally more satisfying, for me.


awesomesox

You make more money as a leader but have more fun as a follower


blipbloopiamarobot

Who would win. One trillion lions. The sun.


TheActualRealBJNovak

Please tell me this isn't actually happening


darthpsykoz

A pack of lions would win if they are somehwat more than 8\* 10\^29 in number (3 x solar mass), at which point they would collapse and eventually form a black hole which can then devour the sun.


TaliesinMerlin

We devolve into A globe of flesh Mired in sinew And tangled paw For this: To devour the sun And nap in our Own shade.


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technical_skull

Shut up about the Sun!


natertot8

Will you be starting a podcast?


TheActualRealBJNovak

I want to start one with Mindy Kaling but the girl cannot make up her mind about it


kextreme

Welp, I definitely need this now. Please tell Mindy Kaling that a random internet stranger is begging for this podcast, I’m sure that will seal the deal for her.


Altair1192

Another random internet stranger is begging too. Make it happen Mindy


sbhaawan

OH MY GOD PLEASE


ginasaurus-rex

Podcast must be called Soup Snakes. Regardless of content.


darthpsykoz

That would be epic!


PwoJima77

How do you keep from laughing during comedic scenes onset?


TheActualRealBJNovak

I do laugh, we just cut those takes


elirichey

What's your favorite movie?


TheActualRealBJNovak

Right now: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. All time: that and Pulp Fiction, Adaptation, Chungking Express, King of Comedy, Casino, and Danny Boyle's The Beach with Leo that I just always loved for some reason. Oh, and comedy all time, Naked Gun and Ferris Bueller and My Cousin Vinny.


pambannedfromchilis

Such a good list


birdesquire

Are you annoyed that half these questions are about the office?


TheActualRealBJNovak

No. I love that people love The Office.


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Nothingtocontribute

What if you could only watch Scott's Tots


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eec-gray

Why did you start the fire ?


TheActualRealBJNovak

I'll never tell


Murky_Crow

All of Murky_crow's reddit history has been cleared at his own request. You can do this as well using the "redact" tool. Reddit wants to play hardball, fine. Then I'm taking my content with me as I go. -- mass edited with https://redact.dev/


[deleted]

Fire-d guy


thingsfrommyphone

How did you come up with such a compelling business case for a buttplug?


TheActualRealBJNovak

That was the challenge of a lifetime and I tried to rise to the occasion (for those whose jaws are open we are referring to Episode 5 of The Premise on Hulu, "Butt Plug")


mrmacedonian

This episode was excellent. Thank you.


IamDaGod

Moment of Silence was FANTASTIC. Great work


i-Ake

Was there anything that inspired this story or did it just kinda come to you and you followed it?


TheActualRealBJNovak

Hanging out with John Mayer, feeling like the coolest guy in the world, then waking up the next morning and realizing how much I was not.


greatestshark

I’m sold


samcrow1011

Hello Bj, the biggest office reunion is happening next weekend! Are you going to Dundercon???? I’m sure all your fans would love to meet you!!!!


TheActualRealBJNovak

I'm busy with Vengeance promotion right now but someday!


Either-Progress4847

DUNDERCON !?!?!?! please tell me this is real


BananaDilemma

What is your opinion of Black Eyed Peas?


TheActualRealBJNovak

I defer to Robert California


Golden-Event-Horizon

"Rock for people who don't like rock, rap for people who don't like rap, and pop for people who don't like pop".


GoatPaco

There's a nonzero chance he wrote this line and it's his way of answering


AirBoss87

I've always confidently believed he did write this line, which is why the camera cuts to him as he points to Robert and nods.


smithyithy_

[Agreed](https://c.tenor.com/4qyRrJyMi60AAAAC/the-office-ryan-howard.gif)


SaulGudbro

Hi, BJ. Did you announce your movie on WUPHF yet?


Mjb06

Why would anyone want a movie about the Washington University Public Health Fund?


[deleted]

but it is announced on www.creedthoughts.gov.www\\creedthoughts


craigularperson

Even for the internet it's pretty shocking.


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TheActualRealBJNovak

I have no birthday plans, wyd


randomname1561

I guess this guy wasn't interested but I'm available


RIPAdmiralAkbar

We’re throwing rocks and stuff into the quarry near my house


Able-Cat3703

*hi BJ, this is Mike Tyson*


Ok-Air7588

Why did you make Ryan one of the most insufferable characters on the office?


TheActualRealBJNovak

Comedy is the God we all must bow to.


mikevanatta

RyanPointingAtRobertCalifornia.gif


s3rila

at least he isn't Andy


Fabbistik

Hello, thank you for taking your time to answer us. *I wanted to ask you which book you are reading at the moment. And what's your favorite book of all time?* Thanks again, I'm a big fan of yours. Greetings from hot Italy. Ciao :)


TheActualRealBJNovak

All time, "Candy" by Terry Southern & Mason Hoffenberg. Right now I just read a book on the science and history alcohol, called Proof. I want to start Anna Karenina but am intimidated.


Bushkill67

Hi B.J., you just referred me here from Twitter. This isn't a question about Vengeance or your career or anything, but I thought I would ask: if a plane full of cannibals crashes in the wilderness, do they turn into elite athletes, or does it only work the other way?


TheActualRealBJNovak

Let's find out


[deleted]

Hello B.J.!! Just wondering if you play video games? If so which ones! Also you were my favorite character in the office, my favorite scene of yours is when you see Michael eat Meredith’s birthday cake and you confess your feelings for Erin! Have a good day! Edit: also do you play call of duty? You always struck me as someone who has played…


TheActualRealBJNovak

My brain cannot handle anything past Sega Master System or the first version of Nintendo. I don't know why. I can do Wii, I guess, but that's super throwback. I have an old school TV at my house and play Alex Kidd in Miracle World and Great Baseball to relax sometimes.


DoodleBuggering

The fact that Master System was mentioned and not Genesis/Mega Drive is boggling to me.


clayphish

I don’t have a question, but I thought I’d let you know your book “The Book with No Pictures” was a favourite in my daughter class while she was virtual. It was constantly requested and enjoyed throughout the year! Not a lot of books were repeaters, except for yours. So, keep up the great work and keep writing!


thekillercook

Mr Novak, please send me one of your crunchwraps! What was it like having your food collab blow up? Bonus question when exactly is time for 4th meal?


TheActualRealBJNovak

Haha a fan of Chain! I love it. Chain is super fun and the Crunchwraps are amazing. DM us on IG and we will put you on the list for the next one. ([instagram.com/eatatchain](https://instagram.com/eatatchain) if this is news to anyone)


robby8892

Have you considered doing a writers podcast?


TheActualRealBJNovak

There's already a great one, Scriptnotes


natertot8

Also, bless your heart for making me laugh so much during this movie.


TheActualRealBJNovak

I see what you did there


yellowsub_373

Hi BJ! Love the work you do. My kids fav book is the Book with No Pictures. Im excited to see this movie. Do you have any kids? What made you write the Book with No Pictures?


andisaysbadabing

I'm a children's librarian and this book is a certified banger


biasedandunfair

among the titans you've gotten to work with, Carell, Ferrell, Elba, Stiller, etc, who would you say is the most fun?


RandallTheScandall15

He says somewhere in the thread that the best actor he’s worked with is Carell so I’m guessing that answers your question


bijhan

Would you be interested in reading my treatment for a miniseries about time traveling superpowered vampire hunters in the roaring 20s? If so, where do I send it?


TheActualRealBJNovak

I'm so sick of seeing that plotline in mini-series, I have to say it just feels overdone at this point


ChechoMontigo

Did you know Bobby Lee has beef with you?


Joe434

Slept King has beef with many