Adam Sandler‘s “The Ridiculous 6,” the first of an exclusive four-movie deal with Netflix, weathered controversy during production when Native American extras exited the set due to the “culturally offensive” nature of the film’s humor. At the L.A. premiere Monday at AMC Universal Citywalk, Sandler praised the streaming service for their support and collaboration.
“They were very supportive, [they] had my back the whole time,” he told Variety. Sandler attested to Netflix’s contribution of original ideas to the production, which lent a fresh perspective on the western comedy subgenre. The film follows the quest of a white man raised by Native Americans and his five half-brothers to rescue their kidnapped outlaw father.
“We were just trying to make as good of a western as we could make and we tried to make it as funny as we could make it,” Sandler said.
Director Frank Coraci also discussed the impact of the film’s Netflix release on their creative process.
“They allowed us to make a movie that might have gotten watered down if it went through a studio system,” said Coraci.
Because of the platform, cast and crew were able to integrate edgy comedy with the characteristic grit of a true western, he explained.
Sandler and Coraci were accompanied at the premiere by Netflix’s Ted Sarandos and “The Ridiculous 6” co-stars Rob Schneider, Luke Wilson, Terry Crews, Taylor Lautner, Danny Trejo, Jorge Garcia and Blake Shelton.
Coraci described the theme and plot of “The Ridiculous 6” as “pro-Native American,” as it follows a man’s journey through the wild west and his realization “that the values he grew up with [honor, trust and family] are the things that he gravitates back to.” The controversy was an incident in which cast and crew members of the production cite as a misunderstanding.
“When they were commenting on this a couple months back there was not even a finished cut of the movie,” said Crews. “Anyone who says there’s controversy has not seen the film, that’s just the truth.”
“The Ridiculous 6” will debut to Netflix subscribers worldwide on Dec. 11.
(Pictured: Luke Wilson, Taylor Lautner, Rob Schneider, Adam Sandler, Jorge Garcia and Terry Crews at the premiere of “The Ridiculous 6”)
every race and culture had it’s own tragedies; blaming Adam Sandler for them is getting no one anywhere. besides, if any of these people (in ANY of his films) went to work for Mr. Sandler under the impression that he was some sort of PC-paragon are reeking of hidden agendas… Oh and, the guy is making movies; fake things; that aren’t real. Watch or don’t watch, just stfu and get over past atrocities that don’t even affect you now.
I watched the trailer, it is absolutely funny. Can’t wait to watch it on Netflix.
Weathered? He weathered controversy? Poor guy…musta been difficult to pretend to give a crap about Native perspective whilst promoting yet more and worse sterotypes and redicule people who are STILL enduring (not merely weathering) this ongoing US genocide of my people and our brother nations!
His next movie should lampoon the Jewish culture. Write what you know Adam.
Leftists have zero sense of humor. To a leftist, everything in life is about oppressors and victims. That’s it!
What a miserable existence.
Nothing is “Pro-Native American” unless it’s a story about Native Americans and starring Native Americans. If this film was given free reign, why not do an actual Native American film? So much bullshit in this article.
About time Sandler catered to the streaming viewers. Will be the first to view, and like all his movies, will get a hammering, ad infinitum. Most of us don’t attend theatres, its a thing of the past, uncomfortable and too many people around, and gets in the way of enjoying a movie.
It’s all make believe people. Would you rather see what really happened in the Ol west, starting from thee ol east? These folks are bringing you entertainment they work hard. Obviously they are not racist, they joke and rib with about everyone! As an enrolled 100% Blackfeet native, maybe those extras should of done the job they were cast to do. As a proud Indian of my nation we natives have always been a Lil sensitive to that which we consider “off the rez” humor when ribbed by others who aren’t us. It only hurts if the shoe fits. Oh, one more thing, We are many.
Thank you Rhonda for being a voice of reason
Yes, the comments were about being disrespectful and racist jokes. Native Americans walked off the set. Not funny at all.
I agree Ann. The sad truth is that because there are so few Native Americans, people think it’s okay to use stereotypes and racist remarks. Sandler and crew shows a lack of understanding of Native Americans AND a lack of creativity if you have to use racism and stereotypes to make jokes.
Being offended is part of life…grow up and get used to it.
Stereotypes are funny and should be showcased in movies and television every day.
In a free country, with freedom of speech…this shouldn’t even be an issue.
Unfortunately, leftists hate free speech and they have zero sense of humor. These are the same people who have gotten rid of sports mascots like The Fighting Sioux. And had it replaced with the generic Fighting Hawks. Way to go…you just erased the Sioux from North Dakota history. Oops.
Why are leftists trying to erase Native Americans from history?
Go Redskins!!