Seth Rogen fears leaked Gigli audition tape could have severe consequences for his career, he joked during a candid conversation on Jimmy Kimmel Live. The actor recounted his experience auditioning for a controversial role in Gigli, sharing his worries about what would happen if footage from that audition ever surfaced today.
Seth Rogen’s Audition Experience for Gigli
Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live recently, Seth Rogen discussed an early point in his film career, referencing his audition for a supporting role in the widely criticized 2003 film Gigli. Rogen auditioned for the part of the brother of a prosecutor—a role that ultimately went to Justin Bartha. The film, starring Ben Affleck as a hitman, was notorious for its portrayal of a character with a cognitive disability, an issue made more problematic by the standards of today.
In his discussion with Kimmel, Rogen humorously reflected on the technologies of the audition era, saying,
“Thank god it was mostly physical VHS tapes and stuff like that that was being used when I was auditioning for things,”
—Seth Rogen, Actor. He expressed deep concern over the possibility of his past audition tapes being made public, noting,
“Because the things I auditioned for, in retrospect, if they were out there in the world, they would end my career very, very fast, I believe.”
—Seth Rogen, Actor
The Film’s Notorious Legacy and Rogen’s Regrets
Gigli, directed by Martin Brest, faced overwhelming criticism from both critics and audiences, becoming one of the costliest box office failures, earning just over $7 million compared to its $75.6 million budget. Rogen candidly acknowledged the sensitivity issues surrounding the script, explaining,
“I auditioned for this boy with a cognitive disability. And I don’t think the script was written in what, by today’s standards, would be the most sensitive portrayal of a boy with a cognitive disability.”
—Seth Rogen, Actor
Eager to impress director Martin Brest, Rogen admits he went over the top in his approach.
“I don’t think I wore a helmet into the audition itself, but it was at play,”
—Seth Rogen, Actor. Discussing his failed attempt to portray the character, he confessed,
“And I’m tempted to do an impression of what I did, but I can’t even do it. I can’t. That’s how bad it was. It’s so bad. I dare not even portray what I did in this audition. Because I went for it. I saw myself at the Oscars.”
—Seth Rogen, Actor
Potential Fallout and Plea To Destroy the Tape
Rogen revealed the extent of his embarrassment about the audition and how damaging he believes a leak would be today.
“Truthfully, if that tape was out [in] the world today, this would be the last interview you ever saw me do. Other than, like, my apology tour. Please, if you have it, burn it. Please sell it to me. I will buy it.”
—Seth Rogen, Actor
Recent Reception and Ongoing Candidness
Despite the shadow of his early audition experiences, Rogen has since found acclaim, especially with his performance in The Studio, which has received strong praise:
“Alongside an impressively starry cast of A-listers, they deliver a 10-part self-loathing love letter to the biz that just might be the sharpest, funniest show of 2025 so far.”
—NME, Review
Rogen has also spoken openly about the impact negative reviews have on those making films, stating simply,
“it hurts everyone [in the industry], very much.”
—Seth Rogen, Actor
The Lasting Importance of Sensitivity and Accountability
Seth Rogen’s story underscores changing attitudes in Hollywood around the portrayal of disabilities and the lasting effects that past decisions can have on careers. His comments highlight the potential damage that old audition tapes, like his for Gigli, might pose in today’s entertainment climate, and his plea to destroy or buy such footage speaks to ongoing concerns about sensitivity, public perception, and personal accountability for actors and creators in the industry.
