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The Why Files
The Why Files

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When Russell Crowe almost showed up on The Why Files

A couple of members have emailed me about the Russell Crowe bit we were supposed to do that never happened. To be honest, I was relieved that he canceled. But Jen is still angry about it. 🤓

I talked about this on the After Files, but long story short: he was doing press for The Pope's Exorcist. One of the movie's producers is a fan of TWF and asked if we could have Russell on the show for 20-30 minutes. Though we don't do interviews, it seemed like a good opportunity. Plus, I'm a fan. It's Russell Freaking Crowe. Let's do it.

SO... at the last minute, we put together a full episode on Father Amorth and exorcism. RC was scheduled. Everything was in place.

Then he canceled.

We were scheduled for late in the press tour. Apparently, he was *so over* giving 20 interviews a day for two weeks, he said eff it, and converted his home studio back to its original use: rehearsing with his band.

The producer was mortified and apologetic. Apparently, the producers and Sony saw our little channel and said: "Um, Russell, this guy reaches *a lot* of people who would go see this movie." He was still: "Eh, I'm really over it. I'll give him 5 minutes." (gee, thanks)

So, I said to Sony and the producers: how about this... instead of the typical boring interview he's done a million times, have him do a bit with my co-host. I told them: just have him read the lines. You can record it on a phone and it will play great. They said sure, write it. So I did.

I sent them the script. They loved it. They showed it to Russell. He read the script, took a long pause, made a weird face, looked up at the execs and said: "The fuck is a Hecklefish?"

We all gave up.

But it was a wild week.

Anyway, I attached the script we were going to shoot. Someone might find it funny (I did).

--AJ

Comments

Sounds like his PR man dropped the ball, unfortunately, I'm sure he will regret the missed opportunity. You and your staff are way too cool to eat a little crow.

Jerry Sainte Marie

After listening to the pod cast today whilst enjoying a bit of gardening, I sat back later on and had a laugh over the Russell Crowe script.

Gavin Evans

I liked the script. His loss. You take care of yourself and your family we will be here when you are ready to continue.

Anonymouse

That's too bad for Russell,. He definitely ain't no Lizzid people.

Sigma 1-969

Perhaps he is still stinging from South Park's "Fightin' 'round the World" bit?

Patrick Marchino

You should make TF part of Hecklefish’s name! T.F. Hecklefish Moriarty. True TWF fans will get it!

Jennifer Moss

Check your local library! Mine has dvds I can borrow. I just watched Barbie and Oppenheimer for free! Or would that be “Barbenheimer”?

Jennifer Moss

They were care givers.

Don Stewart

I think someone better than RC will come through for you when it’s your time… in the meantime keep doing you!! You’re killing it.

HattieAnne

Early 2004 I wrestled a big woman for a radio station contest to win the opportunity to meet Russell. Wrestle for Russell. I participated and was flattened by the other woman but received 2 tickets to a Sonic Session studio recording of 30 Odd Ft of Grunt. He was very kind to my then 11 year old son. He was a dick to the Radio station Y100 and would not sign off on letting them use any of the recordings. Best part, he told me a story about his neighbor Larry Hagman and the unbelievable amount of hookers who accidently knocked on his door every night.

Emyz

Holy Hannah this is an amazing story. :D

Ivari Tölp

Is a new video out this week?

Sianna Marie

If Geno’s Australian accent is as good as his British accent, you gotta let him do the voice. I still think the night he did his British accent on the after files was the funniest thing I have seen on the Why Files

Bosco Lemonzit

You need to find a full size face pic of Crowe, print it out, cut out the lips and do the bit-with full Parody level Australian accent.

Sonny A

I see in the future, a new tshirt! TF is a Hecklefish. #RussellCroweNeedsToKnow Hecklefish is a freaking BOSS!

Elena Diamond

This is the most Russell Crowe shit I've read lmfao. Please make a YouTube short about this. But we have to get Crowe's voice overlay saying "the fuck is Hecklefish?" xD

First Last

Hilarious stuff! It's his loss, truly.

Autumn Spredemann

That’s Just Cold…. 🫣🫠🫠🫠

1.21 LizzidWatts

Thats the best story ever. I can hear him saying it with his Aussie accent. What's a Hecklefish? LOL

Starr Sky child of light

I stand corrected. https://www.etsy.com/listing/209224526/javert-les-miserables-plush-doll-plushie

Bosco Lemonzit

Good point, not like there is a Russel Crowe talking plushie

Bosco Lemonzit

Read the script to my wife, she laughed, loved it, too bad Crow was well himself 😄

Karl poff

Well Russell Crowe is not a household name like Hecklefish is. His loss not ours!

Cynthia M Booth

Ya well wtf is a Russell Crowe!? Anyway Jason Mumoa or Johnny Depp would be fun.

Margaret H-S

Oh man, that would have been epic!

Tripal Helix

That was such a great bit!! :D

Gustavo Carvalho

From what I've heard about Russell Crowe, you probably got lucky. He would have half assed the hell out of that and it likely would have been unusable.

Chase Schleich

Why isn't there a "The Fuck Is A Hecklefish?!" t-shirt??!!!

Chase Schleich

Canteloupe as in "Can't Elope" This script was very revealing, but in a fully dressed way. I am not a firm believer in last minute changes. And that's funny that the pope would need his own exorcist. Didn't Someone make a show called, "You got Junk'd"! Titanic was so successful because it had a SAD ending?! And AVENGERS too? No one wants to smile anymore?

B 18

Cantelopes?

Kyle Trimbach

Hollywood types… what can ya do…

Beyond Strangeness

Thank you for the signed picture I just got it today outta the blue

Jason troyer

I’m sorry to hear that it was an ordeal… the $&@k is a hecklefish made me laugh though. Love you and Gino, Jen, and Victoria!

Philip Lincoln

With fame comes money, with money comes power, with power comes arrogance.

Star Man

That would have been so cool

Kari Walker

Wow that bit tho wtf is a hecklefish that killed me 😳

💕 Valentina Niño 💕

That was great! It would have been hilarious to watch 🤣

Steven Arnold

Best thing that's happened all day. Much needed laugh, thank you.

Bad-Haggis

Yeah, he has that rep around Hollywood. But I've also seen interviews with him when he was perfectly lovely. I guess he's got a short, SHORT fuse.

The Why Files

HAAAAAAAA holy crap that made me laugh

The Why Files

Awww 🐟❤️

The Why Files

You might be on to something!

The Why Files

Camels love to dance, when the feeling is right.

The Why Files

He still does the occasional film, I think. 😉

The Why Files

That. Was. Awesome.

Seb

I'm sorry it didn't work out after all the effort you put in. Thank you for trying!

Alicia Briones

How does he not know Hecklefish? My 5th grade granddaughter knows Hecklefish!

Sunflower

I've always considered RC to be something of a pompous arse, and this just clarifies it.

Susi Su

Gerard Butler is lovely

Emily Martin

Thank you for giving me something awesome to view

Emily Martin

I love this and feels that it is a universal truth

Emily Martin

I love getting to read the story and know wifey’s feelings on it too!!!! But you guys are more than just like the 2 million followers it’s like people that have inquisitive minds and are like really really intrigued! Hecklefish is necessary and gerdy on the dance floor

Emily Martin

Missed opportunity for RC. Never underestimate the power and pull of Lord Hecklefish!!!

Bretinoc

He still acting? Last thing I saw him in was LA Confidential, Gladiator, and guest star in some canadian detective show Republic of Doyle

Bosco Lemonzit

Hecklefish!

Andrea Churner

Perhaps an actor with more of a comedic vein, someone not so historically explosive and hard to deal with and has the ability to laugh at themself … isn’t there a new Aquaman movie coming out? I could see that script with JM being awesomely entertaining! there are many actors that would be, and plenty of movies to plug 😁

Vickie Whitman

All things happen for a reason! Jen may be upset, but at least you didn't lose your mind in anxiety! Keep well, team!

Blackout

twf: are you not entertained?! Rc: no

TangerineQueen

Your flexibility is your strength. Like the willow tree you will survive a storm.

Skinny Piglet

Yeah, no surprised there. The guy is known for being douchy. I’m glad AJ and Hecklefish kept their integrity.

Ricardo Madrigal

If only…..

Julia Fox

Personally, respect to Russell Crowe. He probably has been bombarded with such requests for decades. But hopefully, one day, he catches an episode of the Why Files, and one, enjoys it, and two, knows it would have been fun.

Tim Murphy

Russell Crowe isn’t good enough to polish Heckles boots 😡

Anna-maria Sikora

He knows damn well who Hacklefish is - he's just allied with the lizard people

Chris Cove

He doesn't know what he missed.

Gebo

Fightin round the world!

Jackson

How cd he not know r Lord Hecklefish?! 🤧

pree r

His loss. That script is far more entertaining than TPE.

Led Nicky

Bravo AJ! Man oh man, this would’ve been a fun one.

Audra Neurauter

I think once you got into the interview it would have gone well. I do like RC the actor, this incident aside. My main knock on him as an actor is he does horrible American and British accents, especially the latter. He should stick to his native accent in movies. Less distracting. Maybe Hecklefish can teach him a NY accent!

MikeD

His loss!! 😆

Ray S

Very funny. His loss.

rob denton

Very funny! Too bad it never happened

Scott Harris

That would have been so fraking cool! Great script, would have been great to see but at least I can play it in my head. Can't get enough of all of you guys and your show!!

Christian Butler

After reading the script I would say it is RCs loss!

Deputy Dong

Spot on Beth S. Southpark doing russ cro is the most memorable about him 4 me 2 !!!

elMexineck

Butler! Gerard Butler!

Shelby Haag

What a shame, that script is hilarious, I would have loved to see that! Shame on RC for shrugging you and us off!

Shelby Haag

Apparently, Gluteus Maximus is a serious actor now.

Matt Smith

It would have been the next "Hecklefish/RC" Citizen Kane! Fool to pass up a YouTube Grammy.... I hope who ever takes this role in this epic role really makes RC regret this...or at least consider the NEXT offer...:an offer he can't refuse..."

John Dossa

So I found this looking for his band. I found his band too but this was more entertaining than a lame cover of Cash. https://youtu.be/_R9augCd5XU?si=7gtUFHkj2LLdKvF0

Frasure

When Russell does things like this, we in Oz harken back to his New Zealand roots. Next time I spot him on the street, I'll throw a phone at him for old times sake.

Mark Howard

I think you're the larger star. He really missed out.

Kim M.-RebelliousRaven

Funny script-! His loss. You don’t need big stars like him- you and Hecklefish are bigger stars in my eyes 🤩 -!!

Karen Metcalf

That's unfortunate but made for an awesome story in twf lore. Thanks for sharing it 😃

Frasure

Smart producer. Studios and publicists needs to work with channels like yours.

MikeD

I'll purchase it!

MikeD

So Cute! It’s too bad he didn’t do it. I might like him if he had done it.

Joan Tate

Jen should understand the temperamental talent type. : -). More seriously, too bad he didn't do it, although he probably just reached a threshold with the non-stop interviews. His appearance totally would have encouraged me to check out the flick. Maybe an actor for a future film won't pass up the opportunity if there's a connection. Funny script.

MikeD

now I’m gonna wait till TPE is in the $5 bin at Walmart….hey who is RC’s biggest rival? Get that guy then Russel can eat….well isn’t that suddenly fitting…. Crow

Vickie Whitman

Anytime I hear about Russell Crow my mind immediately goes to South Park- Fightin' round the world 😆

Beth S.

I completely agree Caroline! Supporting independent creators is the way to go. I support a few, as well.

The Why Files

Share it with the world, Shawn!

The Why Files

100% true about fans of TWF going to watch that movie.

FelKat

Brilliant! It's a shame he didn't take this opportunity to get your fans excited about this movie. Since the plandemic not a lot of people go to the theater to see a movie. When we have other places to seek our entertainment, it makes sense to wait it out and watch it via streaming. I'd rather support someone like you, that keeps us all revited with a plethora of subject matters, than to support the guy behind the counter charging $10 for a tub of popcorn. In my opinion, he passed on a sure thing. BTW, my husband and I are fighting over your shirts I received. Looks like we'll be expanding our wardrobe. With so much awesome merchandise you offer, that won't be hard! Crabcat 2024!!

Caroline Nygaard

That would have been so awesome. I don't give two shits for celebrities, but I do love some Russel Crow movies. A beautiful Mind is my favorite, a good story about a real person who struggled with schizophrenia and did so much! I also struggle with schizophrenia, but instead of being a mathematician, I am working on a permanent at home treatment for certain personality disorders and possibly PTSD. It has a lot of promise but I'm not sure what to do with the info once I finish.

Shawn Grant

For sure - what horror fan is watching the morning local morning show? I can't see many horror fans tuning into Kelly and whoever on a regular basis that they know he would appear. Channels like you and Drinker would have a much better reach. Meh, maybe it is for the best - don't want the channel getting too popular and you all going Hollywood and forgetting us little people 😄

Dalton Bilsky

I hate Russell Crowe. Guy has always been a jackass and that movie has awful reviews.

h0tline.actual

You know we won't. All New Zealander's are Australian when it suits us 🤣

Colin Butterworth

Laughing tears rolling 🤣 😆 😂

Elise

Totally agree. The producer also watches Drinker. That's why he landed there. The guy was really pushing youtube over doing the stupid local tv morning shows. Which I think is smart. Drinker reaches more people than all those shows put together.

The Why Files

YES

The Why Files

We'll show him!

The Why Files

Would've been a gem. 🥰 thx a lot RC... 😒

RobbieUtah

Thanks! This was a pleasant distraction from this relentless cold weather. 😉

Amy_OnlyForHecklefish

That’s pure gold! This may go down as the biggest regret of his career🤷‍♂️

Roeselli

On to the next one, God's denial is sometimes God's protection. Everyone loves heckle fish RC! Now we just need Henry Cavil or Jason Mamoa to drop in 🤯

Selika Winter Emanuelita

Going to give it a read but really, that's just unprofessional on his part. I get being tired but if this was the end of the promoting then nut up and finish it. It's not like the rest of us can go "gee, it's noon Friday and it's been a crazy week - I'm done, going home." I know he did and interview with Critical Drinker, maybe you need him to do an ad with Hecklefish - just don't let them drink first!

Dalton Bilsky

OK Australia, can we officially relinquish our claim on Rusty now?

Mick Mac

😂😂😂 excellent script! Funny! I would hope he (RC) would "regret" not doing the scene but given that he has clearly never seen the show, I doubt he will 😂...too bad, it would have made a great piece!!

Scott Dalziel

Hecklefish needs to drop that story about the cantaloupe now…

JimmyJames

Too bad RC didn't take the bait (see what I did there?), although it's his loss. Just think of all the regret he'll come to feel in the coming years.

thormusique

AJ, I just read this. It’s a brilliant piece of work!!! He and his team waisted your time. That’s unprofessional and the loss is his and he’s too arrogant to see it. You and hecklefish can do better. Send him to Mt. MFing Haze!

Joseph & Debra Brigandi

I randomly harass Star Trek actors to reach out to you guys lol. Though Russell Crowe would have been great fun.

Craig Anderson

Who is this Russell Crowe that AJ and Hecklefish is supposed to interview?

Gerald E

Hecklefish would never cancel... and he's a bigger star than Russell Crowe

Brian Emerson

Hilarious script! I could totall see RC doing it, but ... definitely his loss! Thanks for sharing! :) It's thing like this that make me love being a Patreon member! :)

Drew Lane

He'll be begging for a do over when his next film flops.

Susan L. Carr

He will regret it when Post Malone inevitably begs you for an interview this summer!

Kelsey Wallace

That would have been real funny but if Crowe doesn't know enough to appreciate The Why Files, you don't need him. One day he will be kicking himself for missing his big opportunity.

Anita Sue Clark

😁 well, his loss, wait.. Russell Crowe? ... anyway glad they know heckelfish now 🤣

David Torrez

And his gang of beavers.

The Why Files

Toot, toot!

Brian Repinski

I was going to put a joke about "The Phone Incident" in there, but I didn't want to push my luck.

The Why Files

It will go down as one of his greatest regrets as you do not cross a hecklefish. If people think a pistol shimp is ridiculous, just wait till you can a hecklefish mafia on you. They target attack testicles just like the honey badger.

Denver Haslam

"The f*** is Russell Crowe?". Thank you Why Files team for taking the high road, b/c I would have had choice words.

Angelique Fouquet

HAAAAA

The Why Files

I laughed.

The Why Files

Damn, that would have been brilliant! Rusty missed a great opportunity here.

Colin Butterworth

Same!

The Why Files

Genius!

The Why Files

I love how you explained it to her like... duh! And agreed. I don't even try to describe it. I say: go watch. If you like it, you're one of us.

The Why Files

Russell's too busy "Fightin round the world"

Richard Bramlett (H Y B R I D)

Well he missed out on a fun little back and forth.. love the script. Im sure it would have been a great opportunity that RC missed.. I kinda wished it happened though even though i could see the whole thing in my head lol

MaryJaneMcWeed

If you get the chance to get Russ again, instead of that bit just make him re-enact receiving the script and saying “…the fuck is a Hecklefish” then have Hecklefish blow him off in exactly the same manner.

Kenneth Wilson

Ha ha ha I can see it in my head!!!

Killik

I think Jen and I would get along. 🤣

Kasey Erin

Hecklefish for president!

Sandra Maffucci

Only our next pres!

Sandra Maffucci

Russell Crow can go interview at Mt. Haze, Mt. Mf Haze Russell then you'll know better than to diss my buddy Hecklefish Mt. Haze Russell Mt. Haze

Bryan Smithers

That would make a good mug or shirt I recon

trickeh2k

Wait, seriously? What is a Hecklefish?

Sandra Maffucci

That's what Jen calls him now.

The Why Files

In RCs defense, when you try to describe the Why Files to someone that’s never seen it, it’s difficult to explain. The first episode my wife saw she was super confused on why the fish had a New York accent. I told her because he’s from New York why else would he have a NY accent.

Wretched Rob

F*cking Russell Crowe. 🤣

Kasey Erin

Love it! Too bad he canceled. His loss.

Kristi

Meh, he's overrated. His loss.

Sam Patel

lol I liked it and laughed!

Nancy Z

I wish you guys could have done with him! That would’ve been epic!

Matt Benfield

Top points for trying Victoria. I think Russell Crowe AJ and heckle Fish would’ve been an amazing piece of YouTube history. I hope that Russell has really good hard think about it now and perhaps that same producer may reach to him and express the disappointment on yours and the WF? Team behalf. Anyhoo, keep up the great work loving your channel.

Gavin Evans

I was so nervous. So relieved I didn't have to interview him for a half hour. I tried to prep, but it would have been a train wreck. But I was excited to shoot the script.

The Why Files

HAAAAA (the channel has doubled in size since then)

The Why Files

Someday, Russell will be sad 😢, thinking…..DAAAAANG, I could’ve been on the why files! Too late, pretty boy, too freaking late!!

Wilma Titzgreaux

Right?? When they told me, I said: at least you gave me a good punchline for this story.

The Why Files

Damn! That would have been stellar!

Craig Walker

"The fuck is a hecklefish" lmao 🤣

stovisky

I’m glad it didn’t bother AJ!

Wilma Titzgreaux


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