“Where’s Doug?” is the central question driving the original Hangover film, and while Justin Bartha’s character gets more screen time in the raunchy comedy’s sequel, he maintains his good guy credentials. The actor, 32, talked to Parade.com about why Doug again misses out on the day-after antics of his friends and how The Hangover Part II will exceed expectations.
While the rest of the cast slaved away in the brutal heat and cramped streets of Bangkok, Bartha spent most of his time at the luxurious resort where Doug attempts to keep Stu’s wedding afloat as the rest of the guys retrace their steps in hopes of finding the bride’s brother.
“I was by the pool,” Bartha laughs about his experience shooting the film. “I got it easy. I almost feel guilty about having it so easy.”
Will he sign on for a Hangover 3? Read on to find out!
What does Doug bring to the Wolf Pack?
“He is the glue. He is the control element. That’s how it goes crazy: You take away the designated driver and then you have drunk people driving the car. So he is the person who is always the responsible one and that is one of the reasons the setup always works. You take away the responsible one and you have three crazy people that don’t know what to do.”
Will Doug ever be unleashed?
“I think it would be too crazy. It would be too wild. Doug has a big demon inside of him, he’s too good.”
What was your reaction after reading the sequel’s script?
“I immediately called Todd [Phillips, director] and told him how brilliant I thought it was.”
Were you at all nervous that they were even doing a sequel?
“Well, yeah, you’re nervous a little because the common perception of sequels is that they suck and you’re just making it for money, but that falls away pretty quickly when you realize who is involved. It’s the same cast and crew. No one is doing this for the money. They all want to make a good movie.”
Describe the film.
“It was a lot dirtier…I think people will love it because it’s the same thing as the first one but it’s dirtier since it’s in Bangkok. They’re going to get to know the characters better and just laugh constantly. ”
Todd said the shoot reminded him of Apocalypse Now, but you got to skip that part.
“I was by the pool. It was a lot of pina coladas and hanging out at the resort. I got it easy. I almost feel guilty about having it so easy. I would spend time on the set even when i wasn’t working though. I love hanging out with them. But after a busy year, it was nice to hang out and get paid to swim and drink.”
During the first film, there were jokes on the set about a second movie. Did any of those ideas make it into the final film?
“I don’t think so. I remember Todd or someone came up with an idea that I thought was hilarious: To start the second movie where Alan [played by Zach Galifianakis] is on Jeopardy as a contestant. No, it was the Price is Right. I thought that was hilarious. People are constantly throwing out ideas and you never know what’s going to stick, but in the end it’s Todd grinding it out in a room with his writers.”
You are all funny guys. Is there a lot of ad-libbing?
“There is always improvisation, but it’s a controlled chaos. It’s improv with Todd but directed in a certain way. It’s not just throwing out random stuff.”
When did you realize the first film had become such a huge hit?
“I think it was probably Halloween after the movie came out when everybody was dressed as characters of The Hangover. That was like, ‘Whoa, this is something.’ There were a lot of Zachs.”
What’s the number one thing fans say when they come up to you?
“’I found Doug!’ I don’t know what they expect out of me [when they say that], I really don’t know. I wish they didn’t find me.”
Would you do Hangover Part 3?
“Yeah, of course. If everyone is doing it, I’ll do it. I’m a follower. I think that Doug should be like Mr. Chow and be naked the whole time.”
