Ben Stiller and Judd Apatow Reflect on ‘Heavyweights’ 30 Years Later: Still a Cult Classic?
It’s hard to believe it’s been three decades since “Heavyweights” first hit screens, but here we are, with Ben Stiller and Judd Apatow giving a cheeky nod to their comedic gem’s milestone. Released on February 17, 1995, the Disney flick centered on a group of boys at a weight loss camp who band together to rebel against their overly enthusiastic fitness guru, a role brilliantly portrayed by Stiller himself. While Stiller’s performance was undeniably memorable, he couldn’t help but roast the film’s status on Disney+ in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Somehow I don’t think this will be at the head of the Disney+ queue ever.” Can we relate? Probably. Though it was deemed a box office flop initially, the movie has since carved out a niche in pop-culture history, becoming a cult classic for many who grew up in the ’90s.
Apatow, who co-wrote the film alongside director Steven Brill, reflected on the production experience by sharing nostalgic photos on Instagram, including a shoutout to fellow cast member Kenan Thompson, highlighting their simultaneous presence in Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Last year, Apatow fondly reminisced about the movie on its 27th anniversary, describing the shoot at Camp Pinnacle in North Carolina as a “magical experience,” and noting how it quietly captured the hearts of many over time.
Despite its underwhelming debut, “Heavyweights” remains a delightful memory for a legion of fans. It’s intriguing to note that today, many similar films have risen through the ranks, with platforms like Disney+ elevating their status thanks to streaming algorithms. “Heavyweights” is the quintessential example of a film that didn’t quite go as planned but, as they say, you can’t stop a good nostalgia trip!
So, while Stiller seems doubtful about it ever topping the Disney+ charts, one thing’s for sure: fans of this quirky coming-of-age flick will always cherish those summer camp shenanigans. And hey, who doesn’t love a good underdog story?
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and Deadline, Insider, Vulture, Entertainment Weekly
