Elizabeth Banks (Full Episode) | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend

Hi, [music] my name is Elizabeth Banks. and I feel blessed. >> Oh, wow. >> About being Conan O'Brien's friend. >> You are a terrific actress. >> Thank you. >> You are. [laughter]. >> That was that took a lot. >> You might be the best. The absolute best. >> it? Everyone believed it? >> [music]. >> Hey there, welcome to Conan O'Brien. Needs a Friend. I'm sitting here with. Sona Movsesian. Blessed to be sitting.

with you, Sona. What? Also filling in for Matt Gourley is our. trusty David Hopping. >> Hello. Also blessed. >> Also. Oh, yeah, sure. Okay. >> You're also blessed [laughter] to be. sitting here with me, too. >> you're more blessed to be with me. Um, but anyway, you're hanging on by a. thread. We have something to talk about. today, which is uh Sona, apparently, and. I have not talked to her about this yet, but she told me that she had a very. intense. um fracas, it's a word you don't hear. much, >> Yeah.

>> uh on the street with somebody, and I. want to hear what happened. Tell your. tale, Sona. Tell your tale. >> a pretty sight. So, sometimes, look, sometimes when I'm walking Oki, I have. her leash, but I'll take. >> things down a bit. Oki is your dog? >> Oki is my dog. I'll take her off the. leash for a little bit of the walk. >> Mhm. >> A lot of people do it. Cops have driven. by. Nobody cares. But this one day I'm walking by this. guy's house. and I'm I have my headphones in and I. hear him just like talking to me. And I. turn I take off my headphones and I turn.

around and he's filming me. And he's. going, "Walking your dog off a leash is. a crime, you C-word." And then I'm not. kidding. >> Don't move past that. He called you the. C-word? >> He called me the C-word, like 45 times. >> not that there's Wait, what? >> I'm not even kidding. It was like this. crazy man. And the thing is like I was. shocked at first when I turned around. and then I turned around and I was It's. like, "Fuck you." And then I start screaming. at him. And he's yelling at me, calling.

me the C-word over and over and over. again. And then at one point and Okie. was such a dick for this. >> Okie's still there. I thought he had. left. >> [laughter]. >> I thought Okie had left and would got on. a flight or something. >> She did not like the vibes. So she. starts walking into the street and it. makes me look bad cuz she's like I'm. like Yeah, HE'S LIKE YOU WAS WALKING A. DOG IS OFF THE LEASH IS A CRIME YOU. C-WORD THE. He's like foaming at the mouth. And then. Okie walks in the street and he goes, "Look, your dog's going to your dog's.

going to die and I'm going to help kill. it.". >> What? >> Yeah, and he's saying this crazy crazy. stuff to me. >> this man's had a break of some kind you. think? >> know what's going on. I have no idea. But of course like instead of just being. like, "Sir, you need to calm down." I. yelled back at him and I'm just calling. him the F-word. I'm saying he is an old. pathetic loser. Like I'm saying all this. awful and. >> Cuz you run hot. I've I've been with you. when Sona sees red it happens instantly.

And I remember a time when I'm sure we. talked about it years ago when you and I. were in. uh we were in New York and we were at I. think Sarabeth's or something on the. Upper West Side and we were with a. friend of yours and an old man across. the room shushed us cuz you were talking. a little loudly and you I saw your. pupils disappeared and your eyes were. just all [laughter] white. And you were like, "Excuse me! Excuse.

me!" And he was like, "Too loud!" And. you were like, "You think I'm too. loud?" And I'm [laughter] just. The whole time I'm thinking, "Oh, this. is page six in the post.". Cuz I'm sitting here like an idiot. >> Yeah. >> was trying to calm you down and you only. get angrier. You went a little crazy too. So this guy. >> Yeah. >> made the mis- He yelled at the wrong. person. >> He's matching my crazy. And he's like. but And the thing is though, he's. filming me. So, he's on the he's on the. he's in front of his door, I'm on the. sidewalk. We're just standing here like. they're yelling at each other back and.

forth. And then. uh I'm I'm just like, "Oh my god, what. where is this. going? Like, where's this film going? And is it is it Am I going to get. canceled for being ageist?" So, I'm just. like at one point I switch and I'm just. like, "Why are you being so rude?" And. then I. >> [laughter]. >> Oh, you decided to clean it up A LITTLE. BIT. >> [laughter]. >> THIS IS AFTER THIS IS AFTER you've. already bitten him in the leg. >> I said some awful stuff. And then at one.

point he kept calling me the C-word and. I was like, "You're lucky I like that. word. I go I've reclaimed it. So, you.". >> I want to see this video so bad. >> we have to see the. >> I Googled it just in case. >> No, it's not. >> I couldn't find the video. Well, do you. think this guy knows how to post a. video? >> He probably posted it on like Nextdoor. if he posted it anywhere, but also it. won't make him look bad. >> Maybe he doesn't know. Maybe he thinks. he buried the phone and said a prayer. and he thinks that's how it goes out. Like he might not know. Some people. >> I don't know. >> I wouldn't know how to post a video.

>> Yes, you would. You'd have people do it. for you. >> Yeah, I know. When I I mean, yeah, at. this point I have David take me to the. bathroom. >> [laughter]. >> I'm going to find the guy and I'll post. the video for him. >> Oh my god. Oh my god. >> That would be a great video to see, but. it is upsetting that he called you that. Yeah. >> Yeah, he called me it I I've never heard. that word come out of a man's mouth that. many times. So, he's so angrily. And. then at one point I was walking Oki and. he went back inside and then I just see. him pop out of the back of his house and. he starts filming me again. And it was.

it got cartoonish at this point. >> a crush on you. >> I mean, maybe he wanted this. I don't. know. >> That is how I used to act towards women. I really liked. >> Oh, no. >> Yeah, I would wait and I would film them. and I would shout the C-word. And you. know what? It didn't work. No, UNTIL IT. DID. >> [laughter]. >> WELL, I JUST "I love this man.". He speaks with He speaks his mind. Um. that's intense. >> It was intense. >> So, how far away do you live from this. guy? >> I He's like around the block from me.

>> So, what are we going to do? >> So, here's then what happened. I went. home and I told Tack what happened. And. Tack got really upset. >> Sure. >> And Tack's like old school. You can't. You can't say stuff like that to my. wife. And so, I was like, "Let's sleep. on it. I bet it's funny tomorrow." And. it was. >> So, you both gummy up. >> So, we both gummy up. >> He can't talk to my wife that way. Let's. take a gummy and do [laughter]. Mhm. Tropical fruit. >> [laughter]. >> Snorf, snorf, snorf, snorf. Hey, where were we? Oh, yeah, that guy. >> [laughter].

>> Let's get him. >> So, then the next day, you know, we're at home, we dropped the. boys off at school, we we come back. home, and I'm just like doing stuff, and I didn't hear from Tack for a. minute, and then I heard the door open, and he came back, and he's like, "I. talked to the guy.". >> Oh, wow. >> And I'm like, "What do you mean you. talked to him?" And he just knocked on. his door, the guy opened the door, and. Tack was like, "If you ever talk to my. wife like that or threaten my dog, I'll. have you arrested for assault." And then. he walked away, and then the guy started. being like, "Fuck you, you," you know, just like crazy.

yelling back at him, and then he was I. think he went to go get his camera, and. then went out and started filming Tack. walk away. >> Well, it sounds like he got the message. >> [laughter]. >> Have you guys Have either of you seen. this man before? >> Never saw him before. I never saw him. before. But, he really. uh we're not going to walk by his house. anymore. >> I'm going to say something, and this. just occurred to me cuz we this is the. time that we live in. Going up and. knocking on someone's door like that. >> I know. >> that because we live in this era where.

someone can shoot you through the door. and say I was standing my ground, whatever, I don't know. I I don't know. that I I respect what Tack was doing. He. was standing up for you. I've mad. respect for Tack, but that I don't know. if you should be doing that. >> I told him not to. I told him I said I. said that exact thing. I was like, "What. if he shoots you through the door?" And. he goes, "Well, then that's murder, right?" And I'm like, "Yeah, but. [laughter] you'd be dead.". >> I SHOWED HIM. TECH'S UP IN HEAVEN. "Shy showed you.".

Oh, wait a minute. >> I know. I think it was just eating him. up inside. And also I I don't I think. that guy's all talk. I bet if I walked. up to him, he'd be scared. >> I think? I think you should assume he's. all talk and keep harassing him at his. doorway. That's just my advice as a friend. Get him in Oh, put on masks and tease. him at night right at his doorstep. >> get You know, my petty side kicked in. and I was just like, should I just take. Okie's poop and spread it all over his. lawn and the front door? Should I egg. his house like I used to egg houses in.

back when I was in high school? But then. I slept on it. And then the older. mother version of me kicked in and was. like, "You know what? Let's let this. lie.". >> I would stay away from this guy. [laughter]. And if anyone harasses him, it should be. me. Uh and it should be done in a way. that we can monetize for the show. >> Okay. Oh, that's nice. That's a good way to. resolve it. What the. >> Did you make a big noise over there, buddy? >> I dropped my pen, but I was going to. >> He's got like He's got pots and pans.

over there. >> [laughter]. >> He's like the sound effects guy in a. drive-time show. >> Bang bang bang bang bang. Some of my podcast goulash. No, I was. going to say we could Scooby-Doo it and. make him think his house is haunted. >> Um I think either. >> No, no, I'm just saying we're you're. saying dress up in masks and stuff. >> engineer a way for you to be shot. through the door, >> [laughter]. >> then we've got something. I mean, just. something to think about. >> [laughter]. >> All right. We. >> [laughter]. >> We got to move on here.

I I I had so many good ideas today. >> [laughter]. >> My guest today is an actress, producer, and director. You know from such films. as Wet Hot American Summer, Pitch. Perfect, and The Hunger Games. Now, you. can see her in the new Peacock series, The Miniature Wife. I just adore her. I. love it when she comes by. Elizabeth Banks, welcome. This is one of those ones where the fact. that. the guest has to say anything about. being my friend is ridiculous because we. are really good friends.

>> I love you. >> And. one of the great discoveries. was that. you and your super cool husband are just. such nice people and fun to hang with, and we've hung out in a bunch of. different situations and had a blast. >> Yeah. We have a blast. I know, it always. feels I always feel weird whenever I do. someone's podcast where I know, like. where we have like a. actual relationship. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> That this becomes like a weird like.

performance of our relationship. >> This. >> We're just going to perform [laughter]. being friends now. >> And then we've hung out on a ski. mountain for days on [laughter] end. Uh and well, >> convinced you to order those mashed. potatoes and that [laughter] milk bread. that time. >> Our kids have thrown rocks at each other. and we've intervened. [laughter]. Uh and. >> kid broke my TV once as I recall. >> I think he did. >> Oh, no. >> [laughter]. >> Yeah. He did. Yeah.

My son always into tech and likes to. take things apart, but then not put them. back together yet. >> "I got it. I got it." And then we. couldn't find the remote control. We. were like, "He We have no idea how to. [laughter] turn our TV on ever again.". >> Well, >> No, it's a double edged sword. >> me. Try to bill me. There's a lot to talk about. I really. I'm very excited about this new project. of yours, which we will talk about, The. Miniature Wife, because it looks. fantastic. >> It's a fun It's fun. It's absurd. >> opposite one of I mean, you're You're of.

my favorites, and then you're opposite. one of my favorite people who I don't. think I've met. >> Matthew Macfadyen, yeah. >> Yeah. >> He he doesn't want to meet you. >> Oh. [laughter]. >> He told me. >> Yeah. >> He told me. >> I sense this I've been in an airport. lounge with him, and he has left the. airport lounge. >> Wow. And canceled and canceled his. flight. >> Wow. Wow. Wow. >> He is so He's a delight. >> He is so good in everything. And so the. idea of you two together, and this seems. like a really funny idea, I absolutely. love. >> Yeah, it's the miniature wife series. This is me now I have to like tell you.

what it is, right? >> [laughter]. >> The miniature Is that what I'm supposed. to do? The miniature wife. is premiering on Peacock. in April. And yeah, it's this really fun. absurdist comedy about a couple. who have a lot of relationship issues. and are working through them, but then. he accidentally shrinks her to 6 in. tall. And she becomes his miniature. wife. >> I like how you add you just tossed that. in. >> Yeah, like everyone does that. >> Yeah, and you see where this is going.

>> I mean, yeah, right, exactly. >> She's shrunk to 6 in, but it looks. really funny. And so I am excited about. that. >> Thank you. >> And just also excited to have you on. We. have a lot in common. We're both. Massachusetts people. >> I still have my Patriots nails on from. the Super Bowl. >> Yeah. >> I did my nails for the Super Bowl, and. then I kept them because you know, we. have the red, white, and blue colors for. the Olympics. Um and. >> And you're also a patriot just in. general. >> I am. I'm very patriotic. I just wear.

red, white, and blue nails at all times. >> I had my nails painted for Ken Burns'. Revolutionary War documentary. So. >> [laughter]. >> we all have our different reasons. >> How good is that documentary? >> It was fantastic. >> It's unbelievable. >> Let's talk about that instead. >> [laughter]. >> I like the part where George Washington. is shrunk down to 6 in. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh. >> No one's not coming. >> You're from Massachusetts, and but. you're from a part of Massachusetts that. might as well be. you know, Oz to me. Cuz I grew up right. outside Boston in Brookline, and you. could practically roll out of bed and. and and step into Boston.

Um you're in Pittsfield. >> Yes. >> I don't think I've been in Pittsfield in. my life. >> That's you and many many many people. Um. it's way out there. It's Yeah, it's in. Western Mass on the border of New York. So we were sort of like a suburb of. Albany. And in fact, I grew up in what. we call in Massachusetts a divided. house, a Yankees Red Sox house. >> Oh, I've heard of those. >> Yeah. So my dad's radio growing up his. whole life, the news that they got was. out of Albany, New York. So it was a lot. of Yankees. And my mom, who's from.

Boston proper, Red Sox family. So grew. up very much like we would go um it's. I've sort of lived equidistant between. New York City and Boston. So we'd go. down to Yankee Stadium and we would go. to Fenway. And every year we still have. that tradition. I took my dad last. summer. We'll go again this summer. Like. it's still our tradition to watch the. Yankees and Red Sox. >> Okay, I'm a I'm a good deal older than. you, but I don't know if this was your. your experience growing up cuz things. may have changed. The Red Sox uh Yankee. rivalry became more genteel at some.

point. I also think baseball in general. because teams switch up their rosters. practically every year. I come from the. era where. you know, the Red Sox team stayed the. Red Sox team and changed very little for. years and years on end. >> Yeah. >> [clears throat]. >> And it wasn't a rivalry with the. Yankees. We hated them, and everyone in. Boston hated them, and they hated us. >> Yeah. >> And there were fights, uh I mean between. players, and there were brawls, and it.

was this vitriol. And late now, I it. feels like it all got more genteel. Do. you know what I'm talking about? Or is. it. >> I I absolutely agree with that, actually. And I don't know how that. happened. When did that happen? It's. interesting Yeah, I remember the Big. Papi years, the Damon, and all those. years were like Yeah, you You'd Well, because also it's the rivalry was we. would get so close. I remember I watched. um. I watched them win the Red Sox win. uh against the Yankees going to the.

World Series in a in a hotel bed like. crying. >> [laughter]. >> When they finally won the World Series, I had the same thing. I was crying and. calling my brothers and we were all. emotional and I mean crying for us means. a slightly moist eyes. >> [laughter]. >> Which could have been pollen, by the. way. >> Irish way. That's the Irish way. >> So, you grow up in Pittsfield and then. you're it's like it's also rural. So, I. picture you like running around with.

unicorns. >> We did Unicorns is interesting. Do you. know how many people think unicorns are. real? Unicorns and dragons, real. I love. that. >> Really? I didn't know that. >> That's like our shared mythol- I'm. fascinated by humanity's shared. mythologies and that's one of them is. unicorns and dragons, right? Because. dragons were in every culture and they. never existed as far as we can tell and. >> Right. >> you're sort of like, what were people. all over the world in different cultures. imagining the flying lizard thing was? >> I'm okay. >> all agree that it just it's like in all.

of our literature. >> I will believe in a in a in a dragon. long before I will believe in a unicorn. And I'm just saying this to anyone out. there that thinks there's a unicorn, there is no unicorn. There never has. been a unicorn. >> I had a friend from Australia who 100%. believed unicorns were real. As an adult. woman, I had to be like, I they're not. I don't know how to break it to you and. I felt terrible. >> There's a medication for that. >> [laughter]. >> I didn't grow up with unicorns, but I. did I did go cow tipping. And I had one of those um.

you very like John Hughesian. uh high school experiences, you know, yeah, running around in the woods and. like like wheeling you rolling kegs out. into, you know, a corn field. Um by the. way, running, you know, hiding in in. cornfields, hiding off the pontoon boat. on the lake where we were all skinny. dipping and like, you know, very classic. uh Americana. >> never been naked, so I don't [laughter]. know. That was awkward.

>> I I like I I I [laughter] imagine you. covering your junk with a washcloth in. the shower at all times. Like just. doesn't want to take a peek. >> Liza Liza once saw me naked and I. shrieked. >> Oh, no. >> And uh I'm suing her. I I feel violated. Um. So, you know what's funny is you were a. jock. You were really good at. >> I don't know. Yeah, I was sporty. Yes. I was. >> You were a big old jock. >> [laughter]. >> CAN YOU IMAGINE? >> YOU WERE A weightlifter and a shot.

putter. [laughter]. You had a thick I've seen pictures of. you thick neck. Yeah. Your neck just. went right into your head. >> Yeah, it's called bulk. It's [laughter]. called bulk. I had bulk. >> But you uh you're a great softball. player, right? >> I was. I was on the all-star softball. team and I. >> track you were on. >> Well, I needed money to go to college. So, I definitely thought like I better. be sporty and maybe I'll get like. recruited so I don't know. You know, you. when you're 13, what do you know? Um and. so, I was really into it. My dad loves.

baseball. That's why we've been talking. about it. So funny. And um. he was like a coach and he was he was. just really into it. So, it was also. just I'm. I'm the oldest and it was sort of my way. of really spending a lot of time with my. dad. Um. and played a lot. Then I was sliding. into third base at a practice and I. spiral fractured both my tibia and. fibula and my my like foot was hanging. like sideways to my knee like 90°. Just.

dangling off there. And I spent a really long time on. crutches and in a. cast and that fall, which at the time. was the worst thing that ever or to me. and was a dream crusher on every level. >> Yeah. >> Um and separated me from all my friends. and the thing that I like to do. I. I found acting because of it, which is. crazy. >> cuz this ties in with this theory. I try. to tell this to young people. There's so. many times where this giant boulder. lands in your path and you're convinced.

this is the end. >> did it in your you said that in your. your uh commencement speech. >> Yeah, you think it's over and then you. you take a different road or you think, "Well, this is" And I think I've I've I. swear to God I've had like seven of. those and then later on you think, "Oh. my God. Look at the life you had.". >> it is so hard to see it in the moment. So, that's the thing. You just there's. no seeing it in the moment. You have to. get all the way through it and then sort. of take that look back and, you know, the older we get and Lord knows I'm so.

old now. Um. >> You're a child. I'm looking at a child. right now. >> [laughter]. >> And you but you get that that. perspective comes more and more and. more. And all those all those like. really big feelings you had about these. very big moments in your life, they it. really start to fade, don't they? Those. feelings, they just get a little smaller. and a little gentler and you're just so. much easier with all that and I feel so. easy about that time in my life when in. fact it was really really bad. Like. >> The yeah and and you're you're crushed.

And I think I actually think that is. maybe the. biggest role of being a parent. is just to provide perspective cuz. there's so much we can't, you know, initially once you're past the feed. them, help them grow, get them clothing. and shoes. Once you, you know, there's. all that stuff, but then there's this. whole part. uh that you and I are probably getting. into more now where it's just explaining.

to them it's not as bad as you think it. is. Literally, that's 99% of the job. >> It's It's 99% of life. [clears throat]. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. [laughter and gasps] And I'm saying. yeah, you're not right. You're an idiot. Um. >> [laughter]. >> I think. I I it's it's so being a parent in of. teenagers, which is me now, is. Ooh, it's a it's so hands-off on in on. so many levels and then also like you. I'm really watching how and being.

reminded how hard it is to be a human. Like it's just so hard to be a human and. function properly and take care of. yourself and other people in any decent. way. And we have so little leadership to. point to at this moment in time. And so. you're sort of like, right, teaching. them how to be a decent like it's just. it's impossible. >> Yeah. >> It's impossible watching them. >> I was so proud once of the fact that. I've calmed down, I have more. perspective. Um I'm slower to freak out. And I was.

really giving myself a pat on the back. and I was talking to um my mother-in-law. about it and she's, you know, she was a. very smart woman and and she had, you. know, trained as a a therapist and. uh she So, I was explaining to her, yeah, I've really come a long way and I. think I see it and she said, well, yeah, well, your testosterone levels have. fallen a lot. And. >> [laughter]. >> and I just was. explain to her I I never had a lot of. testosterone.

>> Yeah. [laughter]. >> They've actually gone up. I'm taking a. pill now, but no, it's but it she but. she was right. I realized, oh yeah, there's okay. So much for my Zen. wisdom. >> That middle age really, you know, remember we're we're like two. generations away from people who only. live to 50, right? So, like once you're. past that, you're in some evolutionary. place that humans have never really been. in. And it is so true. I was, you know, I was talking I had a girls week in Utah.

recently. Skiing is my favorite thing. >> [laughter]. >> And. >> be? >> Yeah, I'd like to be invited to a girls. week. I'd blend right in. >> He does. >> [laughter]. >> We'll get a mani-pedi and. >> We had Yeah, we did. We did have. massages. Um, but just talking about how. little we give a about so many. things that used to really get in our. craw and now we're just like, I think. it's just we don't You literally lose. the hormones that make you care enough. to like mate and and do child rearing.

>> Yep. Yep. >> And so And now I don't have any of. those. >> Right. [laughter]. Right. >> I'm like, I don't really. I mean, do. whatever you want. I'll do whatever I. [laughter] want. Does that seem like a. good plan for the next 50 god darn. years? Cuz. really, we're going to keep this going? >> [laughter]. >> Cuz my body is saying, "Nope. It's over.". >> [laughter]. >> Uh, well, this is what you have to look. forward to, kids. If you're in your 20s listening to this,

that's what's coming for you. You know. what I love a detail about you which. makes total sense now is that growing up. and you get into acting and the person. your role model, you know, I was. thinking, "Who would Who would Elizabeth. Banks' role model be as as an actor? Who. would she want to grow up to be?" And. And it makes total sense, but yours was. Harrison Ford. >> Harrison. I wanted to [snorts] be all of. I Well, first of all, when people ask me.

you know, you were I I was a real. go-getter. I was a straight-A student. You know, I'm like a hard worker like. you. And it's a really It is a work. ethic thing. I just believe you get up. every day and you got to do something. with your time. And might as well like, you know, get an A in math and whatever. I don't know. Yeah. And so I've just. always like had this work ethic like. this like engine inside me. And. um. someone was asking me about like how. that fed into everything else I ever. did. And I was like, I was competitive.

with boys. Always. Like I And it's I. think it's because the world was not. made for girls. >> Mhm. >> And when I looked around, I was told you. can be anything you want to be. And. everywhere that I looked, the boys were. getting to do that. So I was like just. really competitive with boys my whole. life. >> Mhm. >> And so when people ask me like, who did. you want to be as an actor? I'm like, I. wanted to be Indiana Jones. And and I. wanted to be Han Solo. >> Yeah. >> And I wanted to go on adventures and I. wanted to have these incredible like.

that's what I wanted. And the damsel in. distress was not interesting to me and. like, you know, I I think it really just. comes down to. I'm I came into this like rare and to go. and wanting I want my piece. >> Yeah. >> And if you're a woman, you're the the. men get all the pieces. So it's like, I. don't know. It's always it did not occur. to me to not have my role model be. Harrison Ford. >> Yeah, I mean and also when I look at. your career, yes, you um have had this.

great on-camera career, but you really. quickly was like, I'm going to be. producing, I'm going to be writing, I. want to be directing. I imagine that was. not an easy thing for you to break into. >> [gasps]. >> Um no, it wasn't. I mean it took a lot. of planning and hard work. Definitely. wasn't just luck. It was something that. I was ambitious about and wanted to do. And of course, you have to be in the. right place at the right time and all. those things have to line up and you. have to find the things. You know, it's I think my last movie was.

the movie that speaks to this point the. most though, right? Like I feel like I. was starting to get. like, well, she makes movies with like a. lot of women in them. And I was like, well, then I'm going to make Cocaine. Bear. >> Yeah. Yeah. [laughter] So good. >> And I maintain maintain. maybe. there's like one of the three best movie. titles of all time. >> Incredible. >> when I heard that First of all, I'd be. up for anything that you were involved. in, but when I heard that it was cocaine. bear. I was I I became a cocaine adult bear.

>> need a trailer. You just want to see it. Yeah. >> Now [laughter]. We said that we were like it's like. Snakes on a Plane. You know exactly what. it's going to be, guys. There's going to. be a bear that's on cocaine. Um I only. say that to say I I don't like I I don't. I like surprising people. I don't like. being put in a box. I feel like I still. have a lot to offer. And nothing's gone the way I thought it. was going to. >> Yeah. Well, nothing ever does. >> Nothing ever does. >> It's it's a kooky football play. This. was the idea and you're going to break. that way and the hole's going to be over.

here and then I'm going to throw that. way and then uh. hut hut hike and then. bang. >> Giant blitz. >> Everything goes to [laughter] and. then the next thing you know you're. running through the stands with the. football. And it's illegal, but you're still going. and that's been my experience in show. business and in life in general. >> I agree. >> Um and you know but I I. love that idea. that you. were not having it and you were this is. what I'm going to do. And what's.

interesting. is and there's no way to say this. without embarrassing you, but you are a. very. beautiful. You're a very beautiful woman and I. imagine that people can dismiss. You know what I mean? It would be easy. for people to say here's this stunning. stunning blonde. bombshell. >> I'm just your type. >> [laughter]. >> I appreciate it so much. But like if you. love um.

if you love Padma Lakshmi, like I'm not. for you. Do you know what I mean? I love. you for saying this. >> I'm I'm just saying. >> like come on, Conan. I just look. very like much LIKE YOUR WIFE. >> [laughter]. >> OKAY. I DID. I [laughter] DID THINK I WAS marrying. you, to be honest. I didn't have didn't have contacts at. the time. >> [laughter]. >> All right. No, yes, my wife is very My. wife is very beautiful. You are both. very beautiful, but I'm just saying I.

didn't know you the first time I started. seeing you and things when I saw you. show up on 30 Rock, you are. quite stunning, and. I don't know if that makes it easier for. people to say, "What do you mean you're. going to produce?" Or "What do you mean. you're going to direct?". >> Yeah. Well, also I was So, yeah, I was. like, "Look, I'm that blonde actress, small boobs, and I have a husband that. produces with me. So, it's like, okay, the actress and her husband are going to.

make a movie." And it's like, I get. Yeah, we're going to try our hardest. I. don't know. It did It was. I I don't want to say it's easy to. dismiss somebody who's good-looking. because I've had a lot of success being. good-looking. So, I'll take it over the. over anything else every day. Um. I had a I had a lot of champions. You. have to do the work. That's And so, at. the end of the day, I just put in the. work, and I didn't really think about. what I look like or any of that stuff.

It was just I I absolutely have faced a. lot of obstacles for it. I was literally. told by a big producer once, "I just don't think men are going to. follow you as a director." And I was. told like, "Women just You just don't get action. movies. Like, you're never going to be. able to do an action movie." I mean, I. literally had like people look me in the. eye and say those things to me. So, it's I don't want to dismiss the. obstacles, but I'm I really It's like. what we were just saying about having a.

lot of grace for those moments in time. Just. You know, they they build you up, and. you you move through it, and you just do. the work, and put your head down, and. that's You lead by example. That's all. I've ever tried to do. >> Well, I would say to anybody that has. played any kind of party game with. Elizabeth, been any social situation. with her, [laughter] been in any. seen her out in the world. Yeah, I would I would put you in charge. of the forces invading a country. [laughter]. >> I want to know more about the party. games.

>> Oh, don't with her. >> That's true. >> And. >> just got I got kicked out of playing. Settlers of Catan with some friends, you. guys. I don't know if you know. >> I don't know Settlers of Catan. >> It's a game where you. it's kind of it's a older game now. It's. been around for a hot minute, but. essentially, you have to negotiate with. people for things like you're trying to. build the longest road and you're trying. to build a civilization. You're a. settler of this island of Catan. And so you have to negotiate and I. basically I became such a cutthroat.

negotiator. Like, no, you will give me. that wheat. >> [laughter]. >> because you da da da and I and like the. where people were just like, it's. getting too intense. Right. Like, you. can't You're not allowed to play with. these people anymore. >> touched on this last time, so I won't go. into it, but let's just say I was in a. situation where I was playing this fun. party game with kids. >> and adults. >> And at one point someone said, you know, Elizabeth wants to speak too. and I went and your face had become a.

mask. >> god. >> And you I don't even think you were. there anymore and you were telling me. what needed to happen and you were 100%. right. [laughter]. She was 100% right. And I was like, well, I And she's like, YOU KNOW, PULL. YOURSELF TOGETHER, MAN. [laughter]. THIS IS WHAT WE'RE DOING. >> AND IN THAT MOMENT WE'RE TRYING TO WIN. >> YEAH, WE'RE TRYING TO WIN. [laughter]. PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER. BUT I JUST SHE. SLAPPED ME. >> [laughter]. >> BUT IN THAT MOMENT I SAW LIKE, HEY, Eisenhower did a great job with D-Day. >> [laughter]. >> But had he not been available and we had. a time machine, I'd get Elizabeth Banks.

and I think we would have been in Berlin. a year earlier. >> I would have handled that. >> Yeah, I. >> [laughter]. >> know. Really, really impressive. >> it's entire theme of our conversation so. far is is my intense competitiveness. I. feel. >> I think that's I mean, I but also I. don't have. any. issue with that. I like people that. care. I like people that do the work, have a really strong work ethic, and I. think the rule is you need to treat. other people well.

>> Yeah. >> And sometimes um it can be tempting if. you're if you're really. incredibly determined and psyched to not. treat other people well, and you have to. watch yourself all the time, or you can. be brusque with people. And David, of. course, have you you've never seen that. happen once. >> No. >> [laughter]. >> Okay, you're dismissed, by the way. >> Okay. >> Bye-bye. >> But um. so yeah, it's it's a constant challenge, but I I think do the work. Do the work. and and care. Care about it.

>> Care. It is funny. I mean, I you're. bringing up a I I've definitely had. those moments, too, though, where as a. leader I'm like, "Oh, not everybody. wants to work 100 hours this week. That's just me." I'm like, "Oh, right. >> [gasps]. >> That's it's. you do really have to take care of. people that are, you know, I'm I'm I. want to go a million miles a minute.". Although less so now. I say that and like every day. >> [laughter]. >> Here's the thing. Cuz I say that all the. time. >> I know. And I And you're like. >> And I was saying to Liza, "WHY DO PEOPLE.

MAKE ME?" And she went She'll always. step in and go, "No one's making you.". >> I know. I know. >> You had this idea. [laughter]. You said we're going to build a giant. catapult. >> Yeah, exactly. >> And uh you know, whatever. So yeah, exactly. So it's my own It's my own. doing. >> will say like, "Hey, let's try to keep. the schedule a little light next month.". And then. >> That's every month of everything. >> Yeah. Every month of my life. And it's. never It never happens. I'm always like, "Oh, yeah, I. Saying no. No is a complete sentence.

Here we go." And then I'm like, well, if. you can make it work with the schedule. [laughter] And then someone's like, so. you want to do it. And I'm like, well, I. uh. I'd be interested in doing it if it. works with the schedule. I think that's. a worthwhile thing to to pursue and do. Okay, so we're doing it. Oh, we're doing. it? Oh, Okay, well, I guess you. scheduled it and now I do it. >> but then I switch into this I'm. indignant. >> Yeah. >> That someone made me do this. >> Yeah. >> And I'm like, who is it? >> no way that.

>> Who IS IT, DAVID? >> [laughter]. >> WHY is this on the schedule that Conan. built stone walls. in the in the woods. in the woods of Maine? And then just. like, you wrote me a text that said I've. agreed to build a stone wall in Maine. >> Uh. >> Exactly. >> So, yeah, that's my own doing. I'm. curious um cuz you talk about this. dynamic. uh. you know, being. um being a woman in this industry. uh and also trying to manage being in a.

relationship. I feel like all of this would. be addressed in this new show a little. bit. >> Ah. I love a segway. >> I mean, [laughter] that's what I was. thinking is like this There's this. obviously really cool looking if cuz if. if if people check out the show it it's. it's a very cool when you shrink down. and you're having these scenes with. Matthew, it's a very cool. um looking like fun looking dynamic. But.

then I'm thinking like this is talking. about something that's probably close to. your heart. >> I definitely it's based on a short story. and. I when I read the story really is about. how you minimize your partner's feelings. and how women generally are very. minimized and. um. how culture that happens but also in. relationships like between in in the. power dynamics in a couple. And um. I definitely felt like it was a fun. metaphor, like a very on-the-nose.

metaphor. And then also we get to really. play with it because this character is. very complicated and. not a great person. Neither one of them. are particularly great people. And. you're kind of like rooting for them to. figure out that they're the best version. of each other when they're. whole and together. Um the show was really technically. challenging. My my husband Max said that. he thought it was the least mentally. prepared I was for a job ever. And I. think he. he was right. I just didn't realize how. technical being 6 in tall was. I was on.

a green screen half the time. Matthew. and I were separated. I live in a. literal dollhouse, which was great. They. built like a replica of my home that I. live in. But he's in a real-sized house. like doing everything. And then they. would make these incredible life-sized. props. So a remote control that's 6 ft. tall, bigger than me, that I like can't. push, you know, I'm trying to push. buttons and a mini a travel-size. toothpaste that's, you know, comes up to.

my chest and a giant Chanel lipstick at. one point because still got to look. pretty when you're 6 in tall, I guess. [laughter]. Patriarchy. You know, it was it was really fun. Um. my my co-star becomes um. like a doll, like a. a. action figure, like a a guy who goes to. space, you know. Um and things like. that. So it was really the technical.

stuff was really fun and wild. At one. point I jump off of a toilet onto a. plunger, and they built a life-size. 30-ft tall plunger that I like wire onto. and slide down. [laughter]. >> It's incredible. >> Like a toilet plunger. >> That was the moment. That's amazing. I. have moments. >> I walked onto set. I was like, who how. does this I don't know people's brains. are in. >> And this is where you're saying, hey. where's this AI I've been hearing so. much about? [laughter]. >> exactly.

>> Uh but I have so many moments in my life. cuz I went down this crazy. stupid path where I step outside my body. and say, what are you doing? I'll be in. an absurd situation, an absurd outfit, doing an absurd thing at my age. >> I [laughter] know. >> And you just do it cuz it's the work. Yeah. And then you're standing there and. you're stepping outside yourself and you. catch a glimpse of yourself in a. reflection and you go, what happened? And so you're thinking okay, I got into.

this to be Harrison Ford and I'm jumping. off a toilet onto a plunger. >> [laughter]. >> I know. It's on a wire on a giant green. screen. And by the way, so vulnerable. I've never felt this vulnerable either. I would I I was stay I I would stand on. this giant green box 30 ft in the air. So I would get like wired up onto it. I'm in all this like gear and the whole. room is green except for the area where. the crew is. >> Mhm. >> And right before action I would be like,

okay, so where am I again? Right, so I'm. in I'm outside, it's snowing, there's a. cat chasing after me. I'm going to jump. off this building which is just a curb. on the street cuz I'm only. [clears throat] 6 in tall. So I'm. pretending I'm on a curb on a street. outside and it's snowing and there's a. cat and action. And like I have to. imagine all that in my brain cuz I'm. just seeing green and like Larry the the. grip just walking over to get pour a. coffee.

>> [laughter]. >> at the craft service. Cuz he's not doing anything, you know. what I mean? >> [laughter]. >> And so I I I was like, what is going on? You know, though and. they're all just sitting in front of me. and I I finally I said, guys, I I. actually need you to bring in like some. curtains or something. I I can't that's. too much to ask. That is too much alone. in space trying to imagine all of these. things happening to me. So I can take. the audience on the journey of the 6-in.

tall woman. >> Yeah. >> And watch you know everybody like. chit-chatting over the donuts like can. we I need a I need a curtain. [laughter]. I need a curtain. So every they. literally just slid a curtain in and put. slid it like a 20 by in and just put. every everybody behind it for me. >> It is too much to ask when you're in. those situations and someone walks in. >> Yeah. >> You know they're shaving or something in. front of you. >> Yeah. >> You know it's funny cuz I was thinking. about you've you've done you've you've.

had all this. high-profile success but probably I'm. going to guess. One of the things you hear about the. most is a project. That at the time you thought okay that. came and went and no one cared which is. Wet Hot American Summer like that's one. of those projects that had all of its. life later. Is that right? >> Yeah. Yeah. It premiered at Sundance in 2001. I was. one of my first films. I actually had to. pick my name to be in that movie cuz I'm. Elizabeth Mitchell and there was already.

an Elizabeth Mitchell in SAG. Shout out. to her. She was lovely. She was on Lost. one of my favorite shows forever. And. so I had to change my name to Banks and. I remember. [clears throat]. We were at Sundance. We thought. It was just the greatest. thing ever and then no one cared. It. didn't get did no business and then it. started showing I remember in New York. I want to say like at Webster Hall or. somewhere it started showing like late. like how they used to do.

um. Oh sorry what is that? >> Rocky Horror Picture. >> Thank you Rocky Horror Picture Show. >> Yeah. >> And so they were they were having these. screens and it was getting like a little. traction and this is back when DVDs. happened. So then people just had the. DVD of it, I guess. And. nothing it completely changed my life. I. went to Sundance, I met my still my. manager to this day, 25 years now it's. been. And started going on real auditions, some of which in those very early days I. auditioned for. being Spider-Man and Catch Me If You.

Can, and that led to Seabiscuit, which. actually put me on the map in Hollywood, and then. uh years later got an audition for. 40-Year-Old Virgin because all those. guys, Seth and Evan and all those guys. were addicted, you know, loved it. And I know and I was in 40-Year-Old. Virgin and suddenly, oh, she's funny, and then I got 30 Rock. So, like, truly, and I'm still friends with David Wain, I. took him on a USO tour a while back. We. literally went all over the world. together, the director writer director.

of it. Yeah, I I still to this day I'm. like, that changed my whole I can't. believe I'm part of that insane. ensemble. >> Yeah, it's there were these movies that. I think right after Fargo, I could be. getting this wrong, but I think after. Fargo, which, you know, wins the it's an. Academy Award-winning film and it's a. huge deal, the Coen brothers I think. made Big Lebowski and. people were like, what's this? And um. this is weird, you know, and it's at the. time even people making it, you know, on. the set were probably thinking, what is.

this? We're making giant bowling bowling. pins and. >> [laughter]. >> what's happening here? What are we. doing? And then um you know, that's. probably their that's the movie that. people know. every word to, every single word, and. it's become this um I don't know, this. text that everybody that generations. memorized. >> going to shout out we were we were. skiing. Um Conan knows where I ski. And. um we were skiing and we were getting.

lunch and this the waiter brought our. lunch out and he was shaking and he had. sauce all over his face, and I didn't. quite clock it at first that he was he. was basically like, "I have barbecue. sauce all over my face.". And he was doing like an homage to the. barbecue hot scene. >> [laughter]. >> in what had. from 25 years ago. This like 22-year-old. and he was so excited that he was. talking and I like shout out to this guy. cuz he really committed to the bit.

>> Yeah. >> It was very impressive. All my friends. were like, "WHAT IS HAPPENING?". [laughter]. >> YEAH. >> AND THE MINUTE WE GOT IT, he just lit up. with joy like, "Okay, it works. Like, she understands what's happening.". >> him fired. >> such. >> [laughter]. >> Like a deer like when people are like, "What's the weirdest thing a fan's ever. done?" That's close to the top of the. list. >> But you know, that is. um. that is it's one of those gifts that. just keeps giving where you do. something, you made it, that's a very.

discreet time in your life when you're. very young, and then uh you know, someone who's wasn't born. >> Literally not born. >> Not born when that was made is now so. hears that you're out there. >> Yeah. >> and needs to do this to connect with. you. And that's the nice thing, too, is. in those moments you want to be the. person that they want you to be. >> I know. Of course. >> You don't want to be like, "Hey, you know, [laughter]. that's not funny. Get that sauce off. your face.". >> GET OUT OF HERE.

NO, I ALWAYS LOOK AT I I get to come and. talk to you and get to do these things. because people watch the things that I. make. Like, period, full stop. If people. didn't care about the stuff that we. made, you and me wouldn't get to be. here. So, I'm constantly like, "Ah, thank you so much to anybody who cares. at all to watch it." It. amazes me constantly. >> Okay, you've you've made this show. and what is the what's the next step for. you? And what's going in the future? Are. you really going to try and calm down a.

little bit or is that total. [laughter]. >> I literally started I literally started. to laugh. >> Cuz I'm not I'm not going to calm down. at all. >> in a writer's room yesterday, Conan. >> [laughter]. >> How much do you love a writer's room? >> I love a writer's room. Who doesn't love. a writer's room? >> Well, I think there are people that. don't, probably, but I I. >> Oh, I love it. >> It's the only place I stop them from. doing work. >> None of us know if Conan's in the office. and then we just hear a bang and a. scream downstairs when he goes. [laughter] in the writer's room. >> I always kick the door open in a. dramatic fashion and THEY GO, "WHOA!".

>> AND THEN ALL OF US UP HERE ARE LIKE, "WHAT IS HE DOING?". >> A VERY over-the-top bit um and then. >> coffees in or why you got to kick the. door open? >> don't give them anything. >> Right, that's okay. I was just. [laughter] confirming. >> it's about taking. >> Yeah. >> This is where you and I are very. different. >> [laughter]. >> I'd have torn that guy with barbecue. sauce in his face a new. >> YOU WOULD. >> HOW DARE YOU, SIR? >> [laughter]. >> I'M TRYING TO enjoy my après-ski. MANAGER? Um yeah, well, this has been an absolute.

joy. I I love you dearly and yes. >> you, too. >> Um you look you look a lot like my wife. >> [laughter]. >> AND IT'S NOT WEIRD. >> IT'S NOT weird at all and I think Max. gets it, right? >> He gets it. >> He gets it. He's And you know what the. nice thing? Not threatened at all by me. >> [laughter]. >> No man is. >> TAKE YOUR SHOT, CONAN. Take your shot. >> [laughter]. >> Um "Maniac Wife" on Peacock and um I've.

never met your co-star. >> Matthew Macfadyen. I'm going to tell him. to come hang out with you. >> Well, just tell him that cuz he also did. a show um about the assassination of. Garfield. I think it's called "Death by. Lightning". He plays the assassin, Guiteau, uh Charles Guiteau and. I mean, that guy can be anything he. wants to be. >> Yeah. And his American accent is really. good. >> It's better than my American accent. Yeah. >> Most people don't realize how British he.

is. >> Yeah, I'm kind of obsessed with him. And. so when I heard you two, obviously I'm. obsessed with you. So when I heard you. two were making something together and I. checked it out and it's really great. And so. congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Please come back tomorrow. >> We'll both be busy. >> Yeah. >> [laughter]. >> I'll start managing your schedule, too. >> How did you get into my schedule? >> Yeah, yeah. >> Someone will I'll reluctantly say yes. and then I'll just [laughter] be here. >> I'm judging a potato sack race.

in in Quebec. >> [laughter]. >> All right. God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. Okay, welcome back. We're going to do a. staff review today. These have been. quite popular. It's where I pull people. in. >> Mhm. >> from our little Team Coco staff. and talk to them. And we find out all. kinds of amazing things about the. wonderful people that make up my empire. And today we've brought in a young lad.

named Sean Doherty. You're senior producer. >> I'm a senior producer, yes. >> And. people have said we bear resemblance to. one another. >> A little bit, yeah. >> A little bit. You are tall. >> Yeah. >> Irish. >> Catholic. >> Irish fellow. You've got a little. >> From Boston. Which part of Boston are. you from? >> I'm from Braintree. >> Okay, Braintree. Near Burlington. >> Close enough. >> And just for our viewers out there. >> What's that? >> Yeah, there you go. You've got a little. a little bit of a pompadour going. >> Tiny. >> Tiny. Was that Did you have that going. before you met me? >> I did. I swear. I swear to God I did.

[laughter] Yeah. >> So I did. >> I promise. >> I for the Oscars I was shooting this bit. where I'm Aunt Gladys from Weapons and. they had a stunt double. stand in for me and you will attest. David and so will you Sona this stunt. double looked absolutely nothing like. me. And [laughter] the whole time I'm. thinking why didn't we bring Sean. Doherty in? I mean you should have come in. >> [laughter]. >> What's that? >> Can I say we actually used Shaun when we. were building the studio as a fill-in. for you with lighting and.

>> And you did test podcast and his were. much better. >> [laughter]. >> He was funnier, he was faster. So, um anyway, uh you have had kind of a. remarkable rise here. You started out as. an intern what year? >> Uh 2018, 2019. >> show where where was that? >> With the TBS show. I was there the last. year. >> On Warner Brothers. >> Yep. >> Okay. And what was that experience like? >> It was awesome. >> honest. >> Ruthie was my boss. >> Ruthie Ruthie.

>> Ruthie Wyatt who was the best. >> Our our social uh media priestess. >> Yes. >> Fantastic. Um she does a lovely job and. also full of sunshine. >> I just love the best. >> I don't think anybody has anything. negative to say about. >> and she'll it'll just go away. There's. like unicorns sprouting from her head. It's wonderful. So, you're working at the show. Did you see. terrible behavior? Did you ever see me. do anything awful? >> Oh my god. No, everyone was so good. Everyone was amazing. I loved the Warner. Brothers show. >> that's boring. >> Yeah, yeah, [laughter] yeah. We need the. drama. >> an.

>> Everyone sucks. >> There you go. There you go. No, we're. trying to expose the rot. >> Yeah. >> in our industry. >> Oh my god. >> So, you worked as an intern first and. then um you've just done so well. Let me. tell the listeners a little bit about. you and I'm going to find a way to. on you. I just haven't found it yet. >> It feels like getting called into the. principal's office right now. This feels. like. >> This is the part where the principal. butters you up. You started out really. well in third and fourth [laughter]. grade. I thought you showed great. promise. So, we'll get you that part. >> yeah. >> Um you are now have risen to this point.

where you're in charge of uh producing. Andy Richter's podcast here, Rob Lowe's. podcast. And so, you're dealing with. those two monsters. >> No. >> [laughter]. >> You can quietly say no, but. uh you know, both of them. Both of them. scourges. uh on the business. Uh. And so, you've done really well and then. I find out it was in the trades that you. sold a screenplay? >> Yeah, yes. >> So, my question is when am I getting a piece.

of your success? [laughter]. You've been a barnacle on this boat a. long time, Sean. So, is there a part in this screenplay. for me? >> Oh my god, of course. Anything, anything. you want. I mean, it's a high school. comedy. So, I don't know if there is a. >> I hate to say you might have You might. have aged out of your role. you, >> [screaming]. >> Sean. >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. >> are you coming here and you tell me I'm. too old to play a high school student. [laughter] WHEN NO ONE WOULD HAVE THAT. TAKE? That is ageist. >> It's a little concerning to just see.

like you hovering over the teenagers. I. don't know if that [laughter] would be I. think a lot of people would think that. guy fits right in. >> I'm still pre-pubescent. >> [laughter]. >> at my age, somehow. I'm so post-pubescent I came around to. pre-pubescent. [laughter]. >> Horseshoe. >> So, there's got to be No, I don't play a. high school student, but there are. adults that work at the high school. >> you could be principal, disciplinarian? >> about? What do you think I'm doing right. now? You just said you felt like I was. being called into the principal's. office. If you don't find a part for me. in this movie, I will sue you into.

oblivion. >> [laughter]. >> I will make up things about you. >> grounds are you going to sue him? >> When you reach my state of the business, which is quite high, this the level that. I'm at right now, I don't need. [clears throat] reasons. >> [laughter]. >> I've got judges in my pocket. >> Let's hear it. >> I do an audition. Audition right now. >> You kids better cut it out. Now, listen. here, you nerds. >> [laughter]. >> There's no way you're going to win. against the jocks, see? Cuz I'm with the.

jocks. And you nerds can stay up all. night and work on your robot. BUT, THERE'S NO WAY YOU BEAT my jocks, see? >> What role was that? It's very 1980s, 1970s high school. >> THOSE NERDS DID WHAT? >> [laughter]. >> WAIT, WAIT, I'M the robot they invented. I've just beat up the football team. >> [laughter]. >> I think you nailed it. >> playing the robot. >> Yeah. >> This is a great movie. Oh, don't tell me. yours explores relationships and stuff. that might really happen. That's.

[laughter] so boring. You want robots. and you want an uptight headmaster. >> you would be amazing at this. I think I. think you've kind of sold It takes place. in Massachusetts. So, this is So, this. is another point for you. >> Yeah. Perfect. I grew up in. Massachusetts, not far from you. >> True, yes. >> So, you're growing up in Massachusetts. What were you interested in? What was. your What would What did you aim for in. show business? And how did you end up at. this up place? >> [laughter]. >> How did you wash up on this beach of all. places? >> I mean, I don't know. I wanted to work.

in late-night television, and then it. died the second I came to Los Angeles. It was just over. Yeah. >> you that killed it. >> But, then [laughter] it was. unfortunately. thriving right up until then. >> Sean Doherty showed up with his. cardboard suitcase. >> [laughter]. >> Gosh, I'm here from Braintree. >> Oh, NO. >> I'M HERE TO SEE the big city. Where's. the chowder? There's no chowder here. >> [laughter]. >> Where's the Red Sox? There's no Red Sox. either.

Um I don't know why you deserve all this. abuse, Sean, but you do. >> Everyone. >> Here's the thing that I find. disconcerting. You're beloved. Everybody, universally, is like, "Oh my. god, it's Sean. Sean is such a good. guy." They're always talking to me about. you. And I don't know what this is, but. when I hear too much praise about one of. my people, I find a way to try and break. them. >> No. >> And that's what's happening now. >> a threat from within. I get it. >> I could but cuz you look like me, but. you're younger. He's better looking. He's got the leg strength. >> He He [laughter] could go. >> No, leg strength.

>> He could lift things. >> He's got a podcast. >> No, I'm always checking out [laughter]. When men don't too much leg strength, I. want them gone. Because I know that they will beat the. me. I'm the alpha and. >> He could single white female you pretty. easily. >> Oh, you could. >> what I'm planning to do. I will say the. first time I ever interacted with you as. a PA, you did say, "We hired this young. man so that someone tries to assassinate. me, this kid will die instead.". >> [laughter]. >> 20 years old. THAT WAS THE FIRST. INTERACTION. >> Because I had read that Saddam Hussein,

you know this, right? Saddam Hussein. hired all these other Saddam Husseins to. look like him to and you know. so that if someone went to kill Saddam. Hussein, there was a nine out of 10. chance they'd get the wrong Saddam. Hussein. And that made me First of all, this is why you were hired, Sean. We saw. you I turned down so many interns that. day and then this guy comes. >> [laughter]. >> Okay, this guy is exactly my height. Sean is 6'4". He's got the red hair, the. pompadour, he's got my look.

and I thought this is perfect. And. that's why I kept sending you out for. sandwiches even even when we didn't need. sandwiches. >> [laughter]. >> I wanted you vulnerable. And that way you draw out the people. that want to hurt Conan O'Brien. >> And you The first thing he got from you. That's the first conversation that you. guys had with each other. >> I am a notorious. >> interaction. >> [laughter]. >> And it's you will take a bullet for me. >> And not you won't you won't do it you'll. do it against your will.

And it worked because he was attacked. constantly when he was here. >> [laughter]. >> I had him wear a t-shirt that said I am. Conan. He would come into the office. with arrows sticking out of him. >> [laughter]. >> Rocks had been bounced off his head. He'd been kicked by old women. And you it was like a sponge that soaks. up all the hate gravy, >> [laughter]. >> you know? >> I love the thought that the people. attacking you were old women. >> And you're so scared of them you send. out a decoy. >> I sent out a 20 [laughter] I sent out to.

kid. And he just gets beaten. They're hitting. you hitting you with their purses. [laughter]. They're throwing old Necco Wafers at. you. >> And yet I stuck around. I said, "Give me. more.". >> So what's the dream? You've written a. screenplay now. Would you like to. >> friend Caroline, yes. We co-wrote it, yeah. >> Okay, and the Don't tell me the whole. idea, but the basic idea is these are. high school students in Massachusetts. >> And uh and. >> It's an homage to The Apartment, the. Billy Wilder movie. >> terrific. >> Yeah. >> That's great.

>> the title out of this, uh but it is a. That makes it sound classy. Yeah. And. it's [laughter] it's called The. Boat, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Well, okay. Well, suddenly I'm. [laughter] I'm. I'm distancing myself. >> Sorry, yeah. >> Distancing myself from The Boat. >> Yeah. [laughter]. >> Uh by the way, I wrote a Good luck with. that. I wrote a. screenplay called The Boat that. >> [laughter]. >> 1987 went nowhere. Uh but um what happens next.

theoretically? You've sold it. Is there. a chance How does these things get made? How does it happen? >> That's the million-dollar question. I. mean, I don't know the. >> I don't know I know very little about. the film business. >> you're you're a movie star now, too. >> It's true. Yeah, I'm just flooded with. offers. >> [laughter]. >> Uh no, I I I honestly don't understand. that business at all. And and. increasingly I don't even understand the. business I was in. It's all changing so. much, but it that's very impressive that. you sold a screenplay. And you're. kicking ass here at the show,

uh and people again, much to my. irritation, think you're a wonderful. person. Uh and I'm tired of it. I'm really tired. of it. So we're letting you go. >> That is all right. That is This was the. exit interview. I could feel it coming. >> I'm filing a complaint with the Writers. Guild. >> Yes, yes. >> The Boat is my title. >> [laughter]. >> I had a catamaran when I was in high. school, and I called it my boat. >> [laughter]. >> And you know why I called it my. boat, David? >> Why? >> So I'd get on it and ride around a. little pond and go, "Nobody wants to.

me.". >> [laughter]. >> WHAT A TWIST. >> OH MY. >> [laughter]. >> Audience is just so sad watching it. >> Me going in a sad circle. You know, there was no wind. Charlie [laughter]. Brown. Nobody wants to me. And then, "Well, good night, BOAT.". >> [laughter]. >> SO THAT WAS MY SCREENPLAY. I think yours. is going to be better. >> very much. Yeah. >> Sean, thank you. Appreciate. >> Honored to have you on the team and. hilarious that my first comment to you.

was that you will draw my assassin. >> [laughter].