Patrick Warburton Answers Every Question We Have About Bee Movie

As a farmer from the heartland of America, I’ve spent my entire life surrounded by nature and its wonders. Every day, I wake up with the sun, tending to my crops and livestock, living in harmony with the land. The arrival of a talking bee would undoubtedly catch me off guard, but as someone who’s always been fascinated by the intricacies of nature, I’d approach the situation with curiosity and respect.


Based on all cinematic rules, “Bee Movie” shouldn’t have gained such widespread popularity. Yet against all odds, it managed to take off and soar. The film disregards human limitations and defies the impossible in its unique way.

In 2007, “Bee Movie,” which was Jerry Seinfeld’s initial significant project following “Seinfeld,” made its debut. This animated film introduces Barry B. Benson, an intelligent insect who feels trapped in his hive and yearns for more. Escaping the shackles of capitalism, Barry encounters Vanessa (Renée Zellweger), a tranquil and compassionate florist. She not only assists him in filing a lawsuit against humans for their mistreatment of bees but also shows understanding when he starts speaking English. However, you’re likely intrigued by the romantic triangle between two humans and a bee, correct? Enter Ken (Patrick Warburton), the hotheaded tennis instructor. Realizing his girlfriend is being wooed by Barry—who, once again, is a bee—Ken becomes enraged and attempts to eliminate Barry using an Italian Vogue magazine. Yes, this was advertised as family entertainment. “This bee is living my life,” Ken cries in despair in the closing scene. “When will this ordeal end?”

In the early stages after its release in theaters, Bee Movie received modest feedback from critics and audiences, who were also engrossed with Warburton’s rising success on “Rules of Engagement” TV show. However, this film has surprisingly transformed into a viral phenomenon in recent years. This magazine even explored how themes such as sincerity, recognition, and sexualization played a role in its newfound popularity within the internet meme community. Personally, I enjoy the video titled “The Entire Bee Movie but every time it says ‘bee’ it speeds up by 15%,” which has been watched nearly 7 million times. Warburton, a veteran collaborator on Seinfeld with an upcoming film named “The Duel,” believes that the timing played a significant role in Bee Movie‘s longevity. “I’m grateful for being a part of it,” he expressed during a recent conversation. “I genuinely feel honored.”

Do you enjoy jazz? I’ve developed a strong appreciation for it in my later years. In fact, I didn’t start taking singing lessons until I was nearly 50, simply out of curiosity. To my surprise, I ended up forming a garage band where one of the members was a skilled jazz musician. Even if he wasn’t familiar with popular rock bands, he could quickly learn and play their songs due to his extensive musical background.

My friend Chris, who is the bassist in the band, invited me to the Catalina Jazz Club. There, I had the privilege of seeing Victor Wooten on the bass, Mike Stern on the guitar, and Dennis Chambers on the drums. This experience was truly extraordinary for me as I had never witnessed such talent before. Although my preferred jazz artist is Miles Davis, known for revolutionizing music multiple times throughout his career, I must admit that I’m not particularly drawn to progressive jazz. However, there is no denying that jazz musicians excel in the art of improvisation and live performances like no other musicians in the world.

In your successful acting career, you excel in both voice-overs and live-action performances. When it comes to choosing projects between the two, how does your approach differ? Do you find yourself being more selective with one over the other?

I’ve gained a new perspective at the age of 59, and I’ve become more discerning in my choices. Over the years, I’ve managed to carve out a living in specific genres, but I thrive on a good challenge. That’s why I took on projects like “The Woman Chaser” and “The Civilization of Maxwell Bright.” The latter was a small film that didn’t receive much attention, but it earned me three Best Actor awards from various film festivals. The performances were exceptional, even if the production value left something to be desired. I also embraced opportunities like “The Dish,” where I questioned Rob Sitch, the director, about my involvement given our prior association through “Seinfeld.” His response was simple: “I believed you could pull off Al Burnett, the least humorous character in the film.”

In Los Angeles, that remark didn’t resonate with me as you might have intended. People there tend to pigeonhole individuals and expect them to conform to certain roles. However, I’ve always admired actors who surprise us by taking unexpected turns in their careers. One of my all-time favorite films showcases this perfectly – “Sling Blade.” Many were taken aback that John Ritter didn’t resemble his comedic persona from “Three’s Company.” But to me, he was a versatile actor who could captivate audiences with more than just slapstick humor.

When someone requests “the Patrick Warburton voice,” they’re referring to the unique and recognizable way you speak in voice-acting roles. It’s not that you can transform into different voices entirely, but rather, there’s a distinctiveness to your performances. For example, think of Joe from “Family Guy” or Kronk from “The Emperor’s New Groove.” Despite their differences in character, it’s clear they are voiced by the same person. Some voice actors can seamlessly adapt to various voices, but for you, it has always been about finding the right fit for each role while staying true to your distinctive style.

I’ve spent years in the animation industry, working on projects both big and small. But nothing quite compares to my experience with Bee Movie. You see, when Jerry first pitched the idea to me, I was skeptical. Bees? Jazz? It all sounded a bit far-fetched.

The way “Seinfeld”-esque it was, and I believe that’s why it has endured, is truly unique. “The Emperor’s New Groove,” on the other hand, didn’t perform well commercially back then. Disney didn’t put much effort into promoting it at the time, as they had two releases: a live-action “101 Dalmatians” with Glenn Close and “The Emperor’s New Groove.” The majority of their marketing budget went to “101 Dalmatians.” Our film, similar to “Bee Movie,” continued to gain popularity after its theatrical run. It became a beloved cult classic rather than a blockbuster sensation at first.

I’ll make it clear that Ken is the most rational character in the movie, but since he’s always shouting or agitated, this message can be hard to grasp. When you enter a recording studio, how do you get into the right mindset to generate so much anger?

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=MM1o04lFltI

How were those recording sessions in the booth? Was Jerry always actively involved, providing suggestions and fine-tuning the jokes?

A few years past, Jerry openly acknowledged the existence of an unintended yet suggestive relationship between Barry and Vanessa in Bee Movie. This nuanced sexual subtext was not deliberate but apparent to some viewers. Did you notice it prior to its premiere?

As a film enthusiast, I can tell you that I’ve had my fair share of unfortunate character developments. I’ve been there when the protagonist watched as his beloved lost interest in him, only this time it was to an unlikely creature – a bee. It’s an odd feeling, one that leaves you pondering the unpredictability of life and love, but ultimately, it’s just another layer to the character’s journey.

As a film enthusiast with years of experience under my belt, I must confess that watching a masterpiece unfold on screen for the very first time is an indescribable feeling. The emotions are raw and real, the impact profoundly moving. When the final credits began to roll, I couldn’t help but feel elated. It was a cinematic experience unlike any other. This wasn’t just another movie; it was a work of art that resonated with me on a deeper level. The storytelling was impeccable, the performances captivating, and the visuals breathtakingly beautiful. In that moment, I felt alive, enriched, and grateful for having been a part of this unique journey.

Bee Movie is one of those films that has appreciated in value since its release, thanks, in part, to a lot of memes. What have you observed about people’s interest and enthusiasm since 2007?
It’s always terribly satisfying when you see something have a life in the realm of art that appreciates throughout the years. I think one of the reasons why Bee Movie has resonated is because it’s basically Seinfeld. It’s clever. What does that mean? What’s clever? It’s filled with perspective. You have this fun and ridiculous story about something that’s almost a romance between a bee and a woman, which is somehow not perverse at all but very funny. I lean really well into clueless stupidity, dumb arrogance, and a little bit of irony with my roles, and this touches that triad. You can’t just make somebody entirely an idiot. There’s got to be something else there. I could see what made Jerry think about me for the role of Ken.

In a comparable manner, the popularity of Seinfeld continues to thrive. Regardless of what some may deem politically correct now or then, the characters and their predicaments resonated deeply with audiences. Their absurd human disputes and circumstances remain entertainingly relevant today. This enduring appeal is a testament to Jerry’s unique humor and inventiveness. The show wasn’t confined to specific eras like 1994 or 2007; it has an everlasting quality. What Jerry crafted during that time not only survived but also endured, leaving a lasting legacy that remains his alone.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=L46syxgju18

Growing up as a millennial, I have a unique connection to certain animated films from my childhood. One particular project, released in 2007, stands out as a prevailing internet phenomenon for me and many others of my generation. It left an indelible mark on us during our formative years and continues to resonate with us as adults.

It’s always an honor for me when Jerry asks me to be a part of his projects. Our comedic chemistry is something special, and I can’t help but feel grateful for the way our paths have crossed over the years. When I first joined the cast of “Seinfeld,” they appreciated the character I brought in as Puddy. Unfortunately, I had to leave after two seasons due to my commitment to “Dave’s World” on CBS. They wouldn’t allow me to break my contract and make more appearances on “Seinfeld.” But Jerry kept recruiting me back for “Unfrosted,” and it feels great to be a part of his creative endeavors once again.

Jerry and I ran into each other once more since he was working on American Express commercials helmed by Barry Levinson. He asked if I would lend my voice to an animated Superman role in one of those ads, which I eagerly agreed to. Coincidentally, while we were collaborating on that project, Jerry proposed the idea of returning for Seinfeld’s ninth and final season. With my schedule becoming more flexible, I expressed my interest in rejoining the cast. Jerry always manages to involve me in his projects, and I am grateful for his continuous invitations as he is a true creative genius.

As a movie reviewer, I’ve made the error of working with large agencies for far too long. The experience is always the same: they put on a grand spectacle with numerous executives gathered around a table, eager to sign you up. You oblige by signing the contract, and then perhaps you’ll record a self-tape every few months. However, this approach doesn’t resonate with me. Instead, what truly clicks is collaborating with genuine individuals. Let me elaborate: Jerry Seinfeld is one such person I’ve been fortunate enough to work with over the years.

If a bee spoke to me at home, acknowledging its sentience, I’d engage in conversation with it. Our household has transformed into avid birdwatchers. With various bird feeders outside our windows, we enjoy our morning coffee while observing birds. We attempted to attract orioles, known for their vibrant colors, but they took time to grace our backyard. Through experimentation, we discovered that setting out diverse jellies would entice them to visit.

Suddenly, we’re delighted to have orioles visiting us again, their vibrant yellow feathers adding joy to our days. However, this welcome sight has been disrupted by an unwelcome intrusion – bees. They seem to find the jelly irresistible and keep buzzing around the oriole feeder. It’s becoming a nuisance. I wish I could have a conversation with my new bee acquaintance and suggest, “Perhaps your friends could avoid the jelly in the morning and only visit it in the afternoon. This would give the orioles a chance to feed peacefully.” However, I wouldn’t approach things in the same way Ken does.

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2024-07-24 21:54