Ryan Reynolds’ Raunchy Christmas Classic Turns 20: Director Roger Kumble Looks Back On Just Friends

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Before Ryan Reynolds was known for playing Deadpool, he appeared in a series of popular, often outrageous comedies like Van Wilder, Waiting…, and Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle. However, his funny Christmas movie, Just Friends, might be the one people still enjoy for years to come, even after 20 years.

In the movie Just Friends, written by Adam “Tex” Davis and directed by Roger Kumble, Ryan Reynolds plays Chris Brander, a music executive who goes home for the holidays hoping to turn his long-time friendship with Jamie (Amy Smart) into something more. He brings along one of his clients, pop star Samantha James (played hilariously by Anna Faris), who adds to the chaotic fun.

While Just Friends includes many familiar elements of a Christmas movie – a charming romance, festive decorations, and family gatherings – it’s a bit more unpredictable and that’s what makes it special. It might not feel completely modern, but the film’s genuine heart still resonates with viewers.

Kumble remembers that around ten years after its release, the movie Just Friends began appearing in Christmas TV lineups. He thought about whether the film could become a holiday classic while he was making it, saying, “I hoped it would naturally become part of the holiday tradition, rather than feeling forced.”

Can you believe it’s been 20 years since Just Friends came out? I recently read a fantastic interview with the director, Kumble, over at ScreenRant! Liam Crowley spoke with him to celebrate the movie’s anniversary, and it was so interesting to hear Kumble talk about what he thinks makes a movie a ‘holiday movie,’ what it was like working with Ryan Reynolds, and even a funny story about a cameo that didn’t make the final cut. It really gave me a new appreciation for the film!

ScreenRant asked the director when they first realized the movie Just Friends was becoming popular beyond its initial release in theaters.

It took about ten years for my work to really find an audience. Often, after a film’s initial release, I’d worry about future projects. But over time, people started discovering it – first through TV showings around Christmas, and then on streaming services. That’s when it really gained a following. I know Conan O’Brien was a big supporter, which helped.

ScreenRant: For you as a playwright, as a director, what makes a Christmas movie?

The film’s setting around the holidays was definitely intentional. We wanted to explore themes of community and forgiveness – that holiday spirit, as Samantha James put it – while we were filming. I hoped we could become part of that classic holiday movie tradition without it feeling contrived.

Liam Crowley asked if it was true that many of the scenes featuring Ryan and Anna were not scripted, but rather made up as they filmed.

The script had the basic story, and we quickly realized it had potential. During auditions, Anna immediately stood out as the perfect fit. Having worked with her on the ‘Scary Movie’ films, I knew she wasn’t afraid to take risks. She playfully questioned the character’s inspiration, asking if it was based on Paris or Lindsay Hilton, and I told her it was a combination of them all. We collaborated closely, and she brought so much energy and positivity to the set, often improvising during multiple takes.

Liam Crowley asked if there were any specific moments during filming where the connection between Ryan and Anna felt particularly strong, going above and beyond what was written in the script.

Roger Kumble loved watching Ryan Reynolds’ comedic talent develop early in his career. He realized it would be foolish not to let Reynolds improvise and contribute his ideas on set. They understood Reynolds needed to be the grounding force when acting with Anna, who had a very energetic and unpredictable personality. However, in scenes with Amy, he was free to play up his character’s silliness and explore more absurd choices.

Liam Crowley asked if Jimmy Fallon and Bradley Cooper were ever seriously considered for the role of Chris, or if their names were just mentioned as possibilities without any actual auditions.

Let me clarify what happened. I honestly didn’t know who Jimmy was. Bradley Cooper actually auditioned for the role of Dusty Dinkleman and did a great job. He was supposed to play the part, but his TV show, Jack & Bobby, wouldn’t let him come because of potential travel issues. We were filming in Regina, Saskatchewan, where the weather was incredibly cold – around 30 below zero – and sometimes flights were cancelled. Ultimately, it didn’t work out with Bradley, but thankfully Chris Klein stepped in and was amazing. While I was disappointed not to work with Bradley Cooper, I was thrilled with Chris’s performance.

Liam Crowley: The Alanis Morissette cameo. Why was that cut from the feature?

Wow, you’re bringing up some old memories! We were just trying to get through the first part of the movie, but she was amazing. Ryan and Alanis were together at the time, and she was a sweetheart – she even baked cookies for everyone on set. I was lucky she agreed to let the deleted scenes be included in the final cut.

Liam Crowley: Did you ever get to see the Aviation Gin commercial that Ryan and Amy put together?

I absolutely loved it! I was so happy to finally see a sequel. It was just really heartwarming to see those characters back together.

Liam Crowley mentioned he was leading up to a question about a possible sequel. He asked if the creators had ever brainstormed ideas for a follow-up to the movie Just Friends.

Yes, we definitely considered it, but it just wasn’t feasible. I was busy filming Suits at the time, and while we talked about it, I felt like the story had already been done. That said, I’d be very excited to create a spin-off focused on Samantha James – I’d love to make that movie!

Liam Crowley asked: If you were struggling with the plot, what do you think Chris and Jamie are doing now?

I think they’re probably doing well. He likely faced challenges in the music industry, like many people I know, but I imagine they have a big family and she’s the one who makes most of the decisions – just like in my own marriage. It’s tough to make sequels to romantic comedies because if the first movie is good, the story is already complete. There’s no need to create artificial drama just to have something happen.

Liam Crowley asked if anyone remembered the first time they read through the script together, and if it felt like they had assembled a truly special cast for the movie.

We were putting the project together bit by bit while also trying to secure funding. We discovered a company in Canada – it’s common to film there to reduce costs – specifically in Saskatchewan. We were really focused on getting Ryan involved, as we were impressed with his work on Two Guys and a Girl. Also, New Line Cinema had a positive experience working with Amy Smart on The Butterfly Effect, which was a good sign.

We had the two main actors, and then a couple of weeks before filming began, we realized there wasn’t much to do in the area. There was no social life at all. So, we started meeting at Ryan’s loft every night. We’d read through the script and then work on improving it together. With the writer, Tex Davis, we essentially treated the screenplay like a stage play, and it was a fantastic experience. The studio was surprisingly supportive, because we were making the script even better.

Liam Crowley asked Ryan Reynolds how the makeup and costume for his high school appearance in the movie were made to look so realistic, noting that even people who haven’t seen Just Friends likely recognize that version of him.

We understood some of the budget had to be allocated to costuming, and Ryan is incredibly meticulous. I felt confident knowing he would push the hair, makeup, and entire team to create the perfect visual. I recall him being very uncomfortable in the suit due to the heat, but he was determined to get it right.

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2025-12-10 19:04