Mike Judge and the cast of Office Space recently reunited at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival for a panel discussion sponsored by The Hollywood Reporter. The panel delved into various aspects of the film's creation and reception, shedding light on some interesting details.
During the discussion, Judge revealed that he hasn't watched Office Space since before its release in 1999, citing that it brings back stressful memories for him. Despite the film's initial box office flop, it gained a strong following through cable and home video viewings, with fans expressing their love for its re-watchability.
Judge also shared that he had watched the movie countless times during post-production but admitted to not being inclined to revisit it now. He mentioned a specific scene near the end involving Ron Livingston's character that he would have handled differently if given the chance.
Reflecting on his decision to turn down the opportunity to work on NBC's The Office, Judge explained that he didn't want to revisit the workplace comedy genre after his experience with Office Space. He praised Greg Daniels' work on The Office and expressed no regrets about his decision.
At the panel, various cast members shared insights into their characters' potential trajectories. Livingston speculated that Peter Gibbons might be on a spiritual journey, while other actors offered their interpretations of where their characters would be today.
The panel also touched on behind-the-scenes anecdotes, such as Livingston being asked to lose weight for his role and Stephen Root's challenges with thick glasses that affected his vision during filming. Judge recounted his battle with the studio over using rap music in the film and the eventual success of his creative choices.
The post-panel reception featured a themed dessert and a cake reminiscent of a scene from the film, with the actors interacting with star-struck patrons at the restaurant.
Overall, the Office Space reunion at South by Southwest provided fans with a deeper look into the film's legacy and the enduring impact it has had on audiences over the years.
