Jason Segel ‘Gained A Bunch Of Weight’ On A Movie, And He Can Still Remember The Brutal Personal Jabs When It Came Out

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In Hollywood, the movie industry can sometimes feel like a competitive arena where both creators and fans aren’t shy about expressing their opinions, even in a critical way. These comments can sting, especially for those directly involved in the film-making process, including well-known actors like Jason Segel. He still recalls the harsh remarks made when he put on some extra weight during the filming of a movie.

At a recent gathering, a well-known comedian shared an intriguing story about the most unusual thing he’d come across concerning himself. While Seth Rogen, one of his co-stars from “Freaks and Geeks,” playfully referred to an individual labeling him “Too Tall Segel” (he is reportedly 6 feet 4 inches tall), it was a comment regarding his size rather than his height that had the deepest impact on him. He discussed this experience with The Hollywood Reporter, along with Rogen and other high-profile celebrities, focusing on being criticized for weight gain.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but reminisce about the time I filmed a movie in vibrant New Orleans. Indulging myself during this project led to a significant weight gain, and while the review was positively glowing, it humorously compared my physical transformation to that of Gerard Depardieu.

ROGEN: “You fought that off nicely. Maybe that’s what you needed.”

SEGEL: “A wake-up call. (Laughter)” ]

In a recent statement, Segel doesn’t explicitly name the movie, but it’s clear that the film in question is “Jeff, Who Lives At Home,” directed by the Duplass Brothers and categorized as a mumblecore drama. In this production, Segel plays an unemployed stoner residing in a basement. The film was shot in New Orleans more than a decade ago, and based on recent comments, it seems that the weight gain might have been unintentional rather than part of his character portrayal. I managed to trace back Segel’s comment to the original critic who made a negative remark about him, confirming that this movie was indeed the one in question. Therefore, his weight gain does match the character he played in the film.

As a movie enthusiast, I must admit, it wasn’t as if he was bulking up for a Marvel role and unexpectedly transformed into a muscular Thor. However, I appreciate his candid moments shared in the public sphere. Sometimes, it feels like we, the fans and critics, exist in an isolated bubble, wielding our opinions with a sense of power that can be both noteworthy and potentially harmful towards actors.

Independent of any circumstances, these actors are indeed genuine individuals who may encounter unkind remarks directed at them in the digital world of social media. This situation has led figures like Jamie Foxx to voice concerns over the challenges that come with being a public figure today, referring to it as “dangerous.” However, not every aspect is negative; for instance, Ben Stiller appreciates interacting with fans, and Monica Barbaro herself has acknowledged returning to social media due to positive interactions. Yet, such unfavorable comments can still cast a shadow.

For Jeff, who resides in Home-Sweet-Home, one particularly harsh critique might have been notable, but overall reviews of that film also highlighted “Segel’s bear-like affection” and a “strong portrayal from Jason Segel.” This suggests that the majority appreciated his acting endeavors during that period.

Currently, Segel seems slimmer while starring in the series “Shrinking”, and those with an Apple TV+ subscription likely won’t find any issues regarding his appearance. Fingers crossed that he avoids any comments like Gerard Depardieu’s in the future. Just a heads-up for potential online critics.

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2025-07-05 00:08