Despicable Me 2
Brand reprises his role as the voice of Dr. Nefario in this sequel to the 2010 animated comedy. This time he helps the protagonist Gru in his newfound passion of producing tasty, homemade jams. When Gru joins the Anti-Villain League to hunt down the man who stole a dangerous monster-making serum, Dr. Nefario joins forces. New additions to the cast include Benjamin Bratt as Gru’s nemesis Eduardo, and Steve Coogan as the head of the AVL.
Rock of Ages
Brand stars in this romantic comedy musical film adaptation of the 2006 Broadway musical. He plays Lonny Barnett, the alcohol-loving manager of the The Bourbon Room and right-hand man of club owner Dennies Dupree (Alec Baldwin). The cast includes Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. On accepting a role in a musical:
I thought it would be fun to sing all those songs, and like one of the films I’ve done before where I had to pretend to be a rock star, I sang songs in that. It’s quite good, like it’s not that difficult if you’ve got a good teacher.
Hosts MTV Movie Awards
Brand hosts the 2012 MTV Movie Awards, held at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. His opening monologue includes a dig at his divorce from Katy Perry, as well as comments on Justin Bieber’s attack on the paparazzi and Michael Fassbender’s role in the film, Shame. The event features presenters such as Adam Sandler, Christian Bale, and Jodie Foster, and performances by fun.,Wiz Khalifa, and The Black Keys.
The last time I did an MTV awards show, I did end up marrying someone that was there. So tonight I’m going to keep my eyes peeled for my next wife!
Arthur
Brand plays the title role in this remake of the 1981 film of the same name. Arthur Bach is a spoiled and alcoholic heir to a multi-million inheritance, but can claim it only if he marries a rich woman played by Jennifer Garner. With the help of his nanny (Helen Mirren), he defies the wishes of his mother. Also featuring Greta Gerwig, Luis Guzmán, and Nick Nolte..
I saw it as an honor to play a part played by Dudley Moore. I’m a huge fan of his, I’m from ten minutes away from where he’s from, so for me, it was like ‘wishful filming’, to be honest, even to be offered the opportunity to be in this film. And now that it’s been made, I’m so proud of it. I think it’s so funny, and it also has incredible heart.
The Tempest
Brand stars in this fantasy film adaptation of the William Shakespeare play. He plays Trinculo, a wayward jester in the court of King Alonso who conspires against Prospera with her slave, Caliban. Directed by Julie Taymor, the film also features Helen Mirren as Prospera, Djimoun Hounsou as Caliban, and David Strathairn as King Alonso.
In this film, I play the part of Trinculo. He’s a court jester. He’s errant and wayward, but you know, he’s got lovely trousers.
Despicable Me
In this animated comedy, Brand voices Dr. Nefario, a friendly and good-natured scientist who works with the main character, Gru, who is voiced by Steve Carell. He lives in an underground laboratory, in which he builds various gadgets and machines for Gru in his mission to steal the moon. The film also features the voices of Jason Segel, Miranda Cosgrove, and Julie Andrews.
Dr. Nefario in this movie is a mentor and also a sort of bumbling half-wit. You know they say, genius and madness are really close to each other – they’re not, are they – because I know some mad people and they’re idiots, and I think that Dr. Nefario is like an idiot. He’s sort of old, makes terrible mistakes, there are wonderful contraptions, some of which were needlessly manufactured on account of mishearing information.
Get Him to the Greek
Brand reprises his role as British rock star Aldous Snow in the sequel to the 2008 film Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Jonah Hill, plays a music talent scout and fan who is tasked to bring Snow to Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre to perform at an anniversary concert. On possibly playing his character in the future:
I don’t know, really. I mean, I love working with Jonah, and Nick Stoller, the writer and director, and it’s always amazing to be in Judd Apatow films; I’ve been in two. But I don’t know if I’m doing the character again, I would if they offered.
Hosts MTV Video Music Awards
Brand hosts the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards for the second time in a row. The event, held at New York’s Radio City Music Hall, features a Michael Jackson video montage as tribute to the King of Pop, who died a few months before. The show includes performances by Kanye West, Rihanna, T.I., and Taylor Swift. West infamously interrupts Swift’s acceptance speech for her Best Female Video award to express his opinion that Beyoncé should have won. On his plan for the event:
This year will be a controversy-free festival of love and discreet orgasms.
Hosts MTV Video Music Awards
Brand hosts the MTV Video Music Awards for the first time. His controversial chatter includes a jibe at US President George W. Bush as being “retarded” and mocking the Jonas Brothers for wearing purity rings as symbols of their promise to save sex until marriage. The event is held at the Paramount Pictures Studios and features performances by Christina Aguilera, Lil Wayne, and Rihanna among others. His monologue contains unsolicited election advice to the audience:
Please, America, elect Barack Obama. On behalf of the world.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Brand stars in this American romantic comedy film about a music composer, played by Jason Segel, who loses his celebrity girlfriend, played by Kristen Bell. The comedian plays an eccentric and free-spirited rock star named Aldous Snow, with whom Bell’s character cheats and has a fleeting relationship. Directed by Nicholas Stoller, the film also stars Mila Kunis, Jonah Hill, and Paul Rudd.
I think it’s a really brilliant film. Jason Segel is a brilliant writer and brilliant performer, and Kristen Bell is a great comic actress. Mila Kunis is like, stunning. People like Paul Rudd and Jonah Hill, people who have appeared in other Judd Apatow films, and Jack McBrayer who’s a brilliant comic actor. It’s a properly entertaining film, I really like it. I’m really proud to have been in it, I think it’s fantastic.
