Stoner Comedy Pioneers

Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong have solidified their status as icons in the stoner comedy genre. Their unique blend of humor and social commentary resonates with audiences, but their cinematic journey almost took an entirely different direction.

Search for a Director

During a recent appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher, the comedy duo reminisced about their early days and shared a fascinating anecdote regarding a potential collaboration with Oscar-nominated director Terrence Malick. Chong recounted, “One time, I called Terrence Malick—I’m a big fan of Terrence Malick, his movies are incredible—because we were looking for a director.”

Conversation with Terrence Malick

Chong’s enthusiasm for Malick stemmed from his admiration of the director’s work, particularly the film Badlands (1973). He appreciated “the composition … the whole movie experience” that Malick’s films offer. During their brief discussion, Malick questioned whether Chong had written the script, leading to a pivotal moment when he suggested, “Well then, you direct it.” Chong accepted this notion without hesitation, finding it completely logical.

The Legacy of Cheech & Chong’s Films

Despite the missed opportunity with Malick, Cheech & Chong continued to produce a remarkable body of work. Their latest documentary, Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie, directed by David L. Bushell, reflects on their enduring friendship and comedy career that began in 1969 at Chong’s family strip club in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Their filmography includes several titles that have become cult classics, starting with Up in Smoke in 1978, followed by films such as Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie (1980) and Nice Dreams (1981). They released a total of six feature films before Marin pursued a solo career in acting and directing, highlighted by the film Born in East L.A. (1987).