Get ready to laugh, because the dynamic duo behind the wildly popular podcast Las Culturistas is bringing their comedic genius to the big screen! But here’s where it gets exciting: Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, the masterminds behind not only the podcast but also the Las Culturistas Culture Awards, are teaming up to co-write and co-star in a brand-new, untitled comedy for Searchlight Pictures. This isn’t their first rodeo with the studio—they previously wowed audiences with their 2022 queer rom-com Fire Island, which became an instant hit on Hulu. So, what’s this new project about? Inspired by the hilarious multi-part podcast episode Why Didn’t Chris and Dan Get Into Berghain?, the film follows two Americans on a wild journey to gain entry into the world’s most exclusive nightclub. Sounds like a recipe for chaos, right? And this is the part most people miss: The story isn’t just about the club; it’s a witty exploration of ambition, identity, and the lengths we’ll go to for a taste of the extraordinary.
Behind the scenes, the project is in good hands. Olivia Gerke and Oly Obst are producing for 3 Arts Entertainment, with PJ Vogt and Sruthi Pinnamaneni co-producing. Searchlight’s VP of Production Richard Ruiz and Creative Executive Daniel Yu are overseeing the film, reporting to Co-Heads of Film Production & Development DanTram Nguyen and Katie Goodson-Thomas.
Yang and Rogers are no strangers to success. Their podcast Las Culturistas has been named Podcast of the Year at the iHeart Radio Podcast Awards—not once, but twice (2023 and 2025). It’s also earned a spot on Time’s list of the 100 Best Podcasts of All Time. This year, their Las Culturistas Culture Awards made its television debut on Bravo and is now streaming on Peacock, with a renewal already secured for next year.
Here’s where it gets controversial: While Yang and Rogers are celebrated for their inclusive and boundary-pushing humor, their work often challenges societal norms, which can divide audiences. Is their brand of comedy too niche, or are they redefining what mainstream entertainment can be? Let’s dive into their individual achievements to see why this partnership is so powerful.
Yang, a five-time Emmy nominee, is a household name thanks to his stellar performances on Saturday Night Live and his role as Pfannee in Wicked: For Good. He’s also lending his voice to Warner Bros.’ animated reboot of The Cat in the Hat, opposite Bill Hader. Rogers, meanwhile, has been making waves with roles in Netflix’s dark comedy No Good Deed, Aziz Ansari’s Good Fortune, and the new season of Apple TV’s Palm Royale.
Represented by UTA, 3 Arts Entertainment, and Schreck Rose Dapello, Yang and Rogers are a force to be reckoned with. Vogt and Pinnamaneni, repped by UTA and Jackoway Austen, are also key players in this deal, which was brokered by UTA.
So, what do you think? Is this comedy duo poised to take over Hollywood, or is their humor too bold for the masses? Here’s a thought-provoking question to leave you with: In an era of safe, formulaic comedies, do we need more risk-takers like Yang and Rogers, or is their approach too polarizing? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!
