Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, the alternative comedy duo behind Adult Swim’s “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” are experimenting in a new genre. Heidecker revealed at the premiere of “Him” on Wednesday that he and Wareheim are currently writing a horror script — and that their foray into the field may prove just as shocking as their comedy.
When asked if there were any future “Tim and Eric” projects in the pipeline, Heidecker replied, “We’re actually writing a horror movie that is going to be much sicker than most people are going to want to watch.”
Considering that Tim and Eric are known for off-key, irreverent and, indeed, sometimes sick senses of humor, it makes sense that their efforts in a different genre will also press boundaries. Heidecker was sparse on details regarding the project, providing no further comment on the plot, tone, or development stage, but candidly noting, “We’ll see if it gets made.”
Despite his comedy roots, Heidecker is already developing a horror filmography in front of the camera. In “Him,” a new sports horror thriller from director Justin Tipping, Heidecker plays the quarterback protagonist’s agent. He also had a prominent role in Jordan Peele’s “Us” in 2019. Peele also served as a producer on “Him,” proving his interest in the genre.
At the premiere, Heidecker admitted, “I’m not a big horror fanatic, but when they’re really well done and when they have a message or they have something to say, I always appreciate that.” Ironically, Tim and Eric’s comedy is conspicuously absurdist, defying any notions of a message. The comedian’s values may change depending on the genre, though. After all, “Key & Peele” was silly, yet Peele provides profound messages in his horror features. Likewise, Zach Cregger got his start making edgy jokes on “Whitest Kids U’Know,” yet today, audiences are still unpacking the layers of meaning behind “Barbarian” and “Weapons.”
Could Heidecker and Wareheim be next in line as comedians-turned masters of suspense? This would be the duo’s second feature film, following 2012’s “Tim and Eric’s Billion Dollar Movie.”
