Matt Stone & Trey Parker on The Book of Mormon (2011 Interview) | Film Discussion

Creators of South Park Matt Stone and Trey Parker discuss their Broadway debut The Book of Mormon—their “atheist love letter to religion.” They trace the show’s origins (meeting Robert “Bobby” Lopez after Avenue Q), field research in Salt Lake City, why they set it in Uganda, and how they write plot-driven songs first. They also talk Oscars (“Blame Canada” vs. Phil Collins), South Park’s week-to-week grind, working with producer Scott Rudin, and the thrill/terror of previews ahead of the March 24 opening.

00:00 Intro — South Park to Broadway
00:21 March 24 opening & 7-year journey
01:10 Avenue Q night & meeting Bobby Lopez
02:04 Why Mormons? Colorado roots & curiosity
02:53 Field trip to Salt Lake; talking to missionaries
03:55 Choosing Uganda & the coming-of-age angle
05:23 “Atheist love letter” explained (pro-Mormon intent)
06:23 Writing the songs first; plot songs
07:09 Why it took so long (South Park schedule)
08:02 Previews, nerves, and being in the room
09:01 “Blame Canada” clip & Oscar loss to Phil Collins
09:46 South Park tech evolution, same old deadline
10:56 Vacations? (Someday.)
11:55 Making each other laugh = greenlight
12:43 Jon Stewart’s reaction; hearing audiences live
13:18 Their partnership & indie-film ethos
14:05 Scott Rudin as coach/tiger mom
15:22 Comedy as art (and fart jokes)
16:42 Hosting ambitions & sign-off

Film Discussion is a curated interview archive and conversation series presented by Occupy Cinema. We spotlight the minds behind the movies—actors, directors, writers, and cultural critics—through thoughtful interviews, archival footage, and contemporary conversations. From Broadway to global cinema, Film Discussion explores the craft, politics, and impact of storytelling on screen and stage.

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