Robbie G.K. On Crave Comedy ‘Meatballs’: “Big Swings Are Worth Taking”

Heated Rivalry breakout Robbie G.K. is backing his upcoming comedy series Meatballs to deepen the recent love for Canadian content.

In an interview today at MIPCOM Cannes alongside Meatballs co-star Maddie Phillips, G.K. praised the likes of streamer Crave for commissioning risk-taking programs.

Speaking about Meatballs, a new version of the Bill Murray-starring camp comedy from Ivan Reitman, he said: “It’s a big swing, and as we’ve seen from Crave and others, big swings are worth taking.”

Deadline quizzed G.K., who plays Dale, and Phillips on the tone of Meatballs, which is billed as a “raunchy, irreverent reimagining of the beloved 1979 Canadian comedy classic,” on whether a sex-themed comedy would work for today’s audiences following a period where comedy hasn’t often played for the pure laugh.

“It’s a pendulum for sure,” said G.K., who said much of the show’s humor derives from its mockumentary style. “The pendulum swung one way and now has swung the other. There is going to be something for everyone to resonate with because all the characters are so different, and the gun of the joke is aimed at different characters all the time, so you’re bound to trip something you find funny. People are ready for this.”

Phillips, who plays lead character Skipper, described the shoot as feeling “like a bunch of theater kids at an improv class going ham and doing whatever they wanted to.”

The Gen V actress said she had not drawn on Murray’s camp lead character Tripper. “Bill Murray is such as icon,” she added. “He is his own thing and I am my own thing, and it works better to be yourself. I did not even try to go eve close to anything that is Bill Murray.

“The ways in which they are similar is this mix of not caring but also really caring. That was all in the script for me.”

Meatballs stars the pair as counselors making bad decisions at a failing summer camp. Per the synopsis, “with a little hard work and a lot of good vibes, [the camp] still has the potential to be the best place on earth for 200 lucky kids. Or, more importantly, for the counsellors who call it their home away from home, it’s the best place to pitch a tent.”

Canadian companies Blink49 Studios and Incendo are making Meatballs, which also features the likes of Mollie Guest, Jordan Kronis, Molly Lewis, Krista Nazaire, Markus McNamara, and Lachlan Quarmby, along with guest stars such as Park, Ash and Mae Martin. Jeff Detsky and Wendy Litner are the showrunners and Sphere Abacus, the distribution company owned by Crave parent Bell Media, is selling Meatballs here in Cannes.

‘Heated Rivalry’ impact

The show’s launch comes after the mega-success of Crave and HBO ice hockey drama Heated Rivalry, which stars the likes of Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, G.K. and Sophie Nelisse. G.K. pointed to the current buzz around stories coming out of Canada, with other shows such as Netflix’s North of North and the upcoming Williams series Yaga creating noise over recent months.

“There have been several major movies, productions and generations that have paved the way, and maybe I’m aware of it because of Heated Rivalry’s success and seeing that on an international scale, but I think people are looking for new flavors and places to fall in love with,” said G.K. “Canada can really deliver on all fronts and is continuing to prove that.

“I do think Meatballs plays into Canadian lore and charm. Canadians would recognise the small buts that are Canadian, but it will definitely resonate and be charming with an international audience who maybe got a taste from Heated Rivalry or something else and want to know what else is going on – rather than just ginger ale. I’m very fortunate to be part of this wave.”