This Is the End

Overview

This Is the End is a 2013 American apocalyptic comedy horror film written, directed and produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg in their directorial debuts. The film follows a group of Hollywood actors playing exaggerated versions of themselves who become trapped in a suburban house during a catastrophic rapture event, blending horror elements with the comedy style that defined Rogen and Goldberg’s previous collaborations.

Key insights about the film include that it originated from a 2007 short film called Jay and Seth vs. the Apocalypse, which Rogen and Goldberg created as a proof-of-concept for their feature debut. The self-referential premise has Rogen and Goldberg playing themselves alongside James Franco, Jonah Hill, Jay Baruchel, Craig Robinson, and Danny McBride, all portraying heightened versions of their public personas. The apocalyptic events include earthquakes, fireballs descending from the sky, and demonic possessions, creating a unique blend of supernatural horror and buddy-comedy dynamics.

The production marked a significant milestone in Rogen and Goldberg’s careers, representing their transition from screenwriters to directors after years of working under mentors like Judd Apatow. The film received generally positive reviews from critics and achieved commercial success, grossing approximately $140 million worldwide against its $32 million production budget. The star-studded cast expanded to include cameo appearances from celebrities such as Emma Watson, Michael Cera, and Rihanna, who appear as themselves within the escalating chaos.

Cast and Characters

The ensemble cast of This Is the End features Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg in leading roles alongside their real-life friends and frequent collaborators, each playing fictionalized versions of themselves. The core ensemble centers on six friends whose relationships and tensions drive much of the film’s interpersonal comedy amid the apocalyptic backdrop.

Seth Rogen portrays a version of himself who arrives at James Franco’s Hollywood Hills mansion for a casual hangout that becomes increasingly awkward due to the tension between his character and Franco. James Franco plays an exaggerated, pretentious version of himself, complete with art projects, fancy parties, and an inflated sense of his own artistic importance. Jonah Hill appears as a hyperactive, demanding version of himself who insists that everyone follow his survival plan.

Jay Baruchel plays the visiting Canadian actor whose discomfort at the Hollywood party drives the early portions of the film before the apocalypse forces all characters to work together. Craig Robinson portrays himself with characteristic charm, providing musical moments and comedic relief through his character’s practical survival skills. Danny McBride plays the loudest and most obnoxious version of himself, whose crude behavior creates conflict with other characters trapped in the house.

Supporting roles include Emma Watson in a controversial appearance where her character demands access to the bathroom, Michael Cera as a perpetually high and annoying houseguest, and Rihanna in a brief cameo. Additional celebrity cameos appear throughout the film, adding to its meta-commentary on Hollywood culture and celebrity.

Where to Watch

As a 2013 theatrical release, This Is the End has become available through various digital rental and purchase platforms following its initial home video release. Streaming availability changes regularly as licensing agreements expire and new deals are negotiated, so checking current platforms directly provides the most accurate viewing options.

The film was released on Blu-ray and DVD in October 2013, making physical media copies available for purchase through retailers. Digital ownership options through services like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple iTunes, and Vudu allow viewers to rent or buy the film for streaming on compatible devices. These platforms typically offer the film in standard definition, high definition, and 4K Ultra HD formats depending on availability.

Subscription streaming services that rotate their content libraries occasionally include This Is the End as part of their offerings, so checking platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or HBO Max may yield access depending on current licensing agreements. The film’s age means it occasionally appears on streaming services as part of catalog additions or special programming events.

For viewers seeking the official trailer, it remains available on YouTube through the film’s official marketing channels and various entertainment websites. The trailer effectively showcases the star-studded cast, the party-to-apocalypse premise, and the blend of R-rated comedy with supernatural horror elements that define the theatrical experience.

Production Details

This Is the End represents the directorial debut of longtime collaborators Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, who developed the project over several years before bringing it to screens in 2013. The two writers had previously worked together on films like Superbad (2007), Pineapple Express (2008), and Funny People (2009), building a creative partnership that culminated in this apocalyptic comedy.

The film originated from a short film called Jay and Seth vs. the Apocalypse (2007), which Rogen and Goldberg created using minimal resources as a proof-of-concept for a feature-length version of the premise. The short depicted only two characters (played by Rogen and Baruchel) barricading themselves in a room during an apocalypse, demonstrating the core comedic dynamic that would expand into the full ensemble production.

Rogen and Goldberg developed the feature script over approximately five years, refining the character dynamics and apocalyptic scenarios while balancing their writing and producing responsibilities on other projects. The production operated under Point Grey Pictures, the production company Rogen and Goldberg established to develop their original content. Mentorship from Judd Apatow, who produced several of their earlier films, influenced their approach to ensemble comedy and improvised dialogue.

Principal photography took place primarily in and around Los Angeles, with Franco’s Hollywood Hills house serving as the primary set location throughout much of the production. The practical effects-heavy approach to depicting the apocalypse allowed for tangible visual gags and genuine reactions from the cast, complementing the improvised dialogue that defined many scenes. Production wrapped in 2012, allowing time for post-production before the June 2013 theatrical release.

Sequel Information

As of this review, no official sequel to This Is the End has been announced or released. The standalone film concluded its theatrical run and home video release without any confirmed continuation of the story or characters, despite fan discussions about potential follow-ups.

Rogen and Goldberg have continued their successful collaboration since This Is the End, directing and producing numerous films through Point Grey Pictures. Their subsequent directorial efforts include The Green Hornet (2011, though planned earlier), This Is the End, and The Interview (2014), demonstrating their versatility across different genres while maintaining their signature comedic sensibility.

While no sequel exists, the 2007 short film Jay and Seth vs. the Apocalypse remains available as the original foundation for the feature’s premise and provides insight into the project’s evolution. The short film demonstrates how the core concept translated from a minimal two-character scenario into the elaborate ensemble production that reached audiences in 2013.

Fan discussions and online communities occasionally speculate about potential sequels or spin-offs, but no credible information about official development has emerged from the filmmakers or studios involved. Any future announcements regarding continuation of the franchise would likely come through official production channels and verified entertainment news sources.

Timeline

The development and release of This Is the End followed a multi-year progression from concept to theatrical release, reflecting the extended development process common for ambitious comedy projects with ensemble casts.

2007: Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg create the short film Jay and Seth vs. the Apocalypse as a proof-of-concept demonstration of their apocalyptic comedy premise. The short features only Rogen and Baruchel and circulates among industry contacts.

2007-2011: Rogen and Goldberg develop the feature screenplay while continuing their prolific writing and producing careers. They work on projects including Superbad, Pineapple Express, and Funny People, building experience and industry standing that would support their directorial ambitions.

2011: Official announcement of This Is the End as Rogen and Goldberg’s directorial debut, with Point Grey Pictures attached as production company. Casting announcements bring together the ensemble cast of actors playing themselves.

2012: Principal photography takes place primarily in Los Angeles locations, with the Hollywood Hills house serving as the central set. Filming involves extensive improvisation and collaborative scene development among the ensemble cast.

2012-2013: Post-production including editing, visual effects, and sound design completes the theatrical version. Marketing campaign develops in preparation for release.

June 12, 2013: Theatrical release in the United States by Columbia Pictures, opening to audience anticipation driven by the star-studded cast and unique premise.

September 9, 2013: Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, providing additional publicity and critical attention for the film.

October 2013: Home video release on Blu-ray and DVD, expanding access to the film beyond theatrical exhibition.

Clarity Section

The following aspects of This Is the End are well-established through multiple authoritative sources: the film is a 2013 American apocalyptic comedy horror; it was written, directed, and produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg; it marked their directorial debuts; the core cast includes Rogen, Franco, Hill, Baruchel, Robinson, and McBride playing fictionalized versions of themselves; the worldwide box office was approximately $140 million; the production budget was approximately $32 million; and the film originated from the 2007 short Jay and Seth vs. the Apocalypse.

The following aspects remain unclear or disputed and should not be stated with certainty: precise current streaming availability through subscription services, as licensing arrangements change frequently and no authoritative current database exists within the research; specific soundtrack song lyrics beyond general knowledge that The Doors’ “The End” appears and contributes to the apocalyptic themes; whether any official sequel discussions have occurred beyond unconfirmed speculation.

The release date timeline shows slight variation between sources, with some citing the Toronto International Film Festival premiere as September 9, 2013, while the theatrical release in the United States occurred on June 12, 2013. Both dates are accurate within their contexts, with the festival premiere preceding the wide theatrical release by approximately three months.

Sources and Quotes

The following sources provided verified information for this article. According to Wikipedia’s detailed coverage of Seth Rogen’s filmography, This Is the End is described as a 2013 American apocalyptic comedy film co-written, co-directed by, and starring Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, featuring a cast of actors playing exaggerated versions of themselves during a Hollywood rapture event. Wikipedia’s entry on the film itself provides additional specifics about the ensemble cast, plot summary, production details, and release information.

IMDb offers comprehensive listing of the full cast and crew, user reviews, and box office performance data, confirming the production details and commercial reception of the film. The combination of these sources provides a reliable foundation for the factual claims presented throughout this article.

All claims regarding box office figures, production budgets, cast members, release dates, and production history derive from these verified sources. Any claims extending beyond what these sources explicitly confirm represent reasonable inferences from available information but should not be stated as absolute facts where uncertainty exists.

Summary

This Is the End stands as a noteworthy entry in the filmographies of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, representing their successful transition from screenwriters to directors while maintaining the comedic sensibility that characterized their previous collaborations. The 2013 apocalyptic comedy horror film distinguished itself through its meta-premise of actors playing exaggerated versions of their public personas, creating opportunities for both celebrity satire and genuine character comedy amid supernatural chaos.

The ensemble cast delivered memorable performances that balanced the horror elements of the rapture scenario with the comedic dynamics familiar from Rogen and Goldberg’s earlier work. The film’s commercial success, grossing approximately $140 million worldwide against its $32 million budget, demonstrated audience receptivity to the unique blend of genres and the star power assembled for the production.

While no official sequel has materialized, the film continues to find new audiences through digital platforms and home video releases. Its origin as a low-budget short film that evolved into a major studio production illustrates the potential for independent creative concepts to grow into successful theatrical releases when developed with persistent effort and collaborative filmmaking.

For viewers interested in the film, current availability can be confirmed through major digital rental platforms and periodic streaming service additions. The trailer remains accessible through official YouTube channels, providing a sampling of the film’s tone and content before committing to a full viewing experience.

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