Exclusive: Craig Robinson Talks Hot Tub Time Machine 2Posted by Wilson Morales
February 17, 2015
Coming out this week is the Hot Tub Time Machine 2, the sequel to the 2010 film, which was one of MGM’s top-performing movies of all time on digital formats and on demand.
Directed by Steve Pink, coming back are Rob Corddry, Clark Duke, and Craig Robinson, with Adam Scott, Chevy Chase, and Thomas Lennon joining in on the comedy filled film.
When Lou (Rob Corddry) finds himself in trouble, Nick (Craig Robinson) and Jacob (Clark Duke) fire up the hot tub time machine in an attempt to get back to the past. But they inadvertently land in the future with Adam Jr. (Adam Scott). Now they have to alter the future in order to save the past… which is really the present, in the sequel from the same team that brought you the original cult hit.
For Robinson, who was last seen in the James Brown biopic, Get On Up, this film gives people an opportunity to know that he’s really a gifted musician and hopes to an album one day.
Did you ever think that the producers would make a sequel?
Craig Robinson: I didn’t think we were going to make a sequel. As a matter of fact, a few years ago, there was a sequel written, and there was talk that it would go straight to DVD without us being in it. So, I thought that dream was dead a long time ago and then this happen. I relish the opportunity because you get to work with some people who you know.
What can we expect from your character Nick Webber in this film?
CR: Well, he has his relationship with his wife, his relationship with his friends and his relationship being a music mogul. Now, we look to see where he graduated to from the first film and he’s conflicted. He’s making money of other people’s songs that no one knew existed before. He doesn’t even remember all the words and does the best he can; and he wants to do something original. He finds out in this movie that he actually did do something original. Now he has to deal with consequences of knowing what’s he’s become. It’s a fun role to play those different sides of him.
If you had a choice of music to take, which one would it be?
CR: Earth, Wind and Fire!
Some folks have seen you play off-camera. Why don’t you have an album out?
CR: It’s more like, “When is the album coming?” That is definitely in the works and I’m getting more and more serious about my work in music as I get older. I should be letting it play loose and let it be fun, but there’s stuff in the works. I don’t have a release time or anything like that, but it’s definitely forthcoming.
What’s interesting is that in your last few projects, between this film and “Get On Up,” people are starting in the music world.
CR: Even more, I did a Pepsi campaign with my band and at the Comedy Awards last year, we were the house band; and on my TV show, “Mr. Robinson,” there’s part of the band that’s teaching in that show. Right now, it’s really good when I’m coming to your town and you’re getting more than just comedy and more than just music. The world is noticing.
How much fun was it coming back and working with these guys again?
CR: It’s like playing a game and someone’s who just as good is playing as well, so it’s that challenge of playing together yet competing to make each other better. That’s what it’s like, coming in and being on your game. Then you realized that you’re on the same team as well. Now, you’re complimenting each other. You want to pass the ball to each other and you want to make the shot. It’s was great to have fun with these people.
Was there any scene that stood out for you?
CR: I really enjoyed doing the video scene where Lisa Loeb, who has a cameo in the movie, was on set. It was intimidating but fun. And of course, Choozy Doozy video. That was the hardest that I laughed in a long time.
When will “Mr. Robinson” be on TV?
CR: I don’t know. There’s talk that it will come out this summer but it’s television, so I don’t know. We shot two episodes and we’re full steam ahead and we will shoot four more and we’ll see what happens with that.
With the success of shows featuring Blacks in lead roles, it’s the right timing for you. Let’s hope the audience is still there by the time your sho
w airs.
CR: That is definitely the hope. We’re casting a wide net and we’re hoping to attract in some people from die-hard fans and this is a nice love letter to let them know that, “I know what you’re looking for.”
Is there anything else you have coming up?
CR: Mr. Robinson is a TV show on NBC. I’m in a couple of indie movies. One is called “Zeroville” with Dave Franco and another film called “Lost in Austin.” I just signed on to do “Table 19” and I directed a movie called “Screwed.” I also do live standup shows and live shows with my band all across the country. We’re still going.
What’s a good reason to see “Hot Tub Time Machine 2?’
CR: Well, if you loved the first one, we bring some new ground in the second one as far as how to keep this ridiculous idea alive. We go to different places and it’s not like that sequel with different beats with the same jokes. I’m proud of it. Josh Heald is an amazing writer and he told me his concept for HTTM 3 and please make this movie a hit so we can go to that.
