Simon Rex Is Playing A Washed-Up Porn Star In A New A24 Movie

Mikey Saber is a washed-up porn star who returns to his small Texas hometown, not that anyone really wants him back. 

You might be looking at Simon Rex's name or face and thinking something seems familiar. That's because he was a big part of the shitty parody movie universe, include Scary Movie 3-5, National Lampoon's Pledge this, Superhero Movie, and a movie we talked about a lot on LCB, Avengers of Justice: Farce Wars:

He was also well known for his alter ego of Dirt Nasty, which you are very familiar with if you are currently between the ages of 25-35. In fact, I would also guess that you know at least 4 analogies from the Micky Avalon banger 'My Dick'. 

I'll be honest, this movie looks awesome. Not just because Sean Baker (director of two incredible movies in 'Tangerine' and 'The Florida Project') is the director, but also because this was probably an easy character for Rex to wrap his head around. When he was 19, he went to LA and became a porn star (only solo stuff according to wiki). The story of how Rex got the role is also very cool. Talking about how he met director Sean Baker, he said:

He was sat at home in the early months of the pandemic when director Sean Baker, who had a breakout indie hit with "The Florida Project" a few years ago, phoned him out of the blue. 

"I had never met him before but he was, like, 'I've been following your career for a long time and I need you to send me an audition right now on your phone," Rex told AFP.

"I had five minutes to rehearse, I memorized it, I hit record on my iPhone in my kitchen and sent it to him. He said 'I need you in Texas in three days, and you have to drive here because if you fly you have to quarantine for a week.'"

This movie was shown at Cannes and got a 5 minute ovation. Critics are going wild for it, saying it deserves nominations across the board at the Oscars. Now, that doesn't mean it will resonate with mainstream audiences or anything. But I think those of you looking for a gritty, authentic story with a bit of humor will likely love this movie. Especially is Baker's previous work is any indicator.