Julie Klausner, the creator and star of the Hulu comedy series 'Difficult People', reflects on the enduring legacy of her show nearly a decade after its conclusion. In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Klausner discusses the recent Blu-ray release, her hopes for a revival, and the show's impact on her career and life. She reveals that she and her longtime collaborator, Alex Scordelis, wrote a feature-length continuation titled 'Difficult People: Ahead of Their Time' in 2022, and reviving the series remains a 'complete dream'.
One of the key reasons for the Blu-ray release was preservation anxiety. Klausner wanted to ensure that 'Difficult People' existed in a physical form, complete with commentary tracks and extras, as she feared that streaming services could remove titles or leave them stranded in digital limbo. She believes that the physical release is 'bare bones but permanent', which means a lot to her.
The show's afterlife has also yielded another point of pride. Klausner says that years before winning a Tony and becoming one of comedy's most singular stars, Cole Escola was stealing scenes on 'Difficult People'. She had 'never a doubt' that Escola belonged on the show, having been obsessed with his performances in tiny New York venues for years.
Looking back, Klausner isn't taking any of it for granted. She knows how lucky she is, and doing this show was, to date, the highlight of her life. She reflects on the show's impact on her career and life, and the friendship between Billy Eichner and herself, which was the heart of the show. She also discusses the absurdly good guest cast, including Martin Short and Woody Allen, and the show's ability to tackle contemporary issues.
Klausner reveals that she wrote a 'Difficult People' movie, which was very serious. She is very proud of the screenplay, and she would love nothing more than to have another opportunity to comment on the state of comedy and television and streaming. She also discusses the possibility of a reboot and what Billy and Julie would absolutely lose their minds over today, including the clowning scene.
In conclusion, Klausner reflects on the show's impact on her career and life, and the enduring legacy of 'Difficult People'. She believes that the show was genuinely ahead of its time, and she is excited about the possibility of a revival. She also expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to create her dream sitcom and the impact it has had on her life.
