One of the most exciting things about writing is that we're always trying to find new trends, set them, buck them, and then start over. What was once the stoic, hard-core action star of the '70s and '80s has evolved into something much funnier today.
It feels like if you're making almost any action movie (except the Gerard Butler ones), you're also looking to make a comedy. Stars like The Rock, Jason Statham, and Ryan Reynolds are making a ton of projects not based on being badasses, which they are, but because they can also play funny.
Check out this video from The Take, and let's talk after.
Unpacking the Buff Clown Trope in Hollywood
Yes, the action star has sort of evolved into something new, something called the "buff clown," which in turn has become a trope in screenwriting and storytelling. Today, we're going to unpack just what that means, why they're fun to write, then look at some examples of the trope from film and TV.
What is the Buff Clown Trope?
The buff clown trope refers to a Hollywood character archetype where the clown, who is typically depicted as a silly and funny figure, is portrayed as physically fit and muscular.
This subversion of the traditional clown image is often used for comedic effect, as the contrast between the clown's buff appearance and their silly demeanor is seen as humorous. This trope can also be used to comment on societal expectations and cultural norms regarding body image and physical fitness.
'Thor: Love and Thunder'Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
How Does the Buff Clown Trope Subvert Expectations?
The buff clown trope subverts expectations by contrasting the traditional image of a clown as being physically weak, uncoordinated, and silly with a more physically fit and imposing appearance.
This contrast between the character's buff physique and clown-like demeanor is intended to surprise and challenge the viewer's preconceived notions about the nature of clowns and body image. The use of this trope often comments on societal expectations and cultural norms regarding physical fitness and the relationship between strength and humor.
When you're developing a character like this one, you get all the fun of a strong person with skills and all the fun of someone with wit or comedic timing as well.
Why is the Buff Clown Trope Becoming so Popular in Hollywood?
I think if you put your mind to work, you'd come up with dozens of these types of characters across mediums. So, why are they so popular now?
The rise of the buff clown trope in Hollywood may be due to several factors, including:
- A desire to subvert traditional expectations, and push the boundaries of established genre conventions. By depicting a clown as buff, filmmakers challenge viewers' preconceived notions by creating a fresh, unexpected twist on a familiar character archetype.
- A reflection of changing cultural norms regarding body image and physical fitness. The increased emphasis on fitness and muscularity in popular culture may be influencing how filmmakers depict clowns and other characters.
- The appeal of humorous irony. By depicting a clown as buff, filmmakers can create a contrast between the character's silly demeanor and imposing physique, which can be seen as inherently comedic.
- The desire to create memorable, distinctive characters. By depicting a clown as buff, filmmakers can create a unique and memorable character that stands out from other clowns in popular culture.
'Deadpool'Credit: 20th Century Fox
Examples of the Buff Clown Trope in Movies and TV:
Let's take a peek at some of the most popular versions of this character out there. First, the obvious. Ryan Reynolds's portrayal of the superhero Deadpool is a subversion of the traditional superhero image, as the character is depicted as both a clown and a physical powerhouse.
While he's lean, there are also some really beefy ones, too.
Chris Hemsworth's portrayal of Thor in Thor: Ragnarokand the later Avengers film franchises is an incredible example of the juxtaposition between muscles and humor.
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's portrayals of characters in films such as Jumanji, the Fast and Furious franchise, and Moana shows us that this muscle man can also use his comedic chops to sustain many starring roles.
Jason Statham's portrayals of characters in action films such as The Expendables and Crank are fast-talking and funny and help us to connect with some of his harder-nosed people. He also engages with the audience, getting us to like him more.
Finally, in TV, the character Jack Reacher, the protagonist of the Jack Reacher novel series, film franchise, and TV franchise can be seen as a portrayal of the buff clown trope. He's rippling with muscles, but still has time for one-liners.
'Hobbs and Shaw'Credit: Universal Pictures
Does the Buff Clown Only Cover Male Actors?
No. The buff clown trope is not limited to male actors and can be applied to female characters as well. Female characters can also be depicted as physically fit and imposing while still retaining their clown-like demeanor, subverting expectations and challenging traditional gender norms.
This trope can be used to comment on cultural norms and expectations regarding body image, physical fitness, and strength, regardless of the gender of the character being portrayed.
'Birds of Prey'Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Examples of Female Buff Clown Characters
A lot of these examples are going to come from superhero movies because they seem to be where many of these buff characters live nowadays. Margot Robbie's portrayal of Harley Quinn across the DC universe is a great example of someone kicking butt while cracking jokes.
Though her humor is much drier, Zoe Saldana's portrayal of Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy film franchise, as well as Scarlett Johansson's portrayal of Black Widow in the Avengers film franchise serve as Marvel's answer to this question.
Outside of those movies, I think we could also include someone like Melissa McCarthy in The Heat, who plays a hard-nosed cop full of comebacks.
These examples show that the buff clown trope can be applied to female characters and can be used to comment on cultural norms and expectations regarding body image, physical fitness, and strength.
Why are Buff Clowns Characters Fun to Write?
As a writer, you want to challenge yourself to break up what we see as the norm. That used to be stoic action heroes. Now, not so much,
Buff clowns are fun to write because of the subversion of expectations. By depicting a clown as physically fit and imposing, writers can create a character that subverts traditional expectations and challenges preconceived notions, leading to a fresh and unexpected twist on a familiar character archetype.
There's also a ton of humorous irony. The contrast between the character's buff physique and clown-like demeanor can create a sense of humorous irony that appeals to audiences.
Also, you want this stuff to feel relevant to society. There's an element of cultural commentary. The buff clown trope can be used to comment on cultural norms and expectations regarding body image, physical fitness, and strength, adding depth and nuance to the character and the story.
Overall, the buff clown trope provides writers with a character archetype that is versatile, humorous, and culturally relevant, making it a fun and rewarding character to write.
Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian (David Harbour), and Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) in 'Black Widow'Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Summing Up the Buff Clown Trope in Hollywood
As you can see, the contrast between the character's buff physique and clown-like demeanor creates a sense of irony and humor while also challenging cultural norms and expectations regarding body image, physical fitness, and strength.
The buff clown trope can be applied to male and female characters and is often used in action and comedy films to create memorable, distinctive characters that stand out from typical depictions of clowns in popular culture.
What are your favorite examples of the buff clown in movies and tv shows?
Let us know in the comments.
