This Is the End (2013)

This Is the End is a wild 2013 apocalyptic comedy directed by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. It blends absurd humor, meta-commentary, and horror elements into one bizarre yet unforgettable package. The film is especially unique because the actors play exaggerated versions of themselves, poking fun at their real-life reputations.

Detailed Summary

The Party at James Franco’s House

The story begins with Jay Baruchel visiting his old friend Seth Rogen in Los Angeles. The two end up at James Franco’s extravagant house party, packed with celebrities like Jonah Hill, Emma Watson, Michael Cera, Rihanna, and more. The film quickly establishes its meta tone: everyone is playing “themselves,” but in ridiculous, self-deprecating ways.

The Apocalypse Hits

Suddenly, a massive earthquake strikes, and blue beams of light begin pulling people into the sky. Many celebrities are swallowed by giant sinkholes, including Michael Cera in one of the funniest (and most gruesome) deaths in comedy history. Jay and Seth barely survive and return to Franco’s house with a small group: Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, and later Danny McBride.

Survival of the Pettiest

The group barricades themselves inside Franco’s mansion, rationing supplies and bickering endlessly. Tensions rise as food and water dwindle. Danny McBride, being his chaotic self, wastes resources and openly mocks everyone, creating friction until he is eventually exiled. Meanwhile, strange demonic creatures stalk outside, making it clear this isn’t just an earthquake—it’s biblical judgment day.

The Antichrist and Possession

Things escalate when Jonah Hill becomes possessed by a demon after praying for something bad to happen to Jay. This possession leads to a violent, horror-style confrontation, blending slapstick comedy with genuine creepiness. The group finally realizes they are living through the biblical apocalypse: the righteous are being taken to heaven while sinners remain on Earth to face destruction.

Movie Ending

As the survivors dwindle, Jay and Seth attempt to make amends and prove their selflessness. When they are captured by a demon, Seth sacrifices himself so Jay can escape. However, his act of selflessness triggers the Rapture beam, saving him as well.

Meanwhile, Franco tries to be taken into heaven but fails at the last moment because of his arrogance and selfishness, leading to a hilarious scene where he is eaten by a demon. Jay and Seth are lifted into heaven, where they find themselves in a paradise filled with everything they could ever want. Craig Robinson is already there, having made it earlier. Heaven is essentially a giant party, complete with music, freedom, and joy.

The film’s final gag features the Backstreet Boys performing “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” for the newly saved souls, giving the movie a completely absurd yet fitting ending.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, This Is the End does not include any post-credits scenes. The ending with the Backstreet Boys is meant to be the final punchline, closing the story with a surreal but upbeat tone.

Type of Movie

This is a meta-apocalyptic comedy that blends satire, horror, and friendship drama with over-the-top absurdity.

Cast

• Seth Rogen as himself
• Jay Baruchel as himself
• James Franco as himself
• Jonah Hill as himself
• Craig Robinson as himself
• Danny McBride as himself
• Emma Watson as herself (in a memorable cameo)
• Michael Cera as himself (in an outrageous self-parody)
• Rihanna, Mindy Kaling, Kevin Hart, Aziz Ansari, and many others in brief appearances

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Henry Jackman, but the movie is most remembered for its heavy use of pop culture tracks—most notably the Backstreet Boys’ “Everybody,” which closes the film in unforgettable fashion.

Filming Locations

The majority of the film was shot in New Orleans, Louisiana, even though it is set in Los Angeles. James Franco’s “house” was constructed on a soundstage to allow for more control over lighting, effects, and chaos during the apocalyptic sequences.

Awards and Nominations

The movie received generally positive reviews and was nominated for:

• MTV Movie Awards (Best Comedy, Best WTF Moment)
• Saturn Award (Best Horror/Thriller Film)
  Though it didn’t win major awards, it became a cult favorite for its originality.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• The movie was based on a short film Seth Rogen and Jay Baruchel made called Jay and Seth vs. the Apocalypse (2007).
• Many of the jokes and arguments were improvised, leading to genuine laughter on set.
• Emma Watson’s cameo was shot in just a few days, and she reportedly had fun with the absurdity.
• Michael Cera insisted on playing a “coked-out maniac” version of himself.

Inspirations and References

The central inspiration came from the short film mentioned above. Beyond that, the film is filled with biblical references, celebrity culture satire, and meta-commentary about Hollywood excess and ego.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Some deleted scenes included extended bits of survival antics inside the house, more arguments about supplies, and a longer sequence of James Franco bragging about his artwork. An alternate ending was discussed but never filmed—it would have been a much darker finale where nobody makes it to heaven.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film is not based on a book, but it does expand upon the Jay and Seth vs. the Apocalypse short film.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Michael Cera’s absurd bathroom scene followed by his death in the sinkhole.
• Emma Watson bursting into Franco’s house, leading to a hilarious misunderstanding.
• Jonah Hill’s possession and subsequent exorcism attempt.
• The heaven sequence with the Backstreet Boys.

Iconic Quotes

• “Hermione just stole all of our shit!”
• “The power of Christ compels you!”
• “I call shenanigans, this is shenanigans!”
• “It’s the apocalypse. This is the f***ing apocalypse.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• James Franco’s art collection in the movie includes actual pieces from his real-life work.
• The film pokes fun at Rogen’s filmography, with references to Pineapple Express and Superbad.
• Danny McBride’s food orgy scene mirrors his reputation for playing chaotic characters.

Trivia

• The movie cost around $32 million to make and earned over $125 million worldwide.
• Seth Rogen originally wanted Daniel Radcliffe to appear instead of Emma Watson.
• Rihanna and Michael Cera improvised their slap scene.
• Jonah Hill joked in interviews that he was “typecast as the nice guy who gets possessed by Satan.”

Why Watch?

If you enjoy outrageous humor, celebrity self-parody, and a mix of comedy with horror tropes, This Is the End is a must-watch. It’s bizarre, over-the-top, and surprisingly smart about friendship and ego beneath the chaos.

Directors’ Other Movies (Rogen & Goldberg)

• Superbad (2007 – as writers)
• Pineapple Express (2008 – as writers)
• The Interview (2014 – as directors)
• Neighbors (2014 – produced by Rogen)
• Sausage Party (2016 – as directors/writers)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Pineapple Express (2008)
• Tropic Thunder (2008)
• Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)
• The Interview (2014)
• Sausage Party (2016)
• Zombieland (2009)