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Role Models
Role Models
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Role Models
Theatrical release poster
Directed byDavid Wain
Screenplay by
Story by
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyRuss T. Alsobrook
Edited byEric Kissack
Music byCraig Wedren
Production
companies
Relativity Media
Stuber/Parent Productions
Distributed byUniversal Pictures
Release dates
  • October 19, 2008 (2008-10-19) (AFF)
  • November 7, 2008 (2008-11-07) (United States)
Running time
99 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$28 million[2]
Box office$92.4 million[2]

Role Models is a 2008 American comedy film directed by David Wain, who co-wrote it with Timothy Dowling, Paul Rudd and Ken Marino. The film stars Rudd, Seann William Scott, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bobb'e J. Thompson, Jane Lynch, and Elizabeth Banks.

The film follows two energy drink salesmen, Danny (Rudd) and Wheeler (Scott), who are ordered to perform 150 hours of community service as punishment for various offenses. For their service, the two men work at a program designed to pair children with adult role models.

Premiering on October 19, 2008, at the Austin Film Festival, Role Models was released theatrically by Universal Pictures in the United States on November 7. The film received generally positive reviews from critics and was a box office success, grossing $92.4 million worldwide against a $28 million budget. It was nominated for a Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Comedy.

Plot

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Danny and Wheeler are salesmen who have been promoting the energy drink "Minotaur" for the last decade, supposedly to keep kids off drugs. Wheeler loves the job, while Danny considers it pointless and dead-end, making him depressed and jaded. Danny's attitude causes his relationship with Beth to collapse, who breaks up with him after his impulsive proposal.

After a botched presentation at a high school, Danny and Wheeler's Minotaur truck is towed from the no-parking zone. Danny tries to free the truck, crashing into a statue after almost hitting a security guard. They are arrested and charged. Lawyer Beth makes a deal with the judge: they must do 150 hours of community service over the next 30 days, in lieu of 30 days in jail.

Their service is with Sturdy Wings, a big brother-big sister program led by Gayle Sweeny, a recovering addict. Wheeler is given Ronnie Shields, a vulgar, precocious young boy who has driven away all the other "Bigs" he has been paired with. Danny is assigned Augie Farks, a shy teen obsessed with a medieval LARPG called "LAIRE" (Live Action Interactive Role-playing Explorers).

Danny does not find common ground with Augie, while Ronnie dislikes Wheeler. Danny considers giving up and choosing jail, but Wheeler talks him out of it for fear of possibly getting raped there.

Gradually bonding with their "littles"; Ronnie and Wheeler talk about having been abandoned by their fathers, while Danny learns about Augie's medieval fantasy realm. Ronnie hears about Wheeler's favorite band, Kiss, and discovers that Wheeler shares his obsession with breasts, which Wheeler teaches him to control. Danny and Augie bond discovering they are both involved in the Sturdy Wings program against their will. Danny joins Augie's LAIRE and tries to get back with Beth, who insists that they remain separated.

Danny and Wheeler's good luck is short-lived. When Augie sneaks up on the King of LAIRE, Argotron, the King lies and tells everyone he killed Augie. Defending Augie, Danny confronts and shoves the King, getting them banned from LAIRE permanently. Later at dinner, Danny chides Augie's mother and her boyfriend for their ridicule towards Augie's interests. As they kick Danny out of the house, he retorts, "I'd be psyched if he was my kid."

Meanwhile, Wheeler takes Ronnie to a party, but leaves him unsupervised, resulting in Ronnie walking home alone. When both kids' parents ask Sturdy Wings for new mentors, Gayle expels Danny and Wheeler from the program, resulting in both men facing a jail sentence. Although Beth agrees to defend Danny and Wheeler in court, she warns them that they will most likely be sent to jail.

Wheeler gets permission from Karen to hang out with Ronnie once he gets out of jail, and Ronnie forgives him. Danny convinces King Argotron to allow him and Augie to fight in the battle royale. However, the King secretly warns the other members of Augie's LAIRE "country" of Xanthia that allowing Augie to fight with them will lead to severe retribution in the game. They call Augie to tell him he is a liability and kicked out of the group.

Danny and Augie form a new LAIRE country by asking Wheeler and Ronnie to join them. They arrive with Wheeler's Kiss costumes and a Kiss-themed Minotaur truck, naming their country "Kiss-My-Anthia". Augie finally defeats the king, but Sarah, a hidden player who goes by Esplen in LAIRE, attacks and defeats Augie; crowned the new queen, she chooses Augie as her king-consort. Augie's parents start showing him more support.

Impressed that Wheeler and Danny put the children's needs before their own, Gayle smooths over their legal troubles with the judge. Danny serenades Beth with a rendition of the Kiss song "Beth" and they reconcile.

Cast

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Seann William Scott at the Austin Film Festival promoting the film, October 2008

Production

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The film was originally announced in December 2006 under the title Big Brothers, with Luke Greenfield directing and Timothy Dowling writing the script.[3] On January 22, 2007, a draft of the script credits Moses Port and David Guarascio as writers, with no listing of Dowling.[4] During promotion for the film Knocked Up, Paul Rudd revealed that shooting on Big Brothers was on hiatus while the script was being retooled.[5] News was later revealed that Rudd was commissioned to write a new draft of the script and David Wain had signed on to direct.[6] Wain later revealed the film was now titled Little Big Men.[7] Universal Pictures listed the film under the final title Role Models, which made its release on November 7, 2008.[8] It was pre-screened at the University of Maryland's Hoff Theater on October 30, 2008, to positive accord.

A running gag in the film is a song entitled "Love Take Me Down (to the Streets)", which is claimed by Martin to be by the band Wings. In the initial scene at the Sturdy Wings building, Martin begins singing the song, which he claims is "one of their hits from the '70s", a fact which Danny denies. During the credits, the song plays and is listed on the film soundtrack as being performed by "Not Wings". The song was written by Charles Gansa, the film's composer known for his work in the band Guv'ner, and A. D. Miles, who plays Martin in the film. It was written to imitate the style of the music of Wings and performed by Joey Curatolo, a Paul McCartney soundalike who performs in the Beatles tribute band Rain.[9]

Release

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Box office

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Role Models opened #2 at the box office behind Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa with $19.2 million. The film made a total of $67,300,955 domestically and $25,201,210 in foreign countries, for a total of $92,502,165 worldwide.[2]

Critical response

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Role Models was met with generally positive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a rating of 77%, based on 162 reviews. The site's consensus reads, "Role Models is a frequently crude, always funny comedy with the cast providing solid work throughout."[10] On Metacritic, the film holds a rating of 61 out of 100, based on 33 critics, indicating "generally positive reviews".[11]

In their year end review, IGN awarded Role Models with "Best Comedy Film of 2008".[12] Eye Weekly selected Role Models as one of the best films of 2008.[13]

Home media

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The DVD was released on March 10, 2009, selling 1,028,207 during its first week generating $17,469,237 in revenue. As of August 10, 2011 the DVD sold 2,555,713 copies and brought in over $40 million in revenue.[2]

Accolades

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Role Models is a 2008 American directed by , who co-wrote the screenplay with Timothy Dowling, , and [Ken Marino](/page/Ken Marino). The film stars Rudd, , , , , and . Two salesmen, Danny (Rudd) and Wheeler (Scott), face after a reckless incident and are assigned to mentor two misfit children through a Big Brothers Big Sisters-style program, leading to personal growth and unexpected bonds. Released on November 7, 2008, by , the film received positive reviews, with a 77% approval rating on based on 162 reviews, and grossed $92.4 million worldwide against a $28 million budget.

Overview

Plot

Danny () and Wheeler () are jaded salesmen promoting the energy drink to schools through anti-drug presentations, but their lives unravel when Danny's girlfriend Beth () dumps him after he proposes, leading to a public breakdown where he mocks the program and they crash a company truck while fleeing police. Facing jail time, the duo opts for 150 hours of at the Sturdy Wings big brother program, overseen by the tough ex-addict Gayle Sweeny (), who warns them of the consequences of failure. Assigned mismatched mentees, the cynical and depressed Danny is paired with Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), a shy, goth-obsessed teenager immersed in live-action (LARP) games, while the immature and hyperactive Wheeler mentors Ronnie (Bobb'e J. Thompson), a profane and street-smart 10-year-old dealing with an absent father and a neglectful mother. Initial interactions are disastrous: Danny mocks Augie's fantasy world, exacerbating the teen's isolation after bullies target him at school, and Wheeler's wild antics clash with Ronnie's tough exterior, leading to comedic chaos like a botched attempt at a involving drugs and a wild party. As they log their hours, the pairs gradually bond, highlighting themes of maturity and friendship. , motivated by his own emotional stagnation, begins to appreciate Augie's escapist imagination, joining him in LARP sessions and helping rebuild his confidence after a humiliating incident; meanwhile, Wheeler confronts his Peter Pan-like avoidance of responsibility by addressing Ronnie's struggles, including standing up to the boy's sleazy mother's boyfriend during a tense confrontation. These developments underscore the film's exploration of fantasy as a for personal growth, with Wheeler even channeling his energy into positive outlets like a . The narrative culminates at the annual LAIRE medieval LARP camp, where Augie faces demotion in his elf clan due to ongoing bullying and program pressures, prompting Danny to fully embrace the game by donning armor and leading a dramatic battle against rival dwarves with foam weapons, saving Augie's status in an over-the-top climax featuring choreographed combat and theatrical deaths. Wheeler supports Ronnie through a heartfelt reconciliation with his mother, solidifying their mentor-mentee bond. In the resolution, Danny and Wheeler complete their service, with Danny rekindling his romance with Beth, who reveals her own fantasy interests, and the group emerging more connected, having traded cynicism and immaturity for mutual respect and self-awareness.

Cast

The principal cast of Role Models (2008) features an ensemble of comedic actors who bring distinct energies to their characters, contributing to the film's humorous tone through sharp banter and contrasting personalities. stars as Danny Donahue, a cynical salesman whose and reluctant maturity anchor the central duo. Prior to this role, Rudd had established himself in comedy with performances in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) and (2007), where his affable yet exasperated demeanor shaped Danny's world-weary traits. plays Wheeler, Danny's boisterous and immature partner in sales, infusing the character with over-the-top enthusiasm and . Scott's prior breakout in the American Pie series (1999–2005) as the crude Steve Stifler informed Wheeler's unfiltered, party-loving vibe, enhancing the odd-couple dynamic with Rudd. Their on-screen chemistry, marked by rapid-fire improv and mutual ribbing, drives much of the film's comedic interplay, as noted in contemporary reviews praising the duo's natural rapport. Elizabeth Banks portrays Beth, Danny's no-nonsense girlfriend whose grounded perspective provides emotional balance amid the chaos. Banks, coming off comedic supporting roles in (2005) and (2001), delivers Beth with a mix of wit and frustration that highlights relational tensions without overshadowing the leads. Christopher Mintz-Plasse plays Augie, a awkward teen mentee whose nerdy awkwardness allows for heartfelt yet hilarious moments. Fresh from his debut as McLovin in (2007), Mintz-Plasse's portrayal emphasizes Augie's vulnerability and growth, adding youthful contrast to the adult ensemble. Bobb'e J. Thompson stars as Ronnie, a foul-mouthed young kid whose precocious attitude sparks profane humor and tests the mentors' patience. Thompson's energetic performance, building on his child actor roles in shows like , brings street-smart bravado to Ronnie, amplifying the film's irreverent edge. Supporting players further bolster the comedic dynamics. Jane Lynch shines as Gayle Sweeny, the tough-talking program coordinator whose authoritative bluster delivers memorable rants and steals scenes. Lynch's prior work in mockumentaries like Best in Show (2000) informed Sweeny's commanding presence, making her a standout in the ensemble. Ken Jeong appears as King Argotron, the flamboyant leader of a LARPing group, whose exaggerated eccentricity adds absurd fantasy elements. Jeong's role, one of his early film breaks before The Hangover (2009), leverages his improvisational skills for over-the-top hilarity that meshes with the group's quirky interactions. The cast's collective timing and interplay, particularly in group scenes, create a lively comedic synergy that elevates the film's humor.

Production

Development

The screenplay for Role Models was co-written by director , Timothy Dowling, , and . The concept originated from Wain's fascination with live-action (LARPing) and big brother mentorship programs, blending these elements into a about immature adults forced into guiding troubled . Initial drafts began development in 2006, evolving through collaborative revisions that emphasized humor derived from awkward personal growth. Key creative decisions shaped the film's unique tone, including the integration of medieval fantasy through an elaborate LARPing community and targeting the excesses of marketing. played a significant role in the rewriting process, refining dialogue and character dynamics to enhance authenticity and comedic timing based on his experiences in similar ensemble comedies. These choices allowed the script to balance crude humor with heartfelt moments, distinguishing it from standard buddy comedies. In 2007, Universal Pictures acquired the project for distribution, following its setup with production partners like and Stuber Productions. The initial budget was estimated at $28 million, which supported ambitious sequences such as the film's climactic faux-medieval battle and enabled a environment with room for during . This financial backing marked a shift for Wain from indie projects to a larger studio effort. Casting considerations began early, with attached as both writer and lead Danny due to his prior collaborations with Wain. joined as Wheeler approximately a year before , providing input on his character's development to align with his established comedic persona. Auditions for the child roles, including the socially awkward Augie, focused on finding young actors who could handle the film's mix of irreverence and emotional depth, ultimately selecting fresh off his Superbad breakout.

Filming

Principal photography for Role Models commenced in 2007 in the area, with specific shoots documented as early as September 21, 2007, at locations such as Eddie Junior's Market and Liquor in Santa Monica for key action sequences. The production wrapped prior to the film's premiere in October 2008, allowing time for post-production amid the disruptions of the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, which halted ongoing script rewrites during filming. Filming primarily utilized sites to capture the story's urban and suburban settings, including the Canals for exterior shots emphasizing the protagonists' chaotic lifestyle and various street locations in Santa Monica and for energy drink promotion scenes. Key school-related interiors and exteriors were shot at Walter Reed Middle School in North Hollywood, providing an authentic educational environment for scenes involving the Sturdy Wings mentoring program. Additional locations included Oak Park for grocery store sequences, South Pasadena for coffee shop and residential shots, and Walt Disney's Golden Oak Ranch for broader exteriors that supported the film's transitional outdoor moments. Soundstages in the Los Angeles area handled many interior scenes, facilitating controlled comedic setups amid the production's emphasis on spontaneity. Director adopted a heavily improvisational approach, co-writing the script with collaborators who encouraged actors to deviate from prepared lines during takes, resulting in extended comedic sequences that enhanced the film's buddy-comedy dynamic. This style posed challenges with the young cast, particularly actors portraying Ronnie and Augie; to adhere to labor and content regulations, services representatives were present on set, escorting minors away immediately after "action" calls in scenes involving profanity or themes, ensuring their exposure was limited. The fantasy elements of the Live Action Role-Playing (LARP) sequences required coordination for elaborate costumes, props, and group , with the production drawing on real LARP enthusiasts for authenticity in battle depictions. Safety measures were prioritized during these choreographed fights, reflecting broader industry protocols for stunt work, though the film's exaggerated combat diverged from typical LARP safety norms like avoiding direct strikes. Russ T. Alsobrook employed dynamic camera techniques to convey the frenetic energy of the sales pitches and crashes, using fluid movements to mirror the characters' reckless abandon. On-set dynamics fostered camaraderie among the adult cast, with , , and supporting players like leveraging the improv process to build rapport, often extending shoots into collaborative brainstorming sessions despite strike limitations. This environment contributed to the film's genuine chemistry, particularly in ensemble scenes blending humor and themes.

Release

Marketing and distribution

The marketing campaign for Role Models centered on highlighting the comedic chemistry between leads Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott, as well as the film's humorous take on Live Action Role-Playing (LARP) through official trailers released by . The first theatrical trailer, unveiled in mid-2008, featured clips of the duo's energy drink sales antics and their reluctant involvement in a program, including LARP battles, to emphasize the film's raunchy buddy-comedy tone. No major brand partnerships were reported for the promotion, though the film's plot involving fictional energy drinks aligned thematically with the characters' jobs. The world premiere took place on October 22, 2008, in Westwood, California, generating early buzz ahead of the wide release. Universal Pictures handled domestic distribution, opening the film in 2,792 theaters across the on November 7, 2008, with a widest release of 2,798 theaters. Internationally, the rollout began in early 2009, with a release in the on January 9, 2009, followed by other European markets such as on February 26, 2009. Dubbed versions in languages including French and Spanish were produced for European distribution to accommodate local audiences. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) assigned the film an R rating for crude and sexual content, strong language, and nudity, which shaped its targeted marketing toward adult audiences while limiting broader family appeal. No significant edits were required for international markets, though the rating influenced promotional materials to focus on mature humor.

Box office

Role Models opened in 2,792 theaters across the and earned $19.2 million during its opening weekend from November 7 to 9, 2008, securing second place at the behind Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. The film's debut was driven by its appeal as an R-rated targeting audiences, particularly males aged 18-34, though detailed demographic breakdowns highlight stronger performance in urban markets compared to rural areas. Over its entire domestic run, Role Models grossed $67.3 million in the United States and , contributing to a worldwide total of $92.6 million against a reported of $28 million, marking it as a financial success for . Key factors in its performance included robust word-of-mouth within the genre, reflected in a legs ratio of 3.51—indicating sustained attendance beyond the opening weekend—and its timely release at the onset of the 2008 holiday season, which amplified earnings through increased theater traffic. Despite direct competition from the high-profile animated film Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa on the same weekend, Role Models demonstrated resilience as effective counterprogramming, dropping 42% in its second weekend to $11.2 million. Adjusting for inflation using the (CPI), the film's U.S. gross of $67.3 million in 2008 equates to approximately $101 million in 2025 dollars, underscoring its enduring commercial impact relative to contemporary releases.

Home media

The home media release of Role Models began shortly after its theatrical run, with issuing the film on DVD and Blu-ray in the United States on March 10, 2009. The DVD edition featured both the theatrical R-rated cut and an unrated version, along with special features including an track by director and co-writer on the theatrical version, deleted scenes and alternate takes with optional commentary, bloopers, and behind-the-scenes featurettes such as "Game On: Creating a Role Playing World," which explored the film's live-action (LARP) elements. The Blu-ray release, issued concurrently, offered high-definition upgrades including 5.1 for English audio, alongside DTS 5.1 tracks for French and Spanish, and subtitles in English SDH, French, and Spanish. Digital distribution followed in 2009, with the film debuting on (now Apple TV) as part of early video-on-demand offerings from Universal. As of November 2025, Role Models remains widely available for streaming and rental on major platforms, including Peacock Premium, , and , where it rotates in and out of subscription libraries while consistently generating video-on-demand revenue through rentals and purchases. A 4K Ultra HD digital version is also accessible via select providers, enhancing visual clarity for modern viewing. The physical releases proved commercially successful, with the DVD selling over 2.4 million units in the United States during its first year alone, contributing significantly to the film's post-theatrical earnings. International home media variants were tailored to regional markets, featuring localized and ; for example, the DVD edition launched on May 11, 2009, with English audio and optional subtitles, while editions in French- and Spanish-speaking territories included dubbed audio tracks in those languages alongside English.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release, Role Models received generally positive reviews from critics, earning a 77% approval rating on based on 159 reviews, with the consensus praising its blend of crude humor and heartfelt storytelling. On , the film holds a score of 61 out of 100 from 33 critics, indicating mixed to positive reception. User ratings on average 6.8 out of 10 from over 249,000 votes, reflecting solid audience appreciation for its comedic elements. Critics frequently lauded the on-screen chemistry between and , whose portrayals of mismatched mentors Danny and Wheeler provided a strong comedic foundation and emotional core. Director David Wain's handling of the material was commended for its energetic pacing and ability to balance raunchy gags with sincere character development, allowing the film to transcend typical buddy comedy tropes. In , Stephen Holden highlighted the film's exploration of maturity themes through the protagonists' redemption arcs, noting how their involvement in the LARPing community fosters genuine growth amid the . Heartfelt moments, particularly in the mentoring relationships, were seen as a refreshing counterpoint to the juvenile antics, adding depth to the narrative. Some reviewers pointed to flaws in the film's execution, including overreliance on juvenile humor that occasionally veered into predictability and pacing lulls during transitional scenes. awarded it three out of four stars, appreciating its overall fun but critiquing the reliance on stereotypes, such as the portrayal of LARP enthusiasts as eccentric misfits, which risked undermining the more nuanced emotional beats. In retrospective analyses from the 2020s, Role Models has been celebrated as a for its affectionate representation of LARPing , portraying it not just as fodder for mockery but as a supportive space for social outcasts. A 2024 CBR review emphasized its enduring appeal through the interplay of irreverent humor and themes of personal responsibility, solidifying its status as an underappreciated gem in Paul Rudd's filmography.

Accolades

Role Models received several nominations from awards bodies recognizing its comedic elements, though it secured only one win in a satirical category. The film's humor, centered on and LARPing, earned recognition primarily in comedy-specific honors shortly after its release. At the 2009 , the film was nominated for Choice Movie: , highlighting its buddy-comedy dynamic between leads and . The 2009 Critics' Choice Awards nominated Role Models for Best Comedy Movie, acknowledging its contributions to the genre amid competition from films like and . In the 2009 MTV Movie + TV Awards, young actor received a nomination for Breakthrough Performance (Male) for his role as Ronnie, a foul-mouthed child mentee whose comedic outbursts became a standout element. The nominated the film for Best Comedy Film in 2008, praising its irreverent take on personal growth through absurd scenarios. The film's sole win came at the 2008 Awards for Most Offensive Male Character, awarded to the collective portrayal of its immature protagonists in a tongue-in-cheek critique of male behavior.

Legacy

Cultural impact

The film's depiction of Live Action Role-Playing (LARPing) has contributed to its portrayal in , helping to popularize the among broader audiences. This nod underscores how Role Models embedded LARPing into pop , influencing subsequent comedic treatments of fantasy . As a key entry in the bromantic comedy subgenre, Role Models has shaped portrayals of male friendship in film, emphasizing immature bonds that evolve through shared absurdity and growth. Critics have placed it alongside contemporaries like I Love You, Man (2009) in discussions of 2000s "bromides," where confront adulthood via platonic relationships, influencing later works on emotional vulnerability among men. In analyses, the film is highlighted for its balance of crude humor and heartfelt , serving as a model for buddy films that prioritize non-romantic male intimacy over romance. The movie has fostered a dedicated fan community, particularly around its LARP elements, inspiring real-world participation and online recreations. Fan-driven recreations of LARP scenes have surged on platforms like , often blending the film's battle sequences with modern trends. Additionally, the narrative's focus on has prompted viewers to volunteer with youth mentorship programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, as shared in fan testimonials from 2014 onward. Retrospective analyses in the 2020s have reframed Role Models as a commentary on and fantasy , highlighting its relevance amid discussions of male emotional development. A examination praises the LARPing subplot for conveying lessons on and belonging, transforming potential mockery into a sincere exploration of escapism's value for misfits. By 2025, online retrospectives, including YouTube essays and TikTok breakdowns, emphasize the film's portrayal of reluctant mentors aiding at-risk youth, aligning with broader societal calls for positive male role models in escapism-driven stories. These views position the movie as a touchstone for understanding fantasy as a tool for personal growth and interpersonal connection in contemporary culture.

Availability and restorations

As of November 2025, Role Models is available for streaming on Peacock, , and (via Apple TV Channel) in the United States. It is also available on in select international regions, including parts of the . Merchandise tied to the film includes official LARP-inspired costumes available through sellers, capturing elements like the medieval fantasy outfits from the story's LARP scenes. Additionally, parody cans mimicking the fictional energy drink appeared in 2023 collector sets targeted at fans.

References

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