T.J. Miller: From Silicon Valley's Erlich Bachman to Deadpool's Weasel – A Deep Dive
T.J. Miller. This name sparks many images. Erlich Bachman from "Silicon Valley," the cynical Weasel from "Deadpool," or even a talking emoji. His range is impressive. He takes on a variety of roles. In fact, he's starred in over 25 major films. More than Fabio, even! Fabio appeared in "Sharknado 5: Global Swarming." That was a cinematic achievement of sorts.
Let’s dissect the career of this intriguing performer. We will explore his iconic roles and controversies. Buckle up, this will be a wild ride.
Weasel in the Deadpool Universe: Best Friend or Ex-Friend?
For many, T.J. Miller *is* Weasel. In "Deadpool," he plays Wade Wilson's confidante. He is a cynical yet loyal bartender. He always delivers a sharp comment or just provides support. Their chemistry is undeniable. The witty banter is fantastic. Weasel is clearly Deadpool's best pal. Think of him as the Samwise Gamgee to Deadpool's Frodo, but way more sarcastic.
However, if you are eager for Weasel in "Deadpool 3," brace for disappointment. Weasel is missing in action. Why? This becomes a bit of a Hollywood drama. T.J. Miller announced he would not reprise the role. The reason? There was a falling out with Ryan Reynolds. Things got frosty between the two stars. Sometimes, personal disputes lead to on-screen changes.
Adding to this, Miller has faced serious allegations and legal troubles since the first film debuted. These controversies with the Reynolds fallout seem to seal Weasel's fate in the sequel. So, no Weasel in "Deadpool 3." They are not even recasting the role. It seems Weasel's story in the Deadpool saga is done. Pour one out for Weasel, folks. Or maybe skip it, he likely wouldn't want you to waste good liquor.
Erlich Bachman and the Silicon Valley Exit Strategy
Now, let's switch to Erlich Bachman. T.J. Miller’s portrayal of this arrogant visionary in "Silicon Valley" was iconic. Erlich founded an "incubator" and developed Aviato, an airfare collator. He became a master at comedic hubris. Everyone loved to hate him but also admired his audacity.
But like Miller's time on the show, Erlich's presence wasn't forever. His exit was, let's say, awkward. He ends up in Tibet after bizarre events involving opium and Gavin Belson. Gavin pays for Erlich’s upkeep for five years while he is "incubated." It is a wonderfully odd ending for such a big character.
The real reasons behind Miller's exit are more complex than an opium den in Tibet. He cited a feeling of disconnect from stand-up comedy as one factor. He felt he just did "a season of television." He missed the energy of live performance. Fair enough. Reports suggest Miller's issues with drugs and alcohol interfered with his work, according to The Hollywood Reporter. While the show wrote Erlich off to Tibet, the behind-the-scenes reality was turbulent.
Interestingly, even within the show's plot, there's a whiff of financial shadiness surrounding Erlich. Remember the "10% Bachman" mantra? It turns out he sold his 10% share in Pied Piper secretly, raising insider trading suspicions. Maybe Erlich's Tibetan trip was a way to dodge consequences back in Silicon Valley. Just a thought.
Beyond Live-Action: T.J. Miller's Voiceover Prowess
T.J. Miller's talents go beyond live-action roles. He is also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to many animated characters. If you've seen "Gravity Falls," you've heard him as Robbie, the angsty teen. Fans of "How To Train Your Dragon" will recognize him as Tuffnut, one half of the Viking twins. He has voiced characters in "High School USA!," "F Is for Family," and even a volcano in "Family Guy." Talk about versatility.
Then there's "The Emoji Movie." Yes, you read that correctly. "The Emoji Movie." Miller voiced Gene, the multi-expression "meh" emoji in this film. The movie centers on emojis living in Textopolis, a digital city inside a smartphone. Gene and friends seek to become "normal" emojis, limited to one expression only. Individuality appears frowned upon in this emoji world. Adding to its oddness, Patrick Stewart voices the poo emoji, while Jennifer Coolidge voices "Meh." Mind-blowing.
T.J. Miller's Big Screen Bonanza: A Movie Montage
Aside from his major roles, T.J. Miller appears in many films. We talk over 25 major studio productions. From monster flicks like "Cloverfield" to rom-coms like "She's Out of My League," he's been everywhere on film. He worked with Mike Judge in "Extract," explored apocalypse themes in "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World," rocked in "Rock of Ages," and even ventured into "Yogi Bear 3D." He played Gulliver in Jack Black's adapted movie and an "idiot brother" in "Our Idiot Brother." The man’s filmography reflects his adaptability or just his willingness to accept nearly anything.
Deadpool Deep Dive: Mouths, Mutants, and Mayhem
Let’s return to Deadpool briefly, as there’s more to unpack about the Merc with a Mouth. We've bemoaned Weasel’s absence in "Deadpool 3," but a universe of trivia awaits.
Ever wonder why Deadpool sometimes loses his mouth? In "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," his mouth literally gets sewn shut in the final act. That was a shockingly poor cinematic choice. In the first "Deadpool" film, Ajax threatens to repeat this mouth-sewing stunt due to Wade’s endless chatter. Some cannot handle Wade Wilson’s wit.
Speaking of Wade and mouths, let’s mention Vanessa Carlysle, also known as Copycat, who is Deadpool’s girlfriend. She plays a key role in his life and their relationship is quite complex. Plus, there’s Eleanor “Ellie” Camacho, Deadpool’s daughter. A superhero assassin navigating family life sounds sitcom-worthy.
"Deadpool & Wolverine" shapes up to be a cameo-heavy adventure. There are whispers that Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and even glimpses of the Hulk's head will appear. Hold onto your hats because Henry Cavill may cameo as Wolverine, alongside Tyler Mane as Sabretooth and many X-Men baddies. Chris Evans as Johnny Storm? Dafne Keen as X-23? Jennifer Garner as Elektra? It resembles an action-filled superhero gathering on steroids! Channing Tatum might even pop up as Gambit! Prepare for mutant-filled fun and time-traveling events.
J.T. Miller: Not T.J. Miller (The Hockey Guy)
To avoid confusion, let’s touch on J.T. Miller. Yes, another Miller exists but he plays hockey instead of acting. J.T. Miller currently plays with the Vancouver Canucks. Recently, he took personal leave described as "a chance to reset mentally." He has moved around before landing in Vancouver in 2019.
Despite a promising NHL career, J.T. Miller hasn't won the Stanley Cup yet. Recently, he got benched due to performance issues during a game.
So, to recap: T.J. Miller excels as an actor while J.T. Miller shines as a hockey player. Both Millers have their unique styles enriching their fields with their brand of humor or athletic skill.
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