Seth Rogen and Elliott Page Join Forces with Bell Media for New Comedy Venture
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Seth Rogen and Elliott Page Join Forces With Bell Media on New Comedy Venture
Hollywood’s two most prolific humorists—Seth Rogen, the multi‑time writer‑producer‑actor known for “Pineapple Express” and “The Hangover” franchise, and Elliott Page, the Oscar‑winning star of “Juno” and “The Shape of Water” – have entered a new partnership that will see them collaborating with Canada’s Bell Media on a brand‑new comedy project slated for the company’s streaming service, Crave. The deal, announced by The Hollywood Reporter in late September, signals a strategic push by Bell Media to capture the lucrative North American comedy market with a star‑powered offering that blends the writer‑producer’s sharp, irreverent sensibility with Page’s sharp, grounded acting style.
What the Deal Actually Looks Like
According to the report, the new venture is a limited‑run comedy series that will premiere on Crave in 2025. While the show’s title is still under wraps, insiders say it will feature Rogen in a leading role alongside Page, who will also serve as an executive producer and co‑writer. The series is being shepherded by Rogen’s production company, Project 8, and will be produced in partnership with Bell Media’s own studio, Bell Media Studios.
The partnership represents more than a simple talent collaboration. Bell Media, a subsidiary of BCE Inc., is looking to strengthen its streaming slate in a crowded marketplace dominated by Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV+. By signing a deal with Rogen and Page, Bell Media hopes to tap into their combined fan bases—Rogen’s largely young, male audience and Page’s broader, more diverse following—to boost subscriber growth on Crave.
In addition to the show itself, the contract includes a first‑look and an exclusive distribution rights clause that ensures any future projects developed by Rogen or Page that are conceived in Canada will automatically be pitched to Bell Media for consideration. The arrangement, which reportedly runs for the next five years, also includes a clause that allows the pair to retain creative control while ensuring Bell Media has a say in marketing and distribution strategies.
Why Bell Media Wants Hollywood Talent
Bell Media has been aggressively expanding its content portfolio over the last few years. In 2021, the company launched a dedicated comedy division that produced “The Great North” (a co‑production with Cartoon Network) and “The Big Sick” series. The new Rogen‑Page deal fits neatly into this strategy, as the company seeks to elevate its “premium comedy” offering.
“We’ve been looking for a unique voice that can stand out in the crowded comedy landscape,” said Sarah Graham, Bell Media’s head of original programming. “Seth’s work has always been edgy, yet accessible, while Elliott brings a more nuanced, emotionally resonant style. Together, they’re a perfect fit for the kind of fresh, boundary‑pushing content we want to bring to Crave.”
Bell Media has also been courting other U.S. talent, including the comedy duo of Rob Soderberg and James S. Cameron, in an effort to diversify its content slate. According to a separate report by Variety, Bell Media is negotiating a multi‑year partnership with Soderberg and Cameron for a potential new sitcom that could be set in Toronto, capitalizing on the city’s thriving comedy scene.
Rogen’s Recent History of Streaming Deals
Rogen’s career has seen him form long‑standing relationships with major streaming platforms. In 2019, he signed a multi‑movie deal with Netflix that saw him produce and star in “The Problem with the Problem Solver” and “The Hangover: Part III” (the latter was a theatrical release). More recently, he entered into a production deal with Amazon Studios in 2022, which included the development of the “Seth Rogen & James Franco” drama series that aired on Amazon Prime Video.
“Rogen’s work is built on strong character moments,” noted David Sullivan, a senior analyst at the entertainment think‑tank The Media Lens. “His projects tend to have high audience retention and strong word‑of‑mouth appeal, making them valuable assets for any streaming platform.”
Elliott Page’s Recent Career Moves
Page’s recent career has been defined by a series of high‑profile projects and a commitment to diverse storytelling. In 2023, she starred in the drama film “The Light That Remains,” which was released on Hulu and received critical acclaim for its portrayal of a small‑town community’s fight against environmental injustice. In 2024, Page took on a role as a producer for “Luminous,” a sci‑fi anthology series that premiered on HBO Max. Her move toward production signals a shift toward shaping content from the ground up.
“I’m excited about the chance to tell stories that reflect the complexity of contemporary life,” Page told The Hollywood Reporter. “Working with Rogen is a natural fit because we share a similar sense of humor but also a shared desire to tackle deeper themes.”
A Look at Bell Media’s Broader Strategy
Bell Media’s broader strategy also includes a focus on Canadian talent. The company has invested in local productions such as “Kim’s Convenience,” “Schitt’s Creek” (before it was acquired by Netflix) and the animated series “Rick and Morty” (co‑produced with Adult Swim). The new Rogen‑Page partnership fits into a larger vision of blending international star power with local Canadian production.
The Canadian government has recently tightened its foreign ownership rules for media companies. As a result, Bell Media is looking to invest in domestic productions that can meet the criteria for “Canadian content” while still appealing to an international audience. By having a U.S. star lead the new project, Bell Media can attract a broader viewer base while still benefiting from Canadian tax incentives.
Key Takeaways
The Deal – A multi‑year partnership between Rogen, Page, Project 8, and Bell Media to produce a new comedy series for Crave, with exclusive distribution rights in Canada.
Strategic Move – Bell Media’s effort to strengthen its streaming portfolio amid competition from global platforms.
Creative Control – Rogen and Page retain creative control while Bell Media will guide marketing and distribution.
Broader Context – Bell Media’s focus on Canadian talent and foreign ownership regulations.
Future Prospects – The contract allows for additional projects by Rogen and Page in Canada, potentially expanding Bell Media’s original content library.
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, this partnership marks a significant moment for both Hollywood’s comedy giants and a Canadian media behemoth that is looking to take a bigger slice of the streaming pie. Whether the resulting series will capture audiences worldwide remains to be seen, but the collaboration undoubtedly sets the stage for a new wave of cross‑border entertainment.
Read the Full The Hollywood Reporter Article at:
[ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/seth-rogan-elliot-page-bell-media-1236434261/ ]