The cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is known for its outrageous humor and willingness to push boundaries, but one prank involving Danny DeVito and a disturbing script went so far that it nearly resulted in legal action. The incident highlights the cast’s dark humor and DeVito’s commitment to the show, while also revealing where he draws the line regarding on-screen content: the “Too Far” script.
The April Fools’ Prank That Almost Went Wrong
According to reports from FandomWire, Yahoo News UK, inkl, and Cracked.com, the prank centered around a fake script for what was purported to be the season finale of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. This wasn’t just any script; it was specifically designed to target Danny DeVito’s character, Frank Reynolds, in a way that pushed the limits of acceptability, even for a show known for its edgy content.
Disturbing Details of the Fake Script
The fake script depicted Frank Reynolds being arrested for soliciting a sex worker and subsequently incarcerated. While in jail, Frank was subjected to repeated sexual assaults. The graphic nature of these scenes was what ultimately led Danny DeVito to consider contacting his lawyer. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, DeVito, despite his history of performing outlandish and often offensive gags on the show, felt that this storyline was excessively disturbing. He believed it crossed a line, making him uncomfortable with the prospect of filming it.
DeVito’s Reaction and the Reveal
Danny DeVito’s initial reaction was one of genuine concern and discomfort. Uproxx detailed that he was so disturbed by the script that he seriously contemplated legal action to prevent the storyline from being filmed. It wasn’t until the very end of the script that the prank was revealed. In the final scene, a police officer leans down to Frank Reynolds and says, “April Fools motherf*****.” This abrupt and unexpected ending revealed the true nature of the script as an elaborate April Fools’ Day prank orchestrated by the show’s writers and producers.
The “Too Far” Line
The incident sheds light on Danny DeVito’s personal boundaries and what he considers acceptable content, even within the context of a show known for its outrageous humor. While DeVito has consistently demonstrated a willingness to embrace unconventional and often shocking material, the fake script incident revealed his “Too Far” Line. The graphic depictions of sexual assault were what ultimately made him uncomfortable and prompted him to consider legal action. This suggests that while he is open to pushing boundaries, there are certain topics and depictions that he finds unacceptable, even in a comedic setting.
The Cast’s Perspective
The prank also offers insight into the dynamic between the cast members of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The fact that the writers and producers felt comfortable enough to create such an elaborate and disturbing prank suggests a high level of trust and camaraderie among the cast and crew. However, it also highlights the potential for misjudgment and the importance of understanding individual boundaries. While the prank was ultimately harmless, it served as a reminder that even within a close-knit group, it is essential to be mindful of the impact that certain jokes and storylines can have on individuals.
DeVito’s Professionalism
Despite his initial discomfort and consideration of legal action, Danny DeVito ultimately took the prank in stride. His willingness to laugh it off and continue working on the show demonstrates his professionalism and commitment to the project. According to interviews, DeVito recognized the prank for what it was – a misguided attempt at humor – and did not allow it to affect his working relationship with the cast and crew. This speaks to his character and his ability to separate personal feelings from professional obligations.
The Show’s Legacy of Outrageous Humor
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has built a reputation for its irreverent and often offensive humor. The show frequently tackles controversial topics and pushes the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in mainstream comedy. This willingness to take risks has contributed to its longevity and popularity, but it has also occasionally resulted in controversy. The prank involving Danny DeVito is just one example of the show’s commitment to pushing boundaries, even if it sometimes means venturing into uncomfortable territory.
Impact on the Show’s Writing
It is plausible that the incident influenced the show’s writing moving forward. While It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has continued to push boundaries, the writers and producers may have become more mindful of the potential impact of their storylines on individual cast members. The prank served as a valuable lesson in the importance of understanding personal boundaries and the potential consequences of crossing them. This awareness may have led to a more nuanced approach to humor, one that still pushes boundaries but does so in a way that is respectful of individual sensitivities.
The “Too Far” script prank involving Danny DeVito underscores the fine line between outrageous comedy and genuinely offensive content. It highlights the importance of understanding personal boundaries, even within a close-knit creative environment. While the incident was ultimately resolved without legal action, it served as a reminder that humor should not come at the expense of individual comfort and well-being, leaving a lasting impact on the show’s creative process.
