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Amy Poehler talks humor, friendship, and the power of laughter in film
Rediscovering joy through comedy
Amy Poehler is embracing the lighter side of life as she prepares for a significant honor at an upcoming film festival. As she readies to receive a prestigious award, there’s a playful joke circulating at her production company, Paper Kite. Poehler quips, “You know how people talk about living in unprecedented times? We’re like, ‘Let’s get back into precedented times.’ So, we’re calling 2025 ‘The Year of Precedented Times.’ And I think 2025 is The Year of Comedy.”
A newfound hunger for laughter
Reflecting on the recent tidal wave of deep, dystopian-themed art, Poehler reveals a collective desire to shift back towards humor. “We’ve had a lot of incredible art that’s come out of these deep, dystopian fears we’ve all been experiencing, which is great. But it kind of feels like we want to get back to laughing,” she says. Poehler’s remedy for the collective gloom? The company of her hilarious friends like Natasha Lyonne, Maya Rudolph, and Tina Fey. For Poehler, the thrill of comedy comes from these deep personal connections.
Iconic characters and enduring roles
Over the years, Poehler has crafted numerous memorable characters, but one stands out in interactions with her fans: Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation. “I’ve heard from a lot of people, especially as Parks and Rec remains a big comfort show, about Leslie Knope,” she shares. Yet, another role has captured hearts anew—her voice role in Inside Out 2. “I’ve never had a project where more people texted me and said, ‘Oh my God, I just got out of that movie; it’s incredible,’” she adds. Interestingly, some still associate her with her SNL days, a testament to her enduring appeal.
The magic of Inside Out 2
One standout point in our conversation was Poehler’s thoughts on Inside Out 2 (find more about it here). Labeling it technically a workplace comedy, she explains, “It’s all these emotions with competing interests in a headquarters who have to find a way to work together.” The film’s ability to blend complex emotional narratives with humor is, for Poehler, a stroke of genius. Pixar’s careful and patient approach to the sequel has created a resonant piece that audiences of all ages can appreciate.
Discussing the moment that deeply moves her, Poehler reflects on a scene where Joy, her character, takes Sadness by the hand and says, “Wherever you go, I go.” This sentiment captures the nuanced interplay of emotions that has pervaded recent years.
Happy at Paper Kite
Poehler’s production company, Paper Kite, is behind an array of unique projects, from Russian Doll to The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. While she remains tight-lipped about future endeavors, she teases exciting developments in the pipeline, including new podcast ventures. Poehler mentions her thrill for live performances, hinting at a potential continuation of her tour with Tina Fey.
‘Say More with Dr. Sheila’ returns
Amy Poehler fans will be delighted to know that more episodes of Say More with Dr. Sheila are indeed on the horizon. “There absolutely will be,” she confirms. In a tone befitting her character, she adds with humor, “She’s got a lot to say. She’s been climbing in Machu Picchu to clear her head, so she’s back and ready to work.”
Navigating the industry with self-assurance
In a memorable anecdote from Tina Fey’s Bossypants, Poehler’s exchange with Jimmy Fallon on SNL stands out as a defining moment of self-affirmation. Fallon’s disapproval of an unfeminine remark was met with Poehler’s bold retort, “I don’t care what you don’t like.” This story has resonated widely with women, embodying a message of self-assurance and the importance of listening to one’s own voice amidst criticism.
Poehler relates this to the digital age, humorously quoting TikTok: “I built this FYP brick by brick.” She likens life’s journey to creating a personalized algorithm, where every experience shapes one’s path. “Every experience pushes you left or right and you often don’t know what is supposed to be happening for you,” she muses.
Looking ahead
Poehler’s perspective on the evolution of comedy and her involvement in various projects reflects her dynamic presence in the industry. Her ability to adapt and thrive across different mediums and genres underscores a career built on talent, resilience, and a genuine love for laughter. As we anticipate more from Paper Kite and Inside Out 2, there’s a sense of excitement for what’s to come in the world of Amy Poehler.
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