‘Superbad‘ at 18: The Comedy That Launched Emma Stone‘s Rise
Eighteen years after its release, Superbad remains a touchstone of modern comedy – and the film that catapulted Emma Stone toward superstardom.While already building a foundation in television, Stone’s supporting role in the 2007 hit proved too be a pivotal moment, opening doors to a career now defined by versatility and critical acclaim, including two Academy Awards.
Stone, now recognized as one of her generation’s most talented actresses, had previously appeared in guest roles on shows like Malcolm in the Middle, Medium, and Lucky louie. However, 2007 marked a turning point with leading roles in the series Drive alongside a memorable performance in Superbad. This breakout year paved the way for prominent roles in films such as Zombieland, Crazy, Stupid, Love., and The Help.
Following Superbad, Stone’s career trajectory continued its ascent. She took on the role of Gwen Stacy in 2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man and demonstrated her range with projects like Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance), earning her first Oscar nomination in 2014.
Her performance in 2016’s La La Land secured her first Academy Award.Stone has since continued to embrace diverse roles, appearing in blockbusters like Cruella and Zombieland: Double tap, while also prioritizing collaborations with director Yorgos Lanthimos on films like The Favorite, Poor Things, and the recently released Kinds of Kindness. Kinds of Kindness, currently in theaters, sees Stone portraying a CEO kidnapped by men convinced she’s an alien threat.
