In just a few years, mentioning “Phoebe Waller-Bridge” alongside “Amazon” might evoke a sense of sadness. Back in 2019, she signed multiple times for a major deal to develop content for the platform, but that chapter has seemingly closed now.
This Thursday, Amazon Prime Video released “The Octopus,” a two-part documentary about, you guessed it, octopuses, narrated by none other than Waller-Bridge. It actually looks quite intriguing with a mix of animation and a lively presence from Tracy Morgan.
But let’s set that aside for a moment. It’s all about octopuses! Honestly, I really hope this does well; it could pave the way for more underwater documentaries featuring Waller-Bridge, perhaps on seahorses or jellyfish. Imagine decades from now, we might end up thinking of her as the face of ocean documentaries, eclipsing her earlier work in “Fleabag.”
This isn’t a unique occurrence. Take Harry Secombe, for instance. He spent his young adult years alongside Spike Milligan as a key player in the history of British comedy. Without him, the landscape of comedy would look very different—think Monty Python and beyond. However, by the time he hit his 40s, he was often recognized mainly for his ITV shows that had been entertaining audiences for years.
Similarly, Kalpen, fresh from his role in “Harold & Kumar,” seemed to get typecast as the comic sidekick. But a few years later, he pivoted dramatically by becoming part of Barack Obama’s National Arts Policy Committee, eventually working as the associate director for public engagement in the White House. He even made a return to comedy with “A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas.”
Then there’s Frankie Muniz. Once the star of “Malcolm in the Middle,” he seemed to have it all, including successful movie roles. However, at the peak of his fame, he chose to step away and delve into other pursuits, like racing in NASCAR. Muniz has had a diverse career, from driving on famous tracks to acting as a band manager, owning an oil and vinegar shop, and even endorsing unique products.
And we can’t forget Macaulay Culkin. After rising to stardom in the 90s, he took a break from acting. Venturing into music with his band, the Pizza Underground, he humorously transformed Velvet Underground hits to revolve around pizza themes.
Is running a quirky website enough to match the fame achieved through blockbuster films? Not quite, but it brings him joy, and maybe that’s what counts. The same could likely hold true for Phoebe Waller-Bridge and her new octopus documentary. If she’s happy with it, then perhaps we should be too.
