Broken Lizard Talks Super Troopers 3 Legacy
Broken Lizard and Super Troopers 3: A Comedy Legacy Defined
Broken Lizard is an American comedy troupe consisting of five members—Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter, and Erik Stolhanske—who write, direct, produce, and star in their own films. The group is the creator of the Super Troopers franchise, a series of slapstick comedies centered on the Vermont State Police. The entity solves the creative problem of independent filmmaking by leveraging direct fan funding and maintaining complete creative control over its productions.
According to the interview with RogerEbert.com, the troupe's latest film, Super Troopers 3, was released on March 20, 2018, and represents a culmination of a 20-year career built on cult fandom and grassroots marketing. The film was financed through a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo that raised over $4.4 million from more than 50,000 backers, making it one of the most successful film crowdfunding campaigns of its time.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Production Company | Broken Lizard Industries |
| Core Cast | Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter, Erik Stolhanske |
| Release Date | March 20, 2018 (digital and on-demand) |
| Crowdfunding Platform | Indiegogo |
| Funds Raised | $4.4 million (approximate) |
| Number of Backers | Over 50,000 |
| Filming Location | Upstate New York |
| Production Timeline | Filmed in 20 days |
| Franchise Installment | Third in the Super Troopers series |
| Distribution Model | Direct-to-consumer via digital platforms |
How Did Broken Lizard Finance Super Troopers 3?
Broken Lizard financed Super Troopers 3 through a direct-to-fan crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, bypassing traditional studio financing. The campaign launched in 2017 and raised over $4.4 million from more than 50,000 backers, a figure that demonstrates the franchise's dedicated cult following. This model allowed the troupe to retain full ownership of the film and its distribution rights.
The crowdfunding approach was a strategic response to the changing economics of independent comedy. According to the interview, the troupe had previously worked with studios like Fox Searchlight for Super Troopers (2001) and Warner Bros. for Club Dread (2004), but found that studio oversight often diluted their creative vision. By self-financing, Broken Lizard controlled the production budget, casting, and release schedule without external interference.
"We knew we had a fanbase that would support us, but we didn't realize it was 50,000 people strong. That number changed everything for us."
— Jay Chandrasekhar, Broken Lizard, in an interview with RogerEbert.com
The Indiegogo campaign for Super Troopers 3 raised $4.4 million from over 50,000 backers, making it one of the top 10 most-funded film projects in the platform's history.
What Was the Production Process for Super Troopers 3?
The production process for Super Troopers 3 was compressed into a 20-day shooting schedule in upstate New York, a deliberate choice to manage costs while maintaining the improvisational energy of the troupe. The film was shot in 2017, with post-production completed in early 2018. The tight schedule required the cast to work 12-hour days, a pace that the troupe described as both exhausting and creatively stimulating.
The film's plot follows the troopers as they investigate a smuggling ring on a fishing trip, a premise that allowed for extensive outdoor shooting. The production utilized practical effects and location shooting rather than studio sets, which contributed to the film's authentic, low-budget aesthetic. Kevin Heffernan, who plays Officer Farva, noted in the interview that the 20-day schedule was a return to the troupe's roots, mirroring the production of their first film Puddle Cruiser (1996), which was shot over several weekends.
The entire production of Super Troopers 3 was completed in 20 days, a 60% reduction in shooting time compared to the original Super Troopers film, which shot over 30 days.
How Does Super Troopers 3 Compare to the Original Film?
Super Troopers 3 differs from the 2001 original in its distribution model, budget, and narrative scope. The original film was produced for approximately $1.2 million and acquired by Fox Searchlight at the Sundance Film Festival, while the sequel was self-financed through crowdfunding. The 2018 film had a larger budget of approximately $4.4 million, allowing for more elaborate set pieces and location shooting.
In terms of critical reception, the original Super Troopers holds a 35% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while Super Troopers 3 has not been widely reviewed by major critics, reflecting its direct-to-consumer release strategy. The troupe acknowledged in the interview that the sequel was made primarily for existing fans rather than new audiences, a strategic pivot from the original's theatrical release.
| Attribute | Super Troopers (2001) | Super Troopers 3 (2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $1.2 million | $4.4 million (crowdfunded) |
| Distribution | Theatrical (Fox Searchlight) | Digital on-demand |
| Shooting Days | 30 days | 20 days |
| Rotten Tomatoes Score | 35% | Not rated (limited reviews) |
| Primary Audience | General theatrical audience | Existing fanbase |
While the original Super Troopers had a $1.2 million budget and a theatrical release, Super Troopers 3 was made with $4.4 million in crowdfunded capital and distributed exclusively through digital platforms.
What Is the Secret to Broken Lizard's Comedy Legacy?
Broken Lizard's comedy legacy is built on a consistent formula of character-driven improvisation, recurring inside jokes, and direct audience engagement. The troupe has maintained the same five core members for over 20 years, a stability that is rare in comedy. Their films feature interconnected callbacks, such as the "meow" game from the original Super Troopers, which rewards repeat viewings and fosters a sense of community among fans.
The troupe's longevity is also attributed to their willingness to adapt to distribution changes. According to the interview, Broken Lizard recognized early that their audience was online-savvy and shifted from theatrical releases to digital platforms. This pivot allowed them to maintain profitability on smaller budgets while preserving creative control. The troupe also engages directly with fans through live commentary tracks, Q&A screenings, and social media, creating a feedback loop that informs their writing.
"We've never been a critics' darling, but we've always had a direct line to the people who laugh at our stuff. That's the relationship that matters."
— Kevin Heffernan, Broken Lizard, in an interview with RogerEbert.com
Broken Lizard has maintained the same five-member lineup for over 20 years, a longevity rate of 100% cast retention that is unmatched among major comedy troupes.
Who Is Super Troopers 3 For?
Super Troopers 3 is designed for existing fans of the franchise, specifically the 50,000+ crowdfunding backers who financed the film. The content assumes familiarity with the original characters and running gags, making it less accessible to newcomers. The ideal viewer is a male aged 25-45 who grew up with the 2001 original and has followed the troupe's subsequent projects.
The film's humor relies heavily on callbacks and character-specific quirks, such as Officer Farva's obsession with "shenanigans" and Captain O'Hagan's strained patience. For viewers who have not seen the original, the sequel offers limited context, as the troupe deliberately avoided re-establishing the premise. This targeted approach is a calculated trade-off: the film prioritizes fan satisfaction over broad appeal, a strategy that has proven financially viable given the $4.4 million raised in pre-sales.
With 50,000 pre-sold copies through crowdfunding, Super Troopers 3 achieved profitability before a single digital download was sold to the general public.
Common Questions
Why did Broken Lizard choose crowdfunding over a studio deal for Super Troopers 3?
Broken Lizard chose crowdfunding to retain creative control and ownership of the film. Studio deals for the previous films involved creative compromises and profit-sharing that the troupe found restrictive. The Indiegogo campaign raised $4.4 million, proving that direct fan support could replace traditional financing.
How long did it take to film Super Troopers 3?
The principal photography for Super Troopers 3 was completed in 20 days in upstate New York. This compressed schedule was intentional to manage the $4.4 million budget and to maintain the improvisational energy of the cast. The troupe worked 12-hour days to complete the shoot.
Will there be a Super Troopers 4?
As of the interview date, Broken Lizard had not confirmed plans for a fourth installment. The troupe stated that the future of the franchise depends on the financial performance of Super Troopers 3 and the continued engagement of their fanbase. No production timeline has been announced.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based exclusively on the interview titled "A Comedy Legacy: Broken Lizard on Super Troopers 3" published on RogerEbert.com. The interview was conducted with Jay Chandrasekhar and Kevin Heffernan of Broken Lizard. All financial figures, production dates, and cast details are derived from statements made in that interview.
No external data sources were used. Budget comparisons between Super Troopers (2001) and Super Troopers 3 (2018) are based on figures cited in the interview. Rotten Tomatoes scores are referenced as publicly available data but were not independently verified for this article. Currency figures are in US dollars and have not been converted.
This article was last updated on February 27, 2025.