Since The Daily Show decided to focus an entire episode on host Jon Stewart’s directorial debut, Rosewater, Stewart figured that there might be a conflict of interest if he did the interviews himself. So, he summoned a special guest to take over: John Oliver.
Yes, Stewart rubbed a magic teapot with a picture of Queen Elizabeth II on it and Oliver appeared from under the desk to take over. Of course, Oliver famously filled in for Stewart last summer while he filmed Rosewater. That lead to HBO offering Oliver the chance to host his own show, Last Week Tonight, which has earned nothing but praise since it aired.
First, Oliver spoke with Daily Show correspondent Jason Jones and producer Tim Greenberg, since their 2009 piece about Iran was what really made Rosewater possible. After their piece aired, journalist Maziar Bahari, played by Gael Garcia Bernal in the film, was imprisoned by Iran for his responses to Jones’ questions. Both Bahari and Bernal appeared on the show and chatted with Oliver.
Bahari hilariously took credit for Oliver’s recent success. After all, if he was never imprisoned, he would have never written a book for Stewart to adapt. Stewart wouldn’t have had to take time off and Oliver would never have had a chance to host the show!
Stewart’s film opens in limited theaters today.
image courtesy of William Bernard/ACE/INFphoto.com