The 2008 comedy Step Brothers is one of the most popular movies about adults behaving like children, and it features Adam Scott as a memorable character who shifts his perspective and has a heartwarming arc. Scott was cast in Step Brothers one year prior to his first big role as Henry Pollard on the comedy series Party Down and he has had a varied career since, starring in the science-fiction series Severance, the sweet sitcom Parks and Recreation, and the prestige drama Big Little Lies. The actor has been a staple of quirky comedies such as Sleeping with Other People, Friends with Kids, and Our Idiot Brother.
Considered one of the best Adam McKay and Will Ferrell movies, Step Brothers tells the story of adults Dale Doback (John C. Reilly) and Brennan Huff (Ferrell) who become semi-related when their parents get married. Adam Scott's Step Brothers character is just as significant, and he appears in a crucial scene that has become well-associated with the movie.
Adam Scott Played Villain Derek Huff In Step Brothers
In Step Brothers, Adam Scott plays Derek Huff, Brennan's brother who is conceited and often talks about how much money he has. Derek is the vice-chairman of a company that rents helicopters, a quirky position that mirrors the movie's goofy tone. Scott's Step Brothers character pokes fun at Brennan throughout, which helps create sympathy for the bullied sibling, despite his refusal to grow up. Derek and his wife, Alice (Kathryn Hahn), have two children, and she is unfaithful to him by sleeping with Dale.
Derek is one of the least likable Step Brothers characters, which makes him a contrast to Scott's other recognizable roles, such as Leslie Knope's compassionate love interest, Ben Wyatt, from Parks And Recreation, or the humorous, logical Henry on Party Down. This isn't the only time he has played a villain intent on hurting people, however, as he appeared as the demon Trevor in a brief arc on The Good Place.
Derek Has A Change Of Heart At The Catalina Wine Mixer
Derek has a satisfying ending in Step Brothers when he hires Brennan and then becomes angry with him for making an innocent mistake at the Catalina Wine Mixer, an important and memorable event. Derek fires Brennan for hiring a singer who yells at one of his superiors. However, Derek experiences a rare and surprising emotional moment when he watches Brennan and Dale singing and realizes that he wants to be close to his brother again.
Although not one of the most intelligent Step Brothers characters, Derek begins to care more about his family by the end of the story. This is a big change, as previously, he only thought about his bank account and what he looked like to other people. It's moving to see Adam Scott's Step Brothers character realize that he was wrong to be so cruel to his brother and that they can find their way back to a healthier and happier relationship.