Star Studded L.A. Premiere for 'Tropic Thunder' Meets Protest

© Albert L. Ortega/PR Photos

Amidst the controversy circulating around it, the upcoming comedy movie "Tropic Thunder" held a special screening event on Monday, August 11, evening at the Mann's Village theatre in Westwood, California. Although it was highlighted by the picketing of the advocacy groups for the disabled, the L.A. premiere was still flocked with celebrities.

Coming in to join the celebration were some of the movie's stars, Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., Matthew McConaughey, Bill Hader and Nick Nolte. Those who made special appearances in the film, including Tom Cruise, Maria Menounos, Alicia Silverstone and Jon Voight, were also seen posing on the red carpet.

Apart from them, other celebrity guests also attended the special occasion. The list included Katie Holmes, Christine Taylor, Jodie Foster, Tobey Maguire, John Krasinski, Jena Malone and Amy Adams.

Despite the premiere's merriness, the A-listers walking down the red carpet were greeted with demonstration across the street protesting the spoof movie for its negative portrayal of people with "intellectual disabilities". By that, the group meant that the film by Stiller has repeatedly used the word "retard" in reference to Simple Jack character played by Tugg Speedman, Stiller's "Thunder" character in a film within the film which is in one of the "Tropic" subplots.

Directed, written and starred by Stiller, "Tropic" follows a group of actors left out in the jungle by fed up director while filming a Vietnam War movie. Ironically, they soon find out that they have crossed a heroine cartel's territory and thus, are forced to fight for their life. The DreamWorks Pictures' flick is due to hit the theaters on August 13.