Tommy Chong Opens Up About Rift With Cheech Marin in New Documentary

For decades, Cheech & Chong were the undisputed kings of counterculture comedy — but behind the iconic weed-fueled sketches and films was a partnership full of creative tension, ego clashes, and unresolved conflict. Now, in the newly released documentary Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie, Tommy Chong is finally pulling back the curtain on what really happened between him and longtime partner Cheech Marin.

The documentary, which premiered this week on major streaming platforms, dives deep into the rise, fall, and complicated reunion of the duo who defined stoner comedy for a generation. Speaking candidly, Chong discusses the breakdown of their relationship — and why their decades-long rift was more personal than fans ever realized.

“There was always this competition between us,” Chong admits in the film. “It wasn’t just about the jokes — it was about control.”

The Creative Tension That Drove — and Divided — Them

Cheech & Chong skyrocketed to fame in the late 1970s with Up in Smoke, a low-budget comedy that grossed over $100 million at the box office. But while the laughs were real, the business behind the scenes was messy.

In Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie, the pair debate who really deserved credit for the direction and creative leadership of their films. Chong claims Marin “never earned” a directorial credit, insisting that he was the true visionary behind the brand. Marin disagrees, arguing that the partnership was far more collaborative than Chong lets on.

The film doesn’t shy away from these uncomfortable truths. Viewers watch as old footage is juxtaposed with present-day reflections, revealing how ego, creative control, and financial disputes contributed to their falling out in the 1980s.

Financial Success — and a $25,000 Mistake

One of the most jaw-dropping revelations in the documentary is just how little the pair earned from their most iconic film. Despite Up in Smoke bringing in over $104 million, Chong says they each walked away with only about $25,000.

“It was one of the biggest hits of the decade, and we were basically broke,” Chong says. “We trusted the wrong people.”

This financial misstep, combined with diverging career ambitions, pushed the duo apart. Marin began focusing on solo acting projects, while Chong continued in stand-up and faced legal troubles related to marijuana distribution.

The Road to Reconciliation

Despite their differences, Cheech & Chong never completely severed ties. In the early 2000s, they reunited for a series of comedy tours and special appearances. And now, through this documentary, they are attempting to tell their shared story — the good, the bad, and the legendary.

What makes Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie resonate is its honesty. There’s no sugarcoating the pain or the pride. Both men acknowledge that while their friendship may never be what it once was, the bond they forged remains.

“Even with everything that happened, there’s still love there,” Chong says. “We created something no one else could.”

A Cultural Legacy That Endures

Cheech & Chong’s influence can still be felt in pop culture — from comedy albums and films to cannabis culture at large. Their fearless humor and willingness to speak to a countercultural audience helped pave the way for today’s comedic rebels.

The new documentary doesn’t just serve as a retrospective; it’s also a tribute to the messy beauty of creative collaboration. Fans will find it nostalgic, emotional, and revealing — a fitting sendoff to one of comedy’s most iconic duos.