Hugh Laurie proves fearless as real snakes are used for the shot

Sep 4, 2009 15:26 GMT  ·  By
“Snakes on a Cane” ad starring Hugh Laurie for season 6 of “House M.D.”
   “Snakes on a Cane” ad starring Hugh Laurie for season 6 of “House M.D.”

The ads, promo shots and videos for “House M.D.” have always managed to cause just as much stir as the series itself, and that’s because fans usually can hardly bear to be separated for too long from their favorite, whacky and brilliant doctor. The latest ad for season 6 of the medical drama has just been made available thanks to Michael Ausiello of The Ausiello Files and it will certainly cause a commotion.

The official “Snakes on a Cane” ad drops this Monday so this means fans of the series must be completely overjoyed at the idea of getting a sneak peak at it so many days ahead the release. However, chances are they will be even more psyched when they learn the snakes that appear in the photo are the real deal – and that Hugh Laurie proved he was truly fearless as he did not let them intimidate him, as Ausiello says.

“Here’s your first look at the final phase of Fox’s slithery ‘Snakes on a Cane’ marketing campaign for House’s sixth season. The caduceus-inspired image, which will be officially unveiled next Monday, was shot over the summer and, yes, those are real pythons canoodling Hugh Laurie.” Ausiello says. Executive producer Katie Jacobs corroborates the story, saying, “I remember Hugh asking the snake wrangler if the snakes had names. He replied, ‘No, because they don’t come when you call.’”

However, fans hoping to find some clues in the poster as to what will go down in the upcoming season might reconsider that, Jacobs says. “No real clues. It’s irreverent. House is irreverent.” the executive producer tells Ausiello. To understand just how irreverent both House and the ad are, one mustn’t think any further than the Caduceus, the symbol of the medical profession, which the poster hints at. The name of the campaign takes a very subtle swing at “Snakes on a Plane,” the much-derided Samuel L. Jackson film that became a cult classic after it was launched in theaters and was thrashed by movie critics.

Season 6 of “House M.D.” premieres on September 21. Keep an eye on this space for more details, as they’re bound to emerge after the big opening night.