What did working on this movie teach you about yourself?
To be honest, what it was on the page when I first read it was pretty different from what ended up on screen in terms of, we didn’t have the dance scene, and I don’t know if the immigration scene was as deep and as involved.
So I was coming in with the attitude of like, “Oh, okay. I’m here as another actor and these actors will shine.” But the learning process that I underwent was that if you have ideas, if you really dig into your character, people will listen. And luckily enough, again, Nisha is a huge collaborator, and so are all of our other producers. And they wanted to hear what I had to say. So you never know what’s going to come. It could be a super small role at first, and then it could evolve to something a bit bigger. I feel very grateful that it became the role that it is on-screen. So it was a huge learning process, along with learning how to be a father.
Yeah, that must’ve been weird to all the sudden have a 16-year-old.
Yeah. At first, I was having a panic attack because I was telling my wife, “Am I really that old now? Has my time come and gone?” Not that people who are dads are now in the background. I was like, “Oh, man, I’m older now.” And it was almost a reality check in a way. Like, “Oh, okay. No, I can step into roles that are a bit more mature.”
I will say as I was watching the movie, I did keep trying to do the math in my head because I was like, “How old is Lindsay? She can’t have a 16-year-old. That’s crazy.” I understand they had to do it this way to make it work, but at the same time, I also didn’t quite buy her having a 16-year-old kid.
It’s pushing it. And that was definitely a concern as well. There were a bunch of concerns in terms of how truthful can this be? But then I would remind myself that it’s a movie about people switching bodies and you can lighten up a little bit. He can have a little of room in terms of the reality.
Yes. But you’re very young.
I’m turning 38 next month.
Okay, that’s young. Manny, that’s young.
Thank you. But I will say after that dance scene, my body was like, “Bro, what are you doing? You are not 22, 25 anymore.” So my body needs convincing, if anything.
So, lastly, have you thought about how your life might change after this movie? It’s such a star-making role, especially for those that may not have been as familiar with your other work, even though you’ve done so much.
I always come in with every screening premiere and project with very low expectations. I don’t know. I’m not the type to really…I try and take it day by day. If anything, I am Canadian, so I can hide out in Canada for a little bit if need be. Out in the boonies, have a time to escape. And then just remind myself, that if there is a big wave that comes, it is a wave and that it’ll pass. Just like everything. And just not to get too anxious over it and too in my head. Just enjoy the moment and let it be what it is. But know that it’s not going to last forever. So chill bro. But thank you for saying that. That helps so much.
