About this episodeDave Franco discusses his new film 'Idiots', detailing the decade-long journey to get it made, the challenge o…AI summary
Dave Franco discusses his new film 'Idiots', detailing the decade-long journey to get it made, the challenge of playing a morally ambiguous character, and the decision to change the title due to promotional constraints. He also reflects on his career evolution from 'Superbad' to producing horror films with his wife, sharing insights on acting techniques, industry experiences, and personal anecdotes.
Key takeaways 5
Title Change Strategy: The film 'Idiots' was originally titled with an expletive but was changed to 'Idiots' by IFC to allow for broader public promotion, as the original title could not be used on billboards or in most marketing materials.
Character Development Approach: Franco plays a character who starts as unlikable (parking in a handicap space) and aims to help the audience understand his vulnerabilities over time, rather than forcing immediate sympathy or growth.
Acting Philosophy: Franco treats comedic roles with the same earnestness as dramatic ones, believing that playing ridiculous dialogue as seriously as possible is key to finding the comedy.
Career Longevity: Franco notes that he has been in the industry for nearly 20 years and has evolved from playing 'douchebags' early on to taking on darker, more complex villain roles in projects like 'Love Lies Bleeding' and 'Hoppers'.
Production Insight: Franco co-produced 'Idiots' after re-engaging with director Megan Free after 8 years, leveraging his relationship with cast members like O'Shea Jackson Jr. and Mason Thames to help get the project funded and made.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“Sometimes we don't grow, guys. That's real life, man.”
▶ 4:35Franco discussing the realistic nature of character arcs in 'Idiots', where characters do not necessarily learn or grow by the end of the film.
“I can cut a banana in half with a throwing card.”
▶ 0:06Franco demonstrating his proficiency with card throwing after three movies in the 'Now You See Me' franchise.
“If you're not having fun, why are you doing it?”
▶ 53:26Advice Franco received from Katherine Keener during a low point in his early career, which helped him stop being overly self-critical.
“We're Fast and the Furious with magic.”
▶ 42:12Franco describing the 'Now You See Me' franchise's longevity and the strong bond among the cast.
“That is the best review I've ever gotten.”
▶ 23:38Franco's reaction to a friend's daughter being terrified by his villainous character in the animated movie 'Hoppers'.
Chapters & Sections (30)▼
0:00Dave Franco on Idiots and Card Trickschapter4
2:09Dave Franco's Fifth Podcast Appearance
3:07Minhal Baig's Unique Filmmaking Style
4:29Character Growth and Title Controversy
6:26Dave Franco on Calling His Wife an Idiot
10:10Cats vs Dogs Debate and Movie Talkchapter2
11:33Cat Dad Honor and Movie Critique
13:09Unreleased Cuts and Rocky Auditions
14:28Sponsorships and Movie Production Storieschapter1
17:12Road Trip Comedy Development and Quibi
19:26Playing Villains and Dark Roleschapter1
22:10Playing Villainous Roles and Scary Animations
24:19Cinematic Trauma, Power Couples, and Slap Challengechapter2
26:08Power Couple Rankings and Slap Challenge
28:00Rula Insurance Therapy Sponsorship
29:46Super Bad Legacy and Twilight Auditionchapter3
31:27Super Bad Legacy and Twilight Audition
33:10Rob Pattinson Career Evolution
35:26Trust and Risk in Jump Street Audition
37:11The Studio Season 2 and Now You See Me 3chapter2
38:53Emmy Nomination and Season 2 Tease
41:15Now You See Me Cast Bond and Magic
42:58Card Throwing Skills and DreamWorks Filmchapter1
45:13The Rental Drive-In Premiere and Vidiots Screening
48:10Horror Films, Directing, and Career Reflectionschapter1
50:43Stephen King Praise and Career Lows
53:04Overcoming Self-Criticism and Random Preferenceschapter3
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