Happy Sad Confused - Dave Franco

Episode Date: July 12, 2016

Actor Dave Franco (21 Jump Street, Now You See Me, Neighbors) joins Josh this week to about his latest teen techno-thriller film Nerve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

D.C. high volume, Batman. The Dark Knight's definitive DC comic stories adapted directly for audio for the very first time. Fear, I have to make them afraid. He's got a motorcycle. Get after him or have you shot. What do you mean blow up the building? From this moment on,

none of you are safe. New episodes every Wednesday, wherever you get your podcasts. Hey guys, and welcome to happy, sad, confused. I'm Josh Horowitz. I don't know why I'm screaming. Why am I screaming, Sammy? The mic does the work for me.

It's important that everyone... Listen to me! In Lower Manhattan knows what's happening right now. Yes, if you're within the sound of my voice, listen to this podcast. Welcome to my podcast. Welcome to the only show where I introduce superstar guests. Like, today's guest. Sammy, you just did the intro.

You're not allowed on the main show. There's a main show. This continues? After the six or seven minutes of chitchot, that's what people skip to. I thought this was just us. Usually people listen to us like, and it fast forward does the speed. We only listen to when your phone's too low on battery. Usually just hear us in 30 second increments as you jump ahead.

After Josh sells you meet. No, no. Okay. So this week's guest is. Dave Franco, who's awesome. I love Dave Franco. Love Dave Franco. Dave Franco, when he just came out of nowhere one day, everyone was like, we love James Franco, we love James Franco.

They're like, wait, there's another one. Oh, my God. Wait, there's Dave Franco. He's no longer just James Franco's little brother. Oh, hell no. He's a Franco in his own right. And he's, no, honestly, he's somebody I've always enjoyed chatting with, and he has a new film out coming soon called Nerve.

It's him and Emma Roberts. It's a really cool, fun movie. I really enjoyed it. We talk about that movie a bit. It's kind of a, my short hand for it is, I don't think you ever saw this. We've talked about this movie, the game, right? We talked about the game, a great David Fincher movie. It's kind of like the game for tweens, I would say.

And as I was just speaking, I was thinking about how fast I'm talking, because somebody on Twitter said they couldn't believe how fast I talk on the show. They thought that I was, that they had the adjustments off. Oh, you were a New Yorker. You don't have time for slow talking. Is that how I talk? Yeah. Was that Josh? No.

It's hard to tell. So I apologize if I'm talking too fast. But there's always that feature that you can go half speed. Yeah, that's what everyone wants. He wants twice as much Josh on your podcast feed. No, but Dave, Dave is a very, he's a cool guy in that he's very analytical about his own career and, like, is clearly someone that is tough on himself, which is very endearing as somebody who also can be tough on themselves, Sammy. Wow. Oh, I got it from here.

Josh lets the room. Sammy, take over. No, yeah, this is a kind of a disgusting love fest, but it's like 40 minutes of basically just like Dave and I complimenting each other. So apologies in advance for that. Oh, that's nice. But it is nice. And I'm happy for him. And I'm happy that he's got this movie amid a bunch of other cool projects.

He's been very busy. He had, Now You See Me Too, was out recently. He's in a movie about the making of the room called The Masterpiece. It's going to be out in a bit. Always busy. And if you've never checked out his whole thing. funny or die videos? They're pretty damn funny too. He's really funny. Funny guy, a good sense of humor about himself. Don't for Dave after hours soon. We talked a little bit about that. I think it's

inevitable. We'll do something fun and crazy. It'll happen. Um, so what else? Comic-Con is quickly approaching. Sammy has mixed emotions about this. I'm so upset. Okay, just calm down. The good news is, um, both of us, Sammy and I are going to be a Comic-Con. Which is such good news. It's such, I'm really excited. Yet the tone of your voice doesn't convey excitement. I know, but I wish I could give everyone the tone of my heart right now, because I really, it is such a special place. It is so wonderful. Well, that is, it's going to be exciting. We're going to talk to a lot of people. A lot of people we can't officially mention yet. Oh, whatever is going to freak out because they're all amazing. Not all of them, but most of them are pretty damn amazing. No, they're all amazing. But I think fans of this podcast, fans of certain, I'm not even going to. Guys, I'm just going to tell you. I'm going to tell them. Don't do it. There's some big people coming. So stay tuned. We're going to do a lot of live, Facebook live chats. We're going to cut up a lot of the interviews on demand on MTV.com and YouTube and yada yada.

You won't be able to miss it. Just check out. Are we allowed to cut up the President Obama interview that we're doing a count? Oh, shit. Sorry. How could you? It's promoting a new adult swim show. A cartoon.

I wouldn't put it past him. I mean, we've got a lot of, we had a lot of strange guests over the years at Comic Con. I had Mike Tyson on one year. He had an adult swim cartoon. Anybody can have a cartoon. Mike Tyson can do it. It was an odd choice. I actually have seen many episodes of that cartoon.

Have you really? Yes. Was it good? I mean, it depends on your state of mind. Oh, God. It can be. I got the code down. I got it.

I got it. But anyway, Sammy is a mixed opinion about this because two people aren't coming. Really one person isn't coming that you're excited, that you were hopeful for. Guys, the cast of Outlander won't be there. Okay. Let it sink in for a second. Sam's not going to be there. Katrina's not going to be there, but Sam's not,

Sam's not going to be there. And I'm not going to get to see him. I honestly could if I really thought about how ridiculous it is. Okay. Well, look, Sam, as we know, Sam and Katrina, both previous guests of the show, both very close personal friends now of mine. I thought so. They, I inquired.

Are they listening? Guys, are you listening? That's what I was saying. They're probably listening. So, Sammy, you have 10 seconds. Make your plea. to Sam and Katrina to come to Comic-Con go. Sam and Katrina, you guys have got to come to Comic-Con

because not only is this a place where you're so loved and embraced and it's America, but also this is really time for you guys to come and show a different side of your personality that people don't get to see on the beautiful show. Okay, I don't think it's going to happen for you, but I really appreciate the... What if it did?

Girl can dream. No, but it's... going to be great. It's going to be great. All your favorite TV and movie stars are going to be there and we're going to have a bunch of them on MTV's various social media platforms. I have to say it that way. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Dave, if you're listening. Dave, Franko, your chapstick is here. Yeah. You can find me on Twitter at Sammy Heller. DM me if you want your chapstick back. We're not doing anything untoward with it. We're just preserving it as it was. Yeah. I'm not, I'm put it's, I'm put it back down on the table in the exact position you left it.

Okay. Okay. So Dave will come by for that. We've done a public service there and we'll hopefully get Outlander booked for Comic-Con. We've done a lot in this intro. I'm exhausted. On to the main event. As if we could top what we've just done. Please enjoy the charming,

the talented, the star of Nerve. Go check it out. Bring your friends. Here's Dave Franco. Welcome. Dave Franco's head just popped into my office guys. Dave Franco's here. It's here. I'm here. Are we on now? I think we're on.

Okay, great. Yeah. I'm here. It happened. It happened. And, yes. I saw your eyes go wide. You're like, oh, my God, we're doing it. Oh, no, we just quickly transitioned into going on camera, just going live. And I'm, yeah. There's no difference in my life between pleasantries between friends and an actual professional interview. I like how just calm you are. Oh, please. It's all facade.

I like, dude, you're putting me at ease. Yeah, this is good. if you want to. Don't tempt me. Have you been junketing today? Are you in full press mode? A little bit. Yeah, I just came from BuzzFeed, doing lots of dares for the last few days.

It's the nature of the beast when you get involved in the movie like this. I've done. What's the worst thing that you're best thing you've done? Well, a lot of worst things. Well, let's contextualize just for people why you're doing tears. The movie is nerve, which is we were just saying off mic, legitimately a really good fun movie. Congrats. Yeah.

Yeah, thanks, man. It's one of these things where I'm so hard on myself and for me to actually say that I love something that I'm in, it's rare. And I love this movie. And I just want people to see it. And I'm scared because it's, you know, it's coming out in the summer against these huge movies. And I don't know. I figure though a good movie never can like stay hidden too long. I hope. But anyways, you said it. Not me. No, it's true. And I mean, the good thing going for you guys, obviously the stakes are a little bit lower. You're not talking in Batman v. Superman. Sure. We don't need this to make $200 million. And I think the reviews knock on wood are going to be good. And I think, and it feels to me, I mean, I'm like probably slightly older than like the demo that you're trying to hit. Though it did work for me. Exactly. Yeah.

It does feel like, you don't say exactly. You don't have to say that I'm not much older than the demo, Dave. That was like really quick the way you just jumped in. Like, yeah, totally. I feel like we're the same age. No, no. You're a good nine younger. Come on.

I just hit 40, man. You look fantastic. Oh, please stop it. we're gonna embrace for a long time at some point we're actually doing this shirtless you can't see it but we're just holding on to each other for your life 12 pack you somehow got four extra abs now you've thrown me off my game what was I saying I was complimenting you that it was no but I was I was saying legitimately that I think because it's a movie that deals with technology and how teens interact today it feels to me

as someone that works in MTV and is hopefully in touch with these kinds of things actually authentic to the experience as opposed to people trying to like tell you like this is how kids talk today. Yes, exactly, exactly. And I give the directors a lot of credit for that. It was one of these things where I initially sat down with them and I just knew you could tell that they had this really strong point of view. And while you're making something, you can have like a sense of how it's going and we thought it was going well, but then you see the

final product and they just have such good taste when it comes to everything like the music in the movie. The way it's cut together, it almost feels like like a Danny Boyle movie, just how fernetic it is and the split screens and it just keeps it energized the whole way through and I just can't say enough good things about these guys. And then I feel like the shorthand, you've probably heard this, I'm sure, like for like a film geek like myself

is it feels kind of like the game for like, like, between audience right like today. Which is a nice company to be in, Fincher. Fincher. There you go. Yeah, I'll take it. There you go. So we were saying so that was by way of saying the nature of the press you've been doing, the film's conceit is there all these kind of escalating

dares essentially. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, yeah, so we tried to make this junket a little bit different than past promotional junkets. And we have been daring interviewers and they've been daring us. I saw one video this morning. That was really funny. It was like Casey nice that one? Yeah, yeah.

It turned out great. Yeah, Casey basically, we had an earwig and Casey would tell us what to say during an interview and everyone should check it out. It's wild and weird and kind of awesome. Now, did you just do it during that one interview or was that the best of a bunch of things you did? Just one. No kidding.

Yeah. Turned out good, right? It really did. I feel like we keep like complimenting everything, but it's actually good. It's colored by our both of our like self-deprecating like surprise. Like, yeah, that's good. I don't expect anything I do to ever be good. Yes, exactly.

Yeah. But no, the other dares that we did, I, you know, I took a giant bite into a Serrano pepper, which just, you know, most of these are, there's are really fun. And that one just turned really dark where I just started hacking up this pepper. in the middle of the interview and I actually had to walk out and I had to bite into a bar of soap and it just kind of gets lodged in between your teeth and it's just not a good thing. I once did a bit with Kobayashi,

the former eating champion and it was a pizza eating contest where I competed against him and it was the closest I've ever come to dying during an interview because I was just jamming the pizza down my throat. How much time did you guys have? It was just like to see how much you could do in a minute. Obviously I wasn't going to come close. I don't even know.

I think I did like two and a half sizes and he did like eight, you know, something insane. But that's the closest I've come to buying it on camera. But yeah, I mean, that's the funny thing about when you sign onto a film, it's like, I don't know how self-aware you are. It's probably not the first thing you're thinking of when you sign onto a movie, but like what the narrative is going to be for the press tour. Because it colors like everything, whatever, whatever they can see to the movie is it, that's what you're going to be talking about for two months. Yeah, yeah. And normally when you think of a press tour, you don't think of. too many exciting things.

If you talk to most actors, I would say that most of them would say it's the worst part of our job. And it is tough sometimes, but that being said, like, when you're promoting a movie that you actually like with people that you like, it's not that bad. And

especially with a movie like this, I want to help this succeed in any way I can. And if I didn't like this movie, I wouldn't have bitten to a bar of soap. I just wouldn't have. There's no higher compliment for a movie. You should put that on the ads. You can still put that on a poster, right?

That quote. Yeah. That's how much Dave believes in the movie. It's an escalating kind of thing. Is he willing to just nibble on a piece of crap? No, he's willing to actually bite into a giant bar of soap. I would have swallowed if they were to, yeah. Wait for Nerve 2, man.

There you go. So, and it's also a big movie and an exciting movie in that, like, you know, you and Emma, this is co-weeds. You're a lead. You're the guy. Yeah, I guess this is, this is like my first real. leading role. Is that something that occurred to you? Is that something, how aware of that have you been? Because like, I feel like, you know, I, you know, I've been talking to you probably for

five or six years. And it's like just to chart your growth in that time. It's, it's exciting to see where you are today versus where you, you know, you know. Yeah. I guess I didn't really think about it too much, which is maybe a good thing because I might have put too much pressure on myself. But when I look back on everything I've done in my career in general, I feel like I've, I've, I've tried to be patient and wait for roles that I really love, regardless how big the role is. And so up until this point, it's like, you know, offers have come in for lead roles in the past, but they're just for movies that aren't that great. And so I'd rather do smaller parts in these movies that I, you know, want to be a part of,

like neighbors or even, even something like warm bodies where I was in that movie for the first 10 minutes of movie, but it was a concept that just felt original and unique, and I just wanted to be a part of it any way I could. And it's one of those movies that, again, despite like whatever box office, I'm sure people come up to you and talk about that one as much as almost anything. Yeah, sure. Yeah. Yeah.

Right. So, um, and do you think there's, like, were you aware when you started shooting this one of a difference between like being the guy and just like being an actor? Like, is there something you have to think about in terms of like, oh, I'm carrying a movie. I am. Ooh. I probably. I should have, but...

Well, you did well, so maybe the lesson is don't. Right. No, this one, what can I say about it? It was fun because it didn't feel like it was all on my shoulders. Like, it felt like a very collaborative experience in that Emma and I get along extremely well, and we have very similar sensibilities as the directors, and nobody had an ego on this movie. And so pretty much every day before every scene, we would congregate and talk about what we were about to film and we would change things,

like minutes before we were about to shoot to try to make the best version of each scene. And so it really did feel like a group effort. And I never felt any pressure to, like, carry the movie myself. Well, and the good thing also is the nature of your character is. So, like, Emma's character is kind of the eyes and ears of the audience, right? They go on the adventure through her, on the back of her shoulder. And you're kind of with, you're holding some stuff back. Like, they're safe to say there's some stuff that you can kind of like play both sides.

and we don't know which side you're going to be on until late in the film. Right, yeah. So my character, he, you know, in the stereotypical version of this movie, he's like the super mysterious, cool, brooding guy. And what I respect about these directors, again, is that they let me bring a lot of, I guess, my own personality to the part where I didn't want him to be that archetype. I feel like that's boring.

We've seen it a million times. And so I was able to bring just a little more lightness to this. this character and he was able to have a little more fun than that type of character normally does and it just it feels a little more real too yeah it's like the the edward colins of the world like those no one wants to be a guy who takes himself that seriously right you auditioned for edward car i did and i'm still hearing about it like 12 years after the fact hey you brought it up that wasn't on my list but as someone that covered twilight more than any other human being on the planet by where i work i i know that very well

Yes. Is that a happy memory at this point that auditioned? Did you do it with Kristen? No. No, that's the crazy thing is I, I guess I quote unquote tested for it. Okay. But who knows how many guys were also testing? It might have been me and a hundred guys left.

And it's something that I still talk about more than pretty much anything else. No, I'm sorry. So what were you wearing to the, no? Okay. Speaking of auditions, I didn't jinx Han Solo for you, did I? Because I did not? No way. No.

I think at that point that we were talking about it, I pretty, it was a 99% chance that I was not going to get it. And so, for context, again, I think the takeaway from this is it's amazing to be in that company and that you were in the mix is awesome. And one of those kinds of things, I'm sure we'll come to you sooner rather than later. And when I interviewed you and I chatted with you in Las Vegas, of all places for NCB2, yeah, that rumor was going around and we talked about it a little bit. Yeah, and it's, it's, yeah, I feel, I feel very. fortunate to even be in the discussion for a role like that such an iconic role but ultimately those directors they're the directors of 21 Jump Street and so they know me really well and if they felt like I was right for the part then I think they would

have given it to me but they you know maybe there was something about me that wasn't quite right and I trust their opinion more than pretty much anyone else who I've ever worked with so I feel like the guy who got it he's going to be amazing yeah like I was actually I was genuinely very excited that they chose Did you feel after whatever the reading was that did you feel good about it? Or did you feel like, like, do you have a good judge after a reading or after an audition? Not really just because I'm so hard on myself. It was actually my resolution this year to be just, just not, you know, just not beat myself up so much like in terms of my work.

Because I'm a perfectionist to a fault. And not until recently have I been able to watch something that I'm in and just kind of sit back and be like, okay. It's not perfect, but there's certain things that I can appreciate about what I did in this movie, and I just got to take that and just run with it, where before, I would just watch myself on screen, and I would just cringe, and I'd be like, why did I do that? And I would just analyze every single movement I made. Would that happen during, like, the making of the film, too? Because I talked to, like, speaking of, like, Trilite, so Kristen was in here, and I was talking to her,

and she's one of these actors that her bullshit meter is so low or high, depending on how you determine it. that like after a take where she thinks she just didn't do it, she'll be like, oh, fuck, that, that sucks. Like, she, like, can't, like, even just control it. I am that way now, but I think that actually helps me because in the past, if I did a take in a movie that I didn't feel good about, I wouldn't have said anything. I would have been too nervous to be like, hey, can I try that again?

Yeah. But now I know when I'm horrible in a scene. And so I will immediately say, you guys, I don't care if we're running out of time. I need to do that again. Or I'm going to be thinking about that for the rest of this movie. So, yeah, I feel like I'm a little more confident speaking up and standing up for myself. And being, by the way, you and Allison are the first relationship that has been on the podcast in separate forms.

Is that right? Allison's been here. Although we had Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcon, but they were here together. Okay. You've got each of you got your own. You know what? Now you have to top her. There we go.

Okay. How are we doing so far? Oh, man. You're off to a great start. But I would say the same thing to her. But what I was going to say, does that feed on itself? or can you kind of like be there for each other and know, like, you know, you've each got that crazy actor brain that's kind of like self-analytical to a fault. And does it kind of like she, no, she, thank God, she is in my life because she is the greatest support of all time.

And like I, she's just every, every single step of the way. And it's not like she, she, you know, blow smoke up my ass, but like she, and don't quote, actually, I take that back. That, that's the only quote that anyone's going to take away from this. But she, she's just so sweet about everything I do. And when there's something that I do that she really, really likes, like, she's just like, it just oozes through her. And it just makes me feel so good. And it just, like, makes me forget about all my own insecurities.

And it's like, again, thank God I have her, yeah. Let's talk about the fact that I think it is telling and sadly is telling is, like, wouldn't you say it something and you like caught yourself like oh shit they're going to take that out of context or whatever and I totally get that again from my side of things I get it but is that something you learned early on or was it something you learned watching you know your older brother go through it because you both have probably like had things taken out of context and stuff has sucked and really made your life miserable where it wasn't intended that way yeah I don't know if there was necessarily like one instance where I was like I did not say that

or I did not say that in that context but it's mostly when you're doing things that aren't on camera because people can't see, you know, the intent and the sarcastic nature, whatever. And so it is something, and I hate that I do it, but I am a little conscience about everything I say now. And I don't want to be that way because I want to be loose in these things. But I do, you know, I always feel comfortable with you. Okay. Yeah. Let it, let it loose. Time for a message from our friends over at Blue Apron. And I mean friends because these guys are achievers of the impossible, i.e. turning Josh Harrow, what's your fearless leader into a cook? Someone that has actually cooked for himself and others, delicious, cheap, yummy meals. Stuff that you would only get out of a restaurant or someone that is a true expert. I'm not an expert, and Blue Apron has turned me into that. It is truly idiot-proof stuff, guys, and it comes at a great price point, and it's just awesome. It makes a great gift for yourself or for others. I can't endorse it enough. And, here are a few things to know about Blue Apron. If we're only, it's really less than $10 per meal,

they deliver seasonal recipes along with pre-portion ingredients to make delicious home-cooked meals. Here are a few of the meals that have been available this month, for instance. Spinich and basil, pesto, nioki with summer squash, green beans, and fresh mozzarella, spiced pork tacos with avocado, pickled onion and corn, summer vegetable pizza with garlic, lemon, broccoli. This stuff is not just like your run-of-the-mill dishes. This is stuff you would have to go out to a restaurant to get and you're making it for yourself. And as I said before, you can't screw it up. So check out this week's menu and you can get your first three meals absolutely free with free shipping by going to blue apron.com slash happy. That's H-A-P-P-Y. You will love how good it feels

and tastes to create incredible home-cooked meals with Blue Apron, so don't wait. Once again, that's blue apron.com slash happy, H-A-P-P-Y. Blue Apron, a better way to cook. Hey guys, time for a message from Casper Mattresses. Casper is a sleep brand that created one perfect mattress sold directly to consumers, eliminate commission-driven inflated prices, its award-winning sleep service was developed in-house, has a sleek design, and is delivered in a small, how did they do that sized box? In addition to the mattress, Casper also offers an adaptive pillow and soft, breathable sheets. Let's talk about quality.

An in-house team of engineers spent thousands of hours developing the Casper combined spring-a-lating. and supportive memory foams for a sleep surface that's got just the right sink and just the right bounce. Plus, its breathable design sleeps cool to help you regulate your temperature through the night. As for cost, well, mattresses can often cost well over 1,500 bucks, but Casper mattresses cost $500 for twin, $600 for twin XL, $750 for a full, $8.50 for a queen, and $9.50 for a cane. You're not going to beat that. Convenience, you can't beat it. buying a Casper mattress is completely risk-free. They offer free delivery and free returns with a 100-night home trial. Simply put, if you don't love it, they'll pick it up and

refund you everything. Casper understands the importance of truly sleeping on a mattress before you commit, especially considering you're going to spend at least the third of your life on it. So remember, obsessively engineered mattresses at a shockingly fair price. That's Casper, the springy latex and supportive memory foams, award-winning sleep surfaces with just the right sink and just the right bounce. And we're not lying here, guys. Time Magazine themselves said it was one of the best inventions of 2015. In fact, it's now the most awarded mattress of the decade.

Plus, there's that free shipping and returns to the U.S. and Canada, and then 100-night risk-free trial in your own home. If you don't love it, they'll pick it right back up. And, by the way, it's made in America. So, guys, go to www. casper.com slash happy and use the offer code, HAPY, to get $50 towards any mattress purchase today. Terms and Conditions apply. Let's talk early on just influences and stuff.

It's kind of a common theme in the podcast because I just like to geek out with people about what they're into. And we've gotten along, so I've got a feeling we probably have some of the same reference points, even though I'm a decade older. But, oh, just stop it. It's not touching me like that. He's brushing his hand. I don't even want to say where he's brushing his hand. Um, what, uh, so what were the big movies growing up? It was the first, like, a couple of movies that, like, you weren't by hard.

So, main childhood movies that stand out are stand by me, which is maybe still my number one movie of all time. Uh, the Goonies and, uh, what else, what else? Uh, what's, why can I think of it right now? Um, vampire movie also with Corey Feldman. Oh, the Lost Boys. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So all three of those movies, Corey Feldman. It's alarming.

But, um, those were the main one. And I guess those are movies I was watching probably at an age where I was too young, but I grew up with brothers who were five and seven years older than me. And so I was introduced to a lot of these movies way earlier than I should have been. And I guess the common thread between those ones is I just, I love movies about young kids, especially when the kids are actually really good actors, because there's just this innocence and pureness that we don't really get anymore because of technology. I feel like all those movies are about these kids going on adventures and they're on

their own and they can't, you know, there's no connection to the adult world and that is the answer to that question. No, but I think I think it's right also, and I think it might be the reason why some of the kind of the, the films today that strive for that kind of adventure quality that, that I love to have to be period pieces now because of the nature of technology, like, even like something like with JJ Abrams like, you know, he openly tried to make a Spielberg movie, Super 8, and he made that a period movie. Because it's like, yeah, if everyone's got their cell phone or whatever, that doesn't work.

What were your childhood movies? I mean, I'm like, I'm pretty stereotypical in terms of like a mix of like Spielberg, like, back to the futures, back in my wall, back here, back to the future, back to the future, Ghostbusters. Yes. And then, have you seen the new Ghostbusters? I just saw it and it's really good. Is it great? It's really good. I'm so glad to hear that.

I know, we're all like, I know because frankly, and you know how marketing is too. I didn't love the marketing. I didn't love the trailers. Yeah, yeah, yeah. But it's, um, it's a really good, like, feel. it's got a good tone and just it's like a really good two hours of the movies and they're obviously the cast is hysterical yes and it feels like it stands on its own and it's like okay great it's kind it's kind of like in that like two that what we do in 2016 we don't remake things so much as reboot them it's that star trick model it almost feels like it's an alternate universe ghostbusters love it it's like a riff off of the same thing so anyway enough promoting someone else's movie right come on but um but what was I going to say so so the early movies and then at what point okay so you're you're you know it James is like seven years older? I got that right?

Okay. So at what point is he like really making strides? Like how old are you? Yeah, what's your perspective or not? It was early high school, I think. And it's like freaks and geeks. Is that like, yeah, I think so. I think that was the first major thing.

And then people started to ask me and they're like, do you have any interest in doing this? And I was a really shy kid growing up. And so I did not have any interest. And then when I came down to L.A. to go to school, his manager essentially forced me into an acting class and I remember sitting there in the back of the room and the first people that were on stage

they started screaming and crying and hitting each other and I remember thinking like fuck this the shy kids like I don't want any part of this but I think I think I stuck it out because I've always loved movies my first job ever I was working at a mom and pop video store I was 14 years old, and they essentially paid me by allowing me to take home as many

movies as I wanted every time I worked. And so that's how I started watching all the classics. And yeah, I just wanted to be a part of it all. Do you find that like the stuff that you were into informs your choices? Because, I mean, you mentioned something like Lost Boys, and I think of like Fright Night. Like I see that. Oh, interesting. Interesting.

Never put together that correlation. But it was more, I would say in general, I've always been attracted to things that are just a little off kilter that are a little outside the box and even you know I think about when I was a kid too like my favorite author of all time is Roald Dahl and he he writes children's books but if you go back and revisit these books they're dark right and they're twisted and that kind of informed my own weird twisted sense of humor and at this point it's like everything I do I wanted to at least attempt to bring something new to the table. And even if it doesn't work, at least the intention is there.

And like you look at the past few movies I've done, like, you know, a movie about magicians who pull off bank heists. Like that's not normal. And like we were just talking about, of zombie romance. Or even 21 Jump Street, which was a huge risk. It's like this based on this earnest 80s TV show. and we turn it into this like over-the-top self-referential comedy. And even nerve, even this movie, it's like, you know, you look at every other young adult movie out there

and they all take place in this dystopian world where everything's elevated and everyone has this crazy hairdoes and makeup. And this one, it's very grounded. And to make a young adult movie that's grounded in reality, like it's, I hate to say it, but that's taking a risk to make a movie about real people doing real things. Real emotions, real things.

What? how many yeah how many divergence allegiance hunger games have you have you been up for or have you oh good question all of them yeah I've auditioned for all of them

now would you be saying a different would you be seeing a different tune if you had ended up for whatever reason whether by your own volition or theirs in one of those are you a hypocrite is what I'm saying Dave Franco maybe maybe who knows probably but I'm glad

that it happened the way it did where I'm part of something that it's true to yourself. Yes, yeah, and like you were saying earlier, I feel like a lot of people will see the trailers for this movie or just hear about the concept and they'll think, oh, this is geared

just towards teenagers. And that is, I would say, the main demographic, but just everything about it. It just, I feel like it resonates with everyone because we're all using social media and this is a film that it uh it like presents all sides of social media it's not it's not this preachy movie it just kind of presents things the way they are and it's a movie that you walk away with and you're talking to your friends

about it and you're analyzing the way you use social media yourself and you think about like oh my god have i ever been really mean to someone online sure yeah do you remember um speaking of like these kinds of films that provoked discussion and again films that infected you as a kid like do you remember like the first early like kind of mind fuck experience going to a movie like i think of things like seeing JFK when I was a kid or seven. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Fight club. Fight club, definitely. I remember watching that movie and being like, oh, fuck. This is like, yeah, that's the one. Was I supposed to see that? Am I allowed? Can I see

it again? The one. And, yeah, I mean, there's directors, all the directors that I want to work with today. I mean, people who are on most actors wish lists, like, they are doing the stuff that's, like, really kind of just inspiring me, guys like, like Fincher and West Anderson, Paul Thomas Anderson, Spike Jones, and like the newer guys too, like Destin who did Short Term 12, which is a movie that I feel like not enough people have seen. It's one of those things that it's like a type of movie. So it's about a girl who works at kind of like a rehabilitation type place for younger kids. And the whole movie, you're waiting for that cheesy, sappy scene and it never comes.

It's just so well made. I think it's a perfect movie. And then guys like And Brie Larson, by the way And Brie Larson, we all thought it was like Oh shit, that was going to be her Oscar room And it didn't happen You're like oh, it's not going to ever happen

And luckily she got there She's incredible, yeah And Damien Chazelle Like Whiplash is unbelievable And those are the guys who are inspired Have you seen Swiss Army Man yet? I did That one, another example of something

that's going for it It's like nothing else I've ever seen I give so much more credit Even if things don't work And actually I did like Swiss Army Man a lot Yeah, yeah, there are a lot of cool elements to that movie. But, like, I will give something so much morally way if they at least try for something. Yes. And, like, Radcliffe, man, he, I respect the guys so much just because if he wanted, he could just coast and do bullshit roles for the rest of his life.

But he's stretching himself. He's doing some weird things, Swiss Army Man. He's doing, you know, kill your darlings. Yeah. He's, it's like, I don't know, good, good on him. He's doing actually a play I'm going to see in a couple weeks here all about, like, social media and it's called privacy, actually. Oh, nice. Here in town and just doing theater, constantly musicals.

Yeah, he's just pushing himself. Oh, you know what else you should see? I just had on the podcast, if you haven't already, he was a neon demon. Oh, tell me. I had Nicholas Refinan. I loved it. Yeah. I know it's super divisive.

Right, exactly. But I was really into it. It's, um... Is it as weird as I think or weirder? It's probably as or weirder. I didn't like, oh, we God forgives, but this one I really was into. It's beautiful and it's just beyond just how well it made it is. It goes to really fucked up places.

so I think you'll appreciate it. So speaking of fucked up. So, um, and sensibility is like, I do think like, um, you're funny or die stuff,

which you, you were kind of like into for like a contained period of time. I feel like that reflects also really your true, correct me by wrong, your true kind of sensibility. A hundred percent. Comedically, right? Yeah,

yeah. And so those videos came about because, when I was first starting out as an actor, I was, I was taking roles that I didn't necessarily love, but I just wanted the experience. I wanted, I wanted to be on set.

And so I was happy, be working, but ultimately I was working on these things that I would finish and I would tell my friends and family, do not go see this movie. It's not good. And then they would go and see it and they'd be like, that sucked. And I'd be like, I fucking told you. And so it got to the point where I was like, okay, I need to take things into my own hands. And everyone has a camera nowadays. There's no excuse not to be filming your own stuff. And so I paired up with funny or die. and they made it they made like they created this like dream scenario for me where they gave us full creative freedom and so me and one of my best friends who I've known since childhood we would you know create these bizarre videos and they would help with production costs and like I can't tell you how much these videos have helped me where I don't think I'd be here right now without those yeah where I remember when I was auditioning for 21 Jump Street it was the most arduous audition process

I've ever gone through I went in for that movie maybe seven times and I remember the first year so hot video came out at the end of that process and the directors told me after the fact they're like a good part you know a big part of the reason you got the role

in 21 Trump Street is because of that video we saw that you had a good sense of humor from that video and to like take a step back and kind of acknowledge that a video where I'm telling Christopher Mence Plast how much I want to have sex with him got me my biggest movie role at the time it's insane. No, and it's a great lesson

I think for everybody. I mean, in my own small way, like my great successes here at MTV was just to try shit out and luckily to have kind of like the trust of people here or even maybe just them not paying attention, letting me just do shit. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Did it take a while to get there to that point where you felt the freedom to do whatever you wanted?

It took about a year or two where like, I always say, because people asked me often like about the sketches I've done with people like, how do you get like these people do these crazy things with you and I'm like well I didn't just like walk into a room with like a fart machine being like hey you want to do something which I'm sure happens to you at junkets now I said like I had to like get to know these people actors and directors and earn their trust and they knew like I knew my shit and had a sense of humor and then I could go to John C. Riley and be like hey we do an interview sitting on my lap for half an hour

and then it'll be like okay but and I'll give you a compliment you're just a nice normal person and you and like and I what a novel idea no and I comfortable with you, which I can't say about a lot of people who are interviewing me. And then on top of that, like, you actually do your research. And that's something that would seem so obvious as someone who's interviewing people. But you, like, as an actor, you can tell if they've done their research, if they've done their homework, if they know what's going on with you. And it makes a huge difference because most interviews you go into, you get asked the same

three questions over and over. No, I can tell you, I always say over the years, like, again, people ask about like my technique, whatever that's called. And it's like, well, my greatest, like, asset is my competition, frankly, because they really, um, two things. They don't, like, listen like a human being. Like, like, just talk to somebody like a human being. You're trying to play off of them because for me, it's like, you know, I get bored of hearing myself talking. So you try to put it on them a little bit.

You want to have some fun with them. And they just kind of like blankly look at you and smile through it. They're not even listening to what you're saying. They're just thinking about their next question. I have a project that hasn't been announced to it, but I'm going to tell you off, off mic, that I think you're going to appreciate. about the junket world. Oh, yeah? Can't wait.

You'll really dig. Okay. So, talk to me about sort of where you're at now in terms of obviously you're going up for, I mean, it doesn't get bigger than going for things like Han Solo, et cetera. You're getting to a lead in a cool film like Nerve. Do you feel, we've talked about your insecurities, hopefully waning in terms of like not being so hard on yourself. Do you feel like, can you take a moment to be satisfied with the kind of stuff that you're

getting now versus where you were five years ago? Definitely. Definitely. And it's one of these things where people ask, they're like, all right, what do you want to be doing five, 10 years from now, and this is a very cheesy answer but, and I'm very happy that this is the answer, but like I want to continue to

do what I'm doing right now. I'm working with my friends and with my family and I can't imagine anything better than that. It's like, I just, you know, I think of movies like neighbors and I just did the masterpiece with my brother and I just feel like I've somehow infiltrated this group of

people who are way more talented than me and I just want to just keep hold on to that as long as I can. Because this business, everything is so fleeting where you can be working all day, every day, for years. And then all of a sudden you have two movies that come out and are huge flops. And you need to start again at square one. And so I'm just trying to keep my head down and just do the best work I can. And I just hope to just continue to work with the people I love.

I'm psyched about the masterpiece. And I have a confession to make, I'm one of these crazy people. And I think it'll shock you knowing what you know about me. I've never seen the room. I don't. I can't like, I'm walking out. I know. I know.

I've just, it just hasn't happened. I need to find the right circumstance. I feel like it's not a movie. I think I actually read, you said something like this. I don't think it's a movie you want to watch by yourself necessarily. No,

no, no, no. You need to be able to talk to someone about it because it's so bizarre. You need to just check in with someone to like acknowledge like, is this real? Is this really happening? But you have to,

what's been, yeah, I will, of course. I just need, it's like Game of Thrones. That's my other thing. I've never watched Game of Thrones. Me neither. Me neither. Let's start a little weekly date, okay.

Okay, all right. We're going to meet in St. Louis, halfway between us One of us is just going to have to move, Dave. My wife's going to be like, why are you in Los Angeles? Well, Dave, Franco wants to watch Game of Thrones. Okay, okay, worth it, go. So, yeah, so, but the room, this is kind of like the story behind the room that James has directed, right?

Yeah, so let's quickly talk about the room for people who don't know. It's this movie known as the best worst movie ever made. And there's this guy, Tommy Wiesow, who looks like a vampire, he refers to himself as a vampire. and he directed, wrote, starred in, financed, produced this movie. He put $6 million of his own money into this movie. It came out in one theater initially, and it made maybe $100,000. And ultimately over the years it's become this cult classic where there's now midnight screenings all around the world,

where people go and it's like the Rocky Horror Picture Show where they're screaming at the screen, they're throwing things, and it's this whole event. And so it's this very funny thing now. And he, you know, his original intention was he just wanted to become famous in the movie business and so he tried to he sought out to make this very earnest

drama and and he when the movie first came out he paid to keep it in theaters for two weeks to make it eligible for the Academy Awards and so of course now that it's become this big like comedic whatever he maintains that it was always meant to be funny but we made a movie

about how that movie came about so what's the tone is like black comedy is it is it earnest is it's like yeah it's tough It was a really hard tone to pull off because it's not a full-on comedy. It's not like a joke, joke-joke-type movie. It's like, if I had to compare it to anything, this is a weird comparison maybe, it's like boogie nights. It's just like, you know, boogie nights.

Cast of a crazy group of people like just. Yes, and it's funny, but it's funny because of the characters and because of the situations. It's like, again, it's not playing for jokes. And so it is earnest, and we're not trying to like make fun of anyone in this process. We wanted to do it justice. And I think the people who know and love the room are going to walk away loving this movie. And that was the main intention.

But the biggest struggle or the hardest thing is to get people excited about this movie who have never even heard of the movie, The Room. Are you, um, so, I mean, outgrowth of the stuff you did for Funny or Die and talking about that kind of thing. Like, do you write on the regular? Do you write with a partner or anything?

I used to write a lot more and I need to get back into it. But all those Funnier Die videos, I've, you know, I've written all of those. But, um... Like, is there a thought like, like, are you, it sounds like you're pretty satisfied with it. And it's getting better and the kinds of stuff that you're up for and you're getting offered,

but like that you have to generate your own material or you feel like you, that's not necessarily necessary at this point. I think I do. I think I do. And it's one of these things where I've, you know, over the years I've developed these relationships, particularly with writers or directors that I really get along with. And more so than ever, I've been trying to kind of work from the ground up where, you know, I'll come up with an idea and I'll meet up with one of these writers who I've worked with and we'll be like, all right, How do we turn this into something? And then we'll just go through the whole process of, you know, making a movie and getting this thing off the ground. And I can't say that anything has actually worked so far. But when it does. But yes, but it is a fun process just to be, you know, be there every step of the way and to have full control over it.

And I would tell anyone and, you know, who am I to give anyone advice? But like, it's just you need, you can't rely on anyone else, especially as an actor. It's like there's so much that's out of your control. where if all you're doing is acting and just, you know, most of the time you're sitting around waiting for the next audition to come in. And who knows when that's going to be? And if a long enough period of time goes where you're not auditioning, when something does come around,

you put so much pressure on yourself like, this is the one. And you just overthinking and you don't do well. And so I would tell everyone you've got to have other hobbies. You need to like put your creative energy other places because just, you know, an actor who's just acting, you're going to drive yourself crazy. So where are you putting your other energies besides, just sobbing into your pillow.

Right, right. And your cats. Yeah, I was going to say. No, a lot of energy, like I said, into just kind of working with these writers. And I, so I do love to write, and I've realized that I'm pretty good at putting together a short film. But I, you know, I'm not great at writing a feature. There's a reason, you know, writers, the writers who are professional writers, there's a reason they are who they are. It's like, they can pump something out in two weeks.

I could never do that. And so what I love to do is, you know, give these guys an idea, have them run with it, and then send me the draft. I'll give them notes, and then we'll just keep going back and forth that way. It's funny because, I mean, like yourself, and again, a much different way. So, like, I'm the youngest of three. I have an older brother that's in the business who's had a lot of success. What's the age difference?

Four, five years. Okay. So my brother, Adam Horowitz, was a writer and lost and created this show once upon a time. How did I never know this? One of those crazy things. And it's one of those things where like, yeah, I write and I write my sketches and I write short-form things. Yeah.

But, like, I have such respect for him and writers because, like, I've tried myself. Sure, I've tried to write screenplays. But, like, you have to, like, I mean, that, like, he, you know, wakes up and just cranks it out every day and has for 20 years. Because you have a writing partner? Yeah. Okay. Yeah.

Yeah. It's like, that's, it's harder to find a writing partner that you gel with than finding a, like, a romantic partner. Yeah, totally. It's impossible to find someone who you gel with creatively in that way. Yeah. So, um... Tell me real quick.

What's up? I, so, do you feel everything? I feel with an older brother who is successful in a similar field? Yeah. I mean, luckily, I think, again, you're, like, you're more directly in the same field. He's an actor. You're an actor. I'm luckily kind of, like, in the same, quote, unquote, business.

So, but I found kind of my different path. But you have two. And I think, yeah, I think it was, I think it was challenging. I mean, look, the stakes for you were much higher. And it's to your credit that you were able to, like, yeah, I mean, because I remember, like, the first time we talked to you probably, it was like a novelty. Oh, James's little brother. See, let's see what we got here.

And the fact that we've had a 40-minute conversation and James has come up twice. And it's about you and what you've done is a testament to sort of your your talent and your work ethic. It's very sweet of you. God, this is such a disgusting love fest. Ew. Now the pants have come off guys just for context. Mine have been off the entire time. So what's your next gig after?

You've been to impress all years, it seems like. So what are you actually acting next? That's a good question. I don't know, which I'm actually excited about. There's a lot of actors who love to just constantly be working. They don't like any downtime. I am really good at doing nothing. And so after this...

I knew I got along with you for a reason. After this press tour, I think I got a little bit of time before anything else comes up. But I'm trying to think of if I have anything else coming out. And the Lego movies of What Ways Off, right? You did some... Lego movies of Ways Off. I'm doing Lego Ninjago, which honestly might... I've only done maybe, you know, four recording sessions so far,

but it might be my favorite thing I've ever been involved in. These guys surrounding this movie are so clever. And it's one of these things where I'm in these recording sessions. And it's, you know, it's technically, it's a kids movie. But everything I'm saying, I'm like saying it to make my friends of my age laugh. Like, they're going to laugh just as hard as the kids. Yeah. And I don't know how these guys find that balance where it's funny to everyone.

But Lego and Djago, it's going to be the greatest movie. Well, it's from the same team, at least. Not the same, is it the same writers or producers, or Chris and Phil producing it? Yes, but, like, yeah, the same team did the original Lego movie, yeah. Nice, nice. Before I let you go, I've got this weird sketchy and Diana Jones Fedora, some random questions that have been rooted over by major actors like yourself. Okay. Pick out one or two.

There's no dare in there. It's no worry. You're not going to put a bar of soap. Okay. All right. The most interesting person in the world is Woody Harrelson. That's a good answer. Lee Harrelson is maybe, he's my hero.

Yeah, I'll say that out loud. He's one of these guys. He just, he just can do whatever he wants. And he just plays by his own rules. And he's like, I remember when we were filming, now you see me too. And we were in, we were in London. And he would go away for the weekend. And we'd come back on a Monday.

And we would be like, so Woody, how was your weekend? And he'd be like, oh, you know, I was just, uh, you know, just in Ireland. And we, uh, you know, we cut down a. cut down a redwood, or just a, you know, a giant tree and, um, and we fashioned it into a dining room table and I was with Bono, you know? And it's like, and he just comes back, you know, the next weekend. He's, we's partying with, uh, Paul McCartney. And it's just like, he's living his best life. Yeah, he's living in Hawaii. He's just like, he shows me pictures of his house and there's like no walls. Wait, technically is that a house?

I got a good question. Good question. Amazing. Yeah. All right. Let's see this other one. Um, in 20 years, I will be potentially, um, potentially not in the business anymore. What? I don't know. Maybe 40 years. I don't, I don't retiring at 50? Maybe. No, I mean, 40 years from now, I'd be 70. So I'd say, I'd say 40 years from now, I might not be doing any of this. Okay, but wait, but 20, not 20. 20, no, I'll probably still be involved in this, but maybe I won't be. acting very much. I don't know. Like, I can't imagine being, you know, 60, 70 years old and still still fighting for roles and kind of like sitting in my trailer all day and waiting to be called the set. Like, it feels like, though, you to be fair, and like every actor has their ups and downs.

Like, you've been through in some ways the toughest years. Like, you went through kind of like having to surmount the baggage of the name and all of that and then find your way and, and fighting for roles and getting, you know, telling your family not to go see your shitty movie. And hopefully the next 10 years is a little less. I hope that's the case. I hope that's the case. But it is a crazy lifestyle. It's one of these things where I am a pretty private person just about like, you know, my family and my friends and what I do during my downtime.

But like, I get scared of it all. Like I don't necessarily love the fact that like when I go out in public and if there's like a lot of people around, I walk around with my head. head down and it sucks because I'm a very curious person and I love to people watch and and again it's like you know ultimately no one really cares who I am but like I just there's certain places I don't want to go now and I miss having like full anonymity and so and I do like when I'm on the road these days you know it's really amazing that I'm able to go live in a city like London for a few months at a time but I miss my friends and I miss being home like I can, I know I'm lucky to say this, but like, I love my home.

And it's like my favorite place on earth. And like, and I hate to, I'm not complaining about this because I know how lucky I am. But ultimately, like, if I do continue to act, wait on the line, I could see myself maybe on a TV show that films in L.A. and I have more of like a lifestyle that works. Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. I got it. I got it. It's really always a pleasure to catch up with you.

And certainly today had a longer clip. And honestly, congrats again. Nerve is a great movie. Everybody should check it out whether you're old like me or young like Dave or even younger than Dave and I. You really should though.

I can't express enough. This movie it's one of the few times where I can step back after the fact and just like see that these directors they just

they brought something so unique to it and I'm just so happy to be along for the journey like I would have been happy to be an extra in this movie and the fact that I'm like one of the lead roles I couldn't be more proud of this movie please go check it out and that's all I got to say

He wasn't to the man He's not a bullshitter man He speaks the truth Dave, good to see you buddy You too man Thanks Hello hello Hello hello this is Nigeen Farsah

The host of Fake the Nation where we talk about politics, we talk about news, and we have a laugh. We were laughing. Every week, a cast of my funniest smartest and most politically astute friends. People like John Fugel sang, Liz Winstead, Dino Bidala, and others tackle all the major issues, like climate change. America leads the world in people who think climate change is fake, but pro wrestling is real. Guns! I started calling the ANRA, the AK-47%.

Fillebuster? I don't even know her. Okay, that's not a major issue, but it's a really great pun. Guys, fake the nation is all the comedy about politics without any of the politics about politics. Thank the nation. This has been an Earwolf production, executive produced by Scott Ackerman, Adam Sacks, and Chris Bannon. For more information and content, visit Earwolf.com.

The Old West is an iconic period of American history and full of legendary figures whose names still resonate today. Like Jesse James, Billy the Kid, and Butch and Sundance, Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, and Geronimo, Wyatt Earp, Batmasterson, and Bass Reeves, Buffalo Bill Cody, Wild Bill Hickok, the Texas Rangers, and many more. Hear all their stories on The Legends of the Old West podcast. We'll take you to Tombstone, Deadwood, and Dodge City. To the plains, mountains, and deserts for battles between the U.S. Army and Native American warriors, to dark corners for the disaster of the Donner Party, and shining summits for achievements like the Transcontinental Railroad. We'll go back to the earliest days of explorers and mountain men,

and head up through notorious Pinkerton agents and gunmen like Tom Horn. Every episode features narrative writing and cinematic music, and there are hundreds of episodes available to binge. I'm Chris Wimmer. Find Legends of the Old West. wherever you're listening now.