Happy Sad Confused - Maika Monroe

Episode Date: March 9, 2026

You may know Maika Monroe from such chilling films as LONGLEGS and IT FOLLOWS but she's stretching her muscles now with the romantic drama (by way of no less than Colleen Hoover) REMINDERS OF HIM. She joins Josh to talk about it all, from an athletic career to her unlikely rise as a scream queen. SUPPORT THE SHOW BY SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! Rula -- Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at ⁠https://www.rula.com/happy⁠ #rulapod #sponsored NordVPN -- EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/hsc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! Saily -- 🌎 Get an exclusive 15% discount on your first Saily data plans! Use code HSC at checkout. Download Saily app or go to to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://saily.com/hsc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Limited Time Offer–Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code happy15 at ⁠⁠⁠http://huel.com/happy15.⁠⁠⁠ New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show! Check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Happy Sad Confused patreon here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! We've got discount codes to live events, merch, early access, exclusive episodes, video versions of the podcast, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who's the last actor you were mistaken for? I'm like, people think that I'm Gwen Stefani. That's not an actor, but like a young Gwen Stefani, they're always like, you, if there's a no doubt, like, biopic, you have to play her. I'm like, I've loved no doubt growing up. Oh my god. There you go. So, you know, it happens. We know the singing ability is...

Yeah, I'll figure it out. Yeah. Yeah. I'll figure it out. Prepare your ears, humans. Happy, sad, confused begins. Hey guys, it's Josh. Welcome to another edition of Happy, Sad, Confused. Today on the pod, first-time guest, the wonderful Micah Monroe. We're not talking horror today.

No, Micah Monroe contains multitudes. She is talking about her new film, reminders of him, and much, much more. Thanks, as always, for checking out the pod, for subscribing on YouTube or Spotify. However you're enjoying it, I appreciate you guys. I'm so thrilled that Micah is on the pod at Long Last. She's been killing it the last dozen years or so since coming to the floor with the guest and it follows in 2014. And really cool to talk to her about this new kind of change of pace.

Before we get to Micah, though, quick reminder, as always. If you like what I do, want to see more of what I do, Patreon.com slash happy, sad, confused, early access, discount codes, live events here in New York City and sometimes elsewhere. It helps us make more stuff over here if you support us over there. So check it out. Patreon.com slash happy, sad, confused. Okay, so a little bit more on Micah before we dive right in.

You know and love her from, as I said, that kind of that double whammy early in her career really established her. It follows the guest. If you haven't seen those, by the way, what are you doing with your life? They're both fantastic. But since then, mixing it up in the big budget stuff like Independence Day, the smaller stuff like Watcher. And then last year, I think it was just a year ago or so, Long Legs, that amazing film from Osgood Perkins, co-starring the legend that is Nick Cage. She's really been killing it. And now in this film, this is, as I said, kind of a change of pace for her.

This is a Colleen Hoover adaptation. If you don't know, Colleen Hoover, again, where have you been? She is, like, you know, one of the most acclaimed, you know, best-selling authors working today. And all of her books are being adapted into films. And this one really works. Like, you know, in the romantic drama realm, you know, elements of kind of like the old Nicholas Sparks films, et cetera. It will make you cry probably. If it made me cry, it's probably going to make you cry.

And it was really a nice occasion just to catch up with Micah about the entire arc of her career. This is a super fun chat with a very, very talented actor, and I'm thrilled that she's finally a guest unhappy, say I confused. So without any further ado, here it is. It's me and Micah Monroe. Enjoy. Micah Monroe, you're finally on the podcast. I know. I'm so excited. Where have you been? I know where have I been?

We're making it happen. We are. We've had too many like Chris's and Chris. on the pod, finally a Micah. You're the first Micah. See, I love that. I feel honored. What's your, what's your relationship with your name? Growing up, did you like Micah? Well, I actually have a fun story with that. So, um, yes. You've come loaded. Yes, I'm ready to go. Um, my mom was deciding between naming me Micah or Dylan. If it was going to be a girl. She was like, if I have a girl, it's Micah or Dylan.

Yeah. A week before I was born, she had some, like, um, like dream and it was like it's gonna be Dylan so I came out a girl and she named me Dylan D-I-L-L-O-N and around seven years old which I think is like first grade I was just I was like what other names are you gonna name me or you what were you thinking and she said Micah and I was like oh my God I love that name and I also think like at that age there were boy Dillans and like other Dylans and I think Micah felt like very unique so I was like Like, I want to, I'm going to be named Micah. I'm not going to listen.

If you call me Dylan, I won't, I won't pay attention. And I have literally been Micah since then. Self-determining. I went through a very brief phase where I'm like, because I think I was, my middle name is Alex. And I asked about the derivation of that. They're like, oh, it's after like an uncle named Max. I'm like, I want to be Max.

Max. That lasted a day. I wasn't like you. I didn't have the fortit two to be like, no, you have to call me this or I'm leaving this house at 10 years old. That's hilarious. Yes. Yeah. So, congratulations. We talked a couple times over the years, but never like the deep dive.

No. I'm very excited to have you. You're ready? Yes, I'm ready. Like your film, there will be tears. Oh, good, good. I can't wait. No, congratulations on the movie. I was telling you before. It really works. It delivers what it sets out to do. Good. Which is all you can ask. Has the press door been a little bit different than like the long legs press tour slightly?

Oh, yeah. I mean, I've never really done anything quite like this. What's unique about it? It's just, it's like full on, you know, this is a bigger studio film, so there's, you know, a budget to actually do something, which is very cool. And with this, there's such a massive fan base. Colleen's got fans, you know, she's got some fans. So that's been really special. Yeah, you're opening up a whole new world. You had the horror fans on lockdown.

Now this is a whole different world we're stepping into. Did you know, I mean, you knew going in, obviously, you knew the fan base, you'd seen, there were other films that have been made and best-selling books. What has surprised you along the way about the Colleen Hoover fan base? Oh, they're like die-hards. I mean, I don't really know much of like the book world, author world, but she is a celebrity. I mean, you know, we were, I was sitting, we were doing a flight from, I think, Chicago to Kansas, and Colleen and I were sitting next to each other. and this woman's boarding the plane holding a Colleen book, and Colin just points her, this is, oh, I wrote that book,

and the woman looks over and, like, just freaks out. And I was like, oh, my God. Like, Colleen means so much to these people. She tells these very powerful stories that connect with a lot of people. So it's very cool. Did you ever have that growing up? Like, I mean, because my early days of MTV was, like, covering Twilight. Oh, my God.

So I had that, like Stephanie Meyer. I spent a lot of time with her. And like I, so I recognize what you're talking about. It's a different kind of book, obviously. But same. Oh, no, I'm right there with you, Twilight. Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

I mean, Hunger Games and Twilight. I was like just, yes. I spent a lot of time. Okay, so to get the basics, the basics of 20, 2009 questions out of the way. Team Edward or Team Jacob. Oh, Team Edward. Yeah, I'm sorry. I love, I love Taylor.

Actually, he's a great friend. Oh, there you go. And he's a lovely human. But, you know, when I was, like, reading the books and then watching the movie, I was, I was Tim Edward. So you read the books, you anticipated the movies, you went to opening night the whole thing? Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. Like, major fans. And then Hunger Games. Yeah. Hunger Games is amazing, too.

I think they both did pretty incredible adaptations. Did you ever auditioned for, like, a young tribute? Maybe when you were starting out, were they doing the last one or two? It's possible. I actually don't remember. I probably did. Have you gotten to the point in your career where you've forgotten things you've auditioned for, you think?

Definitely. There's definitely a few that stand out that I really wanted, and I was, like, very close to, and those ones, like, stick with me. Should we get that out of the way? Should we talk about it? Yeah, let's go. Let's go deep.

I remember I audition for August Osage County for Abigail Breslin's role and did a bunch of the reads and method director. and I was like, oh, my God. Not cast, oh, my God. But Abigail is incredible, so like, what are you going to do? You know?

What are you going to do, really? Right. Yeah. Did you get in the room with, it was like, Merrill in the room? No, no, God, I think I'd probably, I don't know how I would have done with that. Good old Merrill. Any others jumped them on. Were you going?

I mean, you must have gone up for every kind of movie by now. And, like, nowadays it's mostly self-tape, I would imagine. I know. It's kind of crazy. I can't remember the last time that I went into a room, an audition. It's been a, minute and I miss it. Does you do miss it? Yeah, but it's funny when I had it when we were auditioning the rooms I was like I want to just self-tape and now of course now all I can do is

self-tape I'm like please give me back in the room. Does it get easier? I mean like you're obviously in a great place you have like a great body of work but no complaints but like still for most actors you don't get everything you want absolutely not. So how are you with that now? I've I've just gotten you know you said I'm dead inside Josh. I'm dead inside Josh I have nothing left. I'm just, no, I, I, I've learned ways to protect myself, you know, because it's, it's, I mean, this job is, is brutal. It's brutal.

And you get so many nose before you get one yes. And so you just have to figure out ways to just let go of it because, yeah. So what's a self-preservation technique? Is it about, because you want to go into that room, wanting it, obviously. Of course. But is it just about, like, as soon as you walk out of the room, like ripping up the sides and like... Yeah, yeah, I always throw out the sides immediately. I'm just like, oh, well, never going to have to look at those again.

So I just, I go in, give my everything. And then as soon as I leave that room, I know I did my job, my work. And luck over it, as much as I can, of course, easier set than done. Were you, like, the auditioner that would bring, like, a special costume, a prop? No. Not really. I mean, some... It depends.

I'm trying to think if there was any... like crazy, but not really. No, I'm more just going and do the thing. Yeah, there are some actors that I feel like in the trunk of their car, they have every possible. Oh, yes, which impressive. I'm like, that's impressive and dedication that I love. Who was like, oh, I was just watching Elijah Wood talk about his audition for Lord of the Rings. And he was saying that he dressed up in full Hobbit wear and like edited his audition tape was like a movie. And I was like, that's incredible. And he got it. At least I thought you were going to say he walked into the room with that because the walks back to the car has to be a very sad walk.

That's got to be tough. No, no. Especially in like a hobbit. He was like in, I don't know. Don't look at me. It's for a role. It's for my job. I swear.

I swear, okay. So something like this, which stands out on your resume. Fair to say you haven't done something quite like this before. No. No. So is this a long process? Is this something the kind of thing that you've gone up for before? Or give me a sense of...

Not really. I was very lucky. I think sort of, you know, post the whole long likes thing. A lot sort of changed for me. And this was an offer that was, you know, I sent this script. And it was kind of like, wow, this feels like a big deal. Like, are you sure? You guys don't want to, you know, I don't know.

But yeah, so I was sent the script. I read it. And then pretty quickly met with Vanessa, the director. director and yeah we had a really lovely conversation not just about the movie but just life in general and she's a pretty cool person so that's kind of how it how it began is that as important to you nowadays like to vibe like the people you're going to be working with us the material yeah oh yeah I mean I've done a lot of movies at this point and I've had incredible experiences and really bad experiences. And it's really at the end of the day, the people that you're working with. I want to

continue to love my job. And it has a lot to do with the people that you surround yourself with. So I think it's very important. We'll be right back with more Happy Said Confused. All right, I want to talk to you guys today about Saley. This is the worldwide ESIM service created by the makers of NordVPN. Look, if you know anything about my life, and you probably do, if you listen or watch the podcast, I am always on road and something like Saly is honestly truly invaluable. Anybody who travels needs this in their life. Saly keeps travelers connected and it lets you avoid roaming fees. We've all been burned there. I know I have. Plus, it's got a built-in VPN, data monitoring that allows you to track your data usage and so much more. Plus, it is hugely helpful here in the United States. So many local plans

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Family, retribution, murder, prophecy, beer and propane. Why we do it? Blake Panthers. The ultimate soldier. The best of the best stories now with even more from Hulu. Amazing. Have it all with 3-1 Disney Plus. Talk to me a little bit about the challenges of something like this.

You've talked a lot about long legs and the intensity of horror and thrillers, which take a lot out of you. Every job takes it out of you in a different way. So what were the surprising or not? so surprising aspects of this that challenged you in a unique way, you think? Well, it was, I mean, it's a very complicated emotional character, a lot of scenes that you really got to go there. And that's really challenging and also, like, you know,

tapping into personal things. And, you know, when you're filming a movie, you're not just doing it once. you're doing it 12 times and you've got to stay, kind of live in that space. And so that, you know, it was a lot of really intense days on this. So your cast, you're an offer. Is Tyreek attached when you're? No, no, we did. So is there like chemistry reads?

Yeah, we did. So you're the one in the power position. You're like, let's see if this guy works for me. So do you have like a say in that? Like he comes in the room and he leaves and you can be like, yeah, that guy, he might have it? Yeah, it always felt, which I really appreciate very, collaborative with Universal, the producers, director, Colleen, you know, which you don't always get, but I really felt like a part of the group. But it was, Tyreek came in and we did this chemistry

read and it was just, you know, he left the Zoom and we're just all like, okay, well, that's our, that's our guy. I mean, it was very immediate that I think we all felt very strongly about him. Is this kind of movie, I mean, you know, you, you know, back in the day, you think of like the Nicholas Sparks books, et cetera, and those movies that were so great. Yeah. Did you grow up with those movies, too? Oh, yeah. What were the ones for you in Spain? Oh, my gosh.

I mean, obviously the notebook was just major, but, like, you know, the, I remember seeing the last song, is it? The Miley Cyrus. One with Hemsworth, yeah. One of those six timesworth guys. Oh, yes. Dear John, like, I mean, growing up, those movies were like, you know, they were everything to me. This is what romance is, guys. This is romance.

What is the most romantic film of all time, according to Michael Munro? Oh, my goodness. I mean, I know it's good. The notebook is just, or like Titanic maybe. In that, it's just so, like, passionate and extreme and, and, and, and, and, it's just, you. And, yeah, I just, I mean, those left such an impact on me. Are you a crier generally? Yeah.

Yeah. I've cried a Titanic. Yeah. Yeah, no, yeah. No, I usually, I can't say that I'm crying Titanic. I haven't watched it in a minute. Yeah, I'm like, I don't know about that. I don't know about that. Jack had it coming as far as I'm concerned.

Come on. Come on now. No, I am a crier. Yeah, there's some movies that really get me. Do you have any, can you have an emotional? response to your own work at all or is it you've seen how the sausage is made too much to yeah anything i mean i just i don't love watching myself i think most actors don't so i you know there's a distance between yeah that do you find yourself on when you're on set like this it's like

what would rachel mcadams do what would amanda cipher do in this situation in this moment yeah it does kind of yeah yeah i mean they're like i think so iconic in this, you know, genre of movie. How can you not be like, hmm, wonder. How is Calgary as a shooting location? I love Calgary. It's gorgeous in this film, it works. Oh my gosh, it's beautiful.

I mean, it's like a character in itself. I loved it. I really loved being there. Have you ever taken a job based on the location at shooting in? I've passed on a job based on location. I don't need to go to Budapest again. Yeah, I'm good. Is it that kind of a thing?

Yes, yes, exactly. Exactly. What's the worst location you've ever saw him? I mean, it's really just for me, as I get older, being far from home. Like, I just always miss home. Romania was tough. Yeah. Which one was that for?

Watcher. Oh, right. But what made it tough. Probably help for the character, too. I know that experience. It was great. But, you know, it was the first movie, you know, it was like, post-COVID when like we're just starting to figure things out there were so many

rules in Romania was like they were so strict on so many things so that also aided to like you know just feeling so alone but it was great so you're looking for a nice LA-based I am LA or white lotus those are two extremes like some kind of like white lotus does seem like there are many reasons why that's the dream job for actors now but among them is like a resort for six months no I mean I'm like that sounds sign me Oh, sounds incredible. Are you kidding me? Have you sent in the self-tape for that? Yeah, of course. Have I?

Come on. Like, please, guys. Come on, Mike White. Yeah, come on. I know I'm watching him on Survivor right now. Are you Survivor fans? I love Survivor. But I haven't watched the latest episode, so.

Okay, don't worry. Yeah, you're like, I have no clue what's happening. I don't. I watched it in the early years, and it's like one that I would go back to. By the way, speaking of reality, I'm all over the place. But I was watching one of the few reality shows I do watch sometimes. with my wife is Southern Charm and your show was, your film was

promoted as part of it. Like they were doing, like, they had the cast talking about your film. One of those like integrated marketing kind of things. That's incredible. You made it. Wow, I've made it. They didn't do that for long legs.

No, they did it. No, they did not. Absolutely not. You're totally right. So you're a survivor fan, any other, what are your TV predilections? What's your, I mean, I've found with, I mean, this job and especially,

because a lot of the roles that I do are like very intense and pretty dark, that reality TV and mindless that like it's really helpful for me to sort of just like get, get out to like, you know, Love Island, I love Love Island, Survivor, Traders, you know, it's just, yeah, mm-hmm. Do you contemplate how you would fare in any of these? Yes, of course, I think about it constantly. And which would you, which would you do well? And do you have what it takes for traders for Survivor?

I think so. all the above. You're like... I think I could do well. I think Survivor would be hard because it's like, you have to eat bugs. Sure.

There's that. And I don't think I'd do well with that. But besides that, I think I'd be very good. I feel I'm very confident about it. Wow. The one thing I'm super confident about. Not much else, but that I'm certain of. This can happen.

This is stranger things have been manifested on this podcast before. Survivor 51. Yeah, here we go. Well, that segues well into your background. So because you have it. So growing up, athletic background. Yes. Right?

Yes. So were you leading like kind of two different lives as a kid? Were you into the arts and into athletics? Or did you kind of diverge at one point or what? Yeah. I mean, it was actually sort of both at the same time. My dad started kiteboarding when I was about 11. And then, do you know what carporting is?

Well, that you know I don't. Okay, you're like, I have no clue. Let me size you up. You don't know what kiteboarding is. I was like, hmm, I needed that. I was going to ask, yeah, educate me based on. on, you know, like surfing, point break world. What's kiteboarding the next level?

What do we got? It's like surfing. You do it in the ocean. But like, have you seen wakeboarding before? Yeah. Okay. Don't test me. Is there going to be a test at the end of my podcast?

There will be. So, hmm. But it's like, I'll just say surfing in the ocean and it's like you have a kite that. I can't take this to stop the podcast. We're going to have to Google a photo maybe for you to see this. So this. You're like, what do I do with this? And you can make me the world.

Like you can make a living as like a professional kiteboarder. Yeah, not a good living, I don't think. But like, yeah, you get sponsorships. Red Bull is very involved in the kiteboarding world because it's an extreme sport. Right. So yeah, I started. My dad finally started teaching me when I was 13. And I just fell in love with it.

We would take trips on my summer vacations. and I just started getting pretty good at it. And not many girls were doing it at the time. It was a male-dominated sport. I mean, I was like one of the only girls out there doing it, which I loved. And then at the same time, I sort of fell into acting and got an agent manager and started auditioning. I mean, it was like at 13.

It was almost like parallel. And then I was auditioning a bunch. and just was like, no, nose, nose, no, no, super close, you're gonna get this, no, no, no. And it was just becoming, I just wanted it so bad. And it felt very out of my control, where kiteboarding, you know, it's a sport, you train,

and I was in control of that. So, yeah. So you were competitive, for you say. I started, yes, yes, I started competing, yeah. And is that competitive, competitive spirit still in you, posts? A lot of career? Yes. And how does that manifest, do you think?

Yeah, I mean, I just, I'm a very, yeah, competitive in a lot of things. Like in Catan, but I play Catan. Oh, my goodness. And then, you know, in auditioning in this job, like I like to think that it helps me, you know. I think it's good to have this like drive and stuff, but also can, you know, I think it's a double. What's the most, like, you've ever, like, fist pumped, like, after, like, getting a part, like a phone call and email that, like, you did a little victory lap. Oh, I mean, man, there's so many, but I remember for a honeyboy, the, which ended up, like, being such a small part in it. But I remember that it was, you know, initially, like, you know, she's not right for this.

she's not right for this, she's not, and then like I sent in a tape and, and, um, made it sweeter that they kept saying. Yes, exactly. Yeah. Well, then see this. And I was, at that, I was like, oh, my God. Like, I knew it was very competitive role. And, and that was like, it just like, I was, yeah, was very proud of myself from that one.

So, early, so backtracking. So early on the early auditions, like, what kind of stuff are you going up for in the early days? Oh, my. I mean, back at 13, 14. It was almost all Disney Channel, C.W., Nickelodeon, and now looking back, I'm like, No, could you imagine. Thank goodness. But I just, I would have never fit in that space, I don't think.

Like, you know, the first job that I ever got was this student film, this short film about this, you know, young girl that was like being abused and like contemplating committing suicide. Like it was like, that was what I booked. Like, that's insane at 13. Like that's what I was like... They sense the inner intensity within you. Yeah, like where that came from? Not sure. That amazing childhood.

So I'm like, I don't know. But that's just what I gravitated. I don't think I ever fit in that other world, really. So kiteboarding, as I understand it, ends, tied a bit to an injury early on too? Yeah, yeah, yeah. At 18, I mean, yeah, pretty much moved away. I was like done with acting. And then I actually booked a movie.

So I moved back from the Dominican Republic to go film this movie. Then I went back to compete, had an injury. And then I was like, you can't do a sport if you're not giving your, you know, everything too. So I was like, okay. And is this the Ramin Barani movie? He's a great filmmaker. Yeah, I just worked with him again. You just re-teamed.

I know. I know he's tight with my spirit animal Michael Shannon. Oh, of course. He's in the movie too, right? What a, what a man. Oh my gosh. I'm obsessed. As you should be.

Yes, I don't think he, yeah, he's just very. He's always like, mm-hmm. And I'm like, I love you. He's like, okay. I love him so much. No, he's magical. So, I mean, again, so much of it is out of your control and it's luck. But like the fact that your first meaningful acting experiences with like a really solid filmmaker, like Rameen, what do you remember?

I mean, you got some movie stars in there. You got Zach Efron. You got Dennis Quaid. Oh, yeah. I mean, in high school, I had, you know, high school musical posters. Come on. I mean, it was insane. Did you play it cool?

Of course I did. You kidding me? I was honestly impressed. with myself. I'd like, you know, we'd meet, we'd like, you know, do some rehearsals and I'd go up to my hotel room and call my mom and be like, oh my God, I can't even believe it. Then I'd come back out and be like, yeah, so. Interesting. No, I haven't seen your work. Yeah, I know. I don't. Oh, interesting. It's cool. How does that set the template, though, in terms of like an experience? Because it presumably a good experience working with a room. It was one of the best experiences.

I mean, I think because I was coming from the kiteboarding world, I was living in this tiny, beautiful little town called Cabarette in Dominican Republic. A very, you know, it's a poor country. And, you know, my life there was very specific. And I was just quite literally plucked from this place, flown. to this movie set with these, you know, massive stars and, you know, the producers had like these private jets that they would fly us on. And it was like, there couldn't have been a bigger culture shock. And if it wasn't for Rameen, there was a lot that was scary to me that didn't

feel good. And he made it one of the most special. I was like, I mean, that was my introduction to what acting meant. What a, was. what a movie set felt like. And a lot of the outside noise is crazy. And I think I would have maybe been like, hmm, I don't know, but because of him, I think I'm right here. Amazing.

So that must be a nice full circle moment just to come off of this. Oh my God. It was just, I mean, he's one of a kind. He's one of those people that you're just like, wow. Yeah. Just curiously, because you've shot the new one, right? Yes.

So. Yeah, we just, I mean, I finished that like a week and a half. weeks ago. So what can you say about that? I'm just curious. Oh, I mean, it's, I think it's going to be pretty incredible. I mean, we shot for six weeks in Las Vegas for there the entire time. Wow.

That's like five and a half weeks too long in Las Vegas. Oh, yes. No, precisely. Yeah, no, I was losing my mind a bit. What does time mean here? No, it's absolutely insane. There's too much smoke in my system. Oh, yes.

No, no, it was probably one of the same. of the most insane experiences, but maybe one of the most fulfilling. It was, I mean, the cast was insane. I mean, like, Paul Danos, like, I have been obsessed with him. I think he's one of the most incredible actors, and I'm just, like, working out. I mean, it's just like, oh, my God. But I think it's going to be very special. Awesome, awesome.

We'll talk about that one down the road. Yes, yes, we will. We'll be right back with more HappySag Confused. Hi, this is Rob Benedict. And I am Richard Spate. We were both on a little show you might know called Supernatural. It had a pretty good run, 15 seasons, 327 episodes. And though we have seen, of course, every episode many times,

we figured, hey, now that we're wrapped, let's watch it all again. And we can't do that alone. So we're inviting the cast and crew that made the show along for the ride. We've got writers, producers, composers, directors, and we'll, of course, have some actors on as well, including some certain guys that played some... certain pretty iconic brothers. It was kind of a little bit of a left field choice in the best way possible.

The note from Kripke was, he's great, we love him, but we're looking for like a really intelligent Dukovny type. With 15 seasons to explore, it's going to be the road trip of several lifetimes. So please join us and subscribe to Supernatural then and now. Oh, please, not that music. That music gives me nightmares from my childhood. Could we get something a little bit lighter? Some lighter music here.

Are you a fan of true crime TV shows? And what about Unsolved Mysteries? The show that jumped started all of our love of true crime. I'm Ellen Marsh. And I'm Joey Taranto. And we host I Think Not, a true crime comedy podcast covering some of the wildest stories from your favorite true crime can't be TV shows all the way to Unsolved Mysteries. Baby, you will laugh, you will cry.

You'll think about true crime in a whole new way. And you'll also ask yourself, who gave these people mics? New episodes of I Think Not are released. every Wednesday with bonus episodes out every Thursday on Patreon. And every Monday you can listen to our True Crime Rundown, where we go over the top true crime headlines of the week. So come and join us wherever you listen to your podcast. So then jumping ahead a little bit, you have this insane one-two punch that comes a couple

years later, obviously. So it follows and the guest. So when it follows happens, and that's, I mean, that's still arguably, one of the most defining parts of your career. Absolutely. As it should be, it's an amazing film. So that's like, for context, that's a $1 million movie. That's David's second film, I believe, at the time.

So correct me if I'm wrong, you don't know what that is when you're shooting it. Like you don't know what, it could come and go and it's going to be nothing. No idea. No, I had to like, you know, pay my rent and feed myself. So me taking that job was, I mean, I remember reading that script being like, what is this? about what is what is happening and I had no idea the only thing I remember I don't normally look at the monitor I don't watch playback but there was a specific camera movement the scene where I'm tied to the wheelchair that David wanted me to

watch to understand like so I watched playback of that and I was like hmm this looks pretty cool. Like this looks really, I mean, there was, yeah. And so I was like, hmm, maybe. But, but no, you have no idea. Do you remember the first time you saw it with an audience? Is that when it kicks in? You're like, oh, shit.

I made a really good movie. Yes. Well, it went to Cannes, which was pretty insane because horror doesn't. Yeah, the $1 million horror movie doesn't necessarily get a spotting. Yeah. Yeah, no, it doesn't normally go. So hearing that it got in felt very special. And that was the first time at the theater there with the audience.

But I was just, I was just, I was like sweating. I'm like, oh, my God. You probably were walking in the theater like just so nervous. And then walking out of it, like, what just happened? 100%. Yeah, it was pretty crazy. And then, you know, 12 years later we're still talking about it. Yes, we are.

Is it like, if not a daily occurrence, like very much part of your life, that people still want to talk to you about it? Absolutely, yeah, it is. What's the most typical? Is it just sort of like amazing, when's the sequel? Like is that? Yes, a lot of that, a lot of that, but a lot of people, you know, that really like love film

or went to film school, they're like, we studied that movie, like this and that. And I mean, it's just, it's pretty cool to be a part of something that I feel like was very defining for the horror genre. Like that era of film with Babaduke, The Witch, it follows, those three were all sort of, you know, in the festival circuit, and it just felt like this Renaissance, you're part of this thing. Yeah.

It was pretty cool. Yeah, there are probably a few tattoos out there. I'm sure they're out of a car. So you shoot that before the guest? It's back-to-back that and the guests. My audition, which I just found, my audition tape for It Follows, I had my platinum blonde hair because I was on, I was filming the guest. The guest first, all right. And my mom self-tape was doing my self-tape in the hotel room, in Moriarty, this tiny little town.

And that was my, yeah, I just came across it. How was the audition? Obviously, pretty good. I don't know. It's the scene. Like when you watched it, you were like, did you remember it? Or was it like an out-of-body experience of watching it back? No, I mean, watching it.

Yeah, I remember because my hair is like this crazy. And my hair in the guest is like this crazy, like wavy blonde hair. So I had that hair. But it was just, I don't know, it was very surreal, yeah, seeing like this, you know, young, naive version of myself. She didn't know what was coming. She didn't know. She did not.

She certainly did not. But, yeah, it made me feel all types of things watching that. It was pretty cool. Well, this is prep for the sequel. When you came in here, I was like every fan. And immediately was like, oh, are you doing the sequence? What's happening? What's happening? What's happening? What's happening? What's happening? What's happening? What's happening? We're doing it.

Next. That's the next gig. Yeah, that's the next job. You said before I've heard you talk about it. The script's pretty great. It's very, it's very dark and oh my God. On the fucked up scale, what do we got one to ten? It's pretty, I mean, what would you put the first one at? That's an eight or nine. You think?

Yeah. I mean, it's so hard for me because I don't, it's like not scared. Of course it's not scared to me. So it seems like, you know, then this would probably be like a 15, 16, you know, like we're pushing the boundaries on this one for sure. But I think it's going to, even reading the script, you get the same sense of like the nostalgia, the like slow camera movements, everything. I think it, I don't know, I think it might be good. But we'll have to see. What's the prep for it for you? Like, what's the... I don't know.

I actually was just thinking about that recently. I'm like, should I watch the old? Like, it's so odd to be bringing back this character. Have you ever re-frized a character before? Never. That's the first time. Yeah, yeah. So it'll be interesting.

So I actually don't really know yet. But I'll get back to you. Okay. I'll get back to you on that one. So, okay. Many, many films have come in the last decade-plus. I mean, you do the big budget thing. You do the Independence Day resurgence thing.

Yes. In fact, one of the few times I've run into it. you, you probably don't remember this, was at Jeff Goldblum's jazz show. Oh my God, the good old days. Oh my goodness. Is there a better place to be than in Jeff Goldman's jazz show? No, that was incredible. Gosh, oh, wow. I've gone like four times to it. Yes, no, it's, whenever he plays, I go. It's the best. It's such a special, highly recommend any one you go. I always say it's like being inside Jeff Golden's like brain, basically. Precisely. And it's a gift. Is that one of like, look, Independence Day is

independent stay. It is what it is. but is that one of the, like, if you had to, like, quantify of what the good that came out of that one, what are the good things that came out of that experience? Oh, I mean, the cast of that. I mean, Jeff is, like, an absolute icon, obviously, Bill Pullman, Roland, the director. I love, like, it was a really amazing group of people, and we had so much fun on that. Like, it was so much fun. Yeah.

And I, you know, like I said, I want to keep enjoying this job. And like those things, yeah, it was, yeah. And at that time, man, it was like surreal. Must have been heady to. Oh, my God. Like everybody's grown up with the original. Oh, yeah. It was like, this is nuts.

Yeah. So, I mean, looking at the films you've done in the last like eight, nine years, there's this crazy run. Like, you've worked with every, like, hot young actor. I don't know. It's kind of crazy. Like, you, Micah is the secret. like hot young actor with her. It seems like it. Yeah.

Shalome, Sebastian Stan. Yeah. Jeremy Allen White, Bill Scarsguard. Yep. Like, you're one Austin Butler from like completing the set. Like basically. Yeah. No, it's crazy. I don't have a question. No, I know. It's just, that's it. It's kind of insane. Have you noted that before? Like, I, I mean, I get, but not like, really. I mean, when you just were reading those names, I'm like, holy shit. That's, that's pretty crazy. So this Timmy shallame guy, he's doing, he's doing all right for him. He's, you know, I would say going okay for him. What was your impression of him working? I mean, this is prior, I mean, he hadn't done call me by your name, obviously.

No, no. Or he was like, just filmed that or was just going to film that. I mean, I had the part first, and I did chemistry reads with, you know, four different guys. And he was one of the kids that came in. I mean, and physically, you know, he was this tiny little skinny, kid and I was like he walked in the room and I was like I just like you know I don't know how we fit like romantically I don't know if it like you know he's just the physicality just quite literally physically and he just absolutely like blew it out of the water like it was he left

the room and we're all just like what just happened Yeah. But I think he was always just destined for this. I think he was made for this job and this career for sure. What I'm taking away from that is you're taking credit for his career. Precisely. He walked in and no one wanted him. And no one wanted him, but it was all me. So you've certainly done a bunch of, you know, you mentioned Watcher. You've done a bunch of like thriller, horror things. And like you've been. called like this, you know, in this crop of scream queens, et cetera. What's your relationship to that now? Because like that's a double-edged sword, obviously.

It's amazing. For sure. You can probably get offers till now till the end of time. Till I pass, probably. Which is great. But that's one of the exciting things I think of this new film. Obviously, this expands the repertoire a bit. But like, I don't know, have you kind of like wrestled with that a little bit in terms of

how much to lean into that and how much to try to resist it? Yeah. I mean, it's complicated. because I love the horror genre. I think there's so many incredible films within that space and so many cool filmmakers and the movies that I'm so proud of, not only the film as a whole, but my performance in. So I love it.

I'm honored by it. What is like a filmmaker-friendly genre, right? It's like, especially for like younger filmmakers, it's like a place where you can kind of like show off. Exactly. You can, you can, there's so much freedom within it, which I think is pretty cool. And like, honestly, some of the most interesting roles I find within the genre. But yeah, of course, it's a double-edged sword. Yeah.

Of course. Okay, let's talk a little long legs. Yes. That was instantly iconic. I know. I know. I was insane. Totally insane.

So is Nick Cage on board when you sign on? Yes. Oh, yes. So you know you're going to get the full cage. Yep. Sure do. Because he's incapable of not giving the full cage. No, no, no, no.

No. Yeah. For those that don't know the famous story, you never saw him as long legs until you walk on set. That was Osgood's idea. Yes. How's the relationship with Nick Cage now? Is it like one of those things where it's like you said goodbye like on set to long legs and like that's the last you saw in the cage essentially? No, no.

We. I love that. And it was that until we did press for the movie. And then, of course. But that was, when we did press was the first time I saw him in person outside of the long likes, get up, if you will, yes. So, but that's one you take a lot of pride in. It's a great piece of work, just acting.

The whole atmosphere of that film is just so palpable. The dread, I feel it just even talking about it right now. But that was another one, actually. that I really had to fight for that role. Really? Yeah. Again, Oz had different ideas and he was like, I don't think she's right for this. And so I sent in a tape without them even asking.

And I was like, watch this. And then you can tell me if you don't think I'm right for it. And I got it. And that one, I was like, yes. Because that's also, I mean, I know in the press story, probably talked a lot about this. It's in the lineage of like the silence of the lab. No, for sure.

You can't not think of Corey Star. 100%. That was very much on your mind. Yeah, yeah. I mean, that's one of my favorite films. I mean, it was one of the, you know, I've been, again, doing this a decent amount of time. And being on that set and, like, wearing the FBI, I was like giddy. I was like, oh, my God, this is insane.

Yeah, I'm like, I'm doing one of those. I'm on a crime scene right now. Like, this is crazy. And it must have been, again, you talked a lot about, like, the actual filming of, like, that infamous scene between you and Nick. But then, like, watching, I mean, the finished product, that's, like, an all-timers. scene. That was as it was insane. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Do you take pride in that scene in particular of like, you're, you're toe to toe with one of, like, the all-time greats doing, doing, he's doing a thing. He's doing it. That he is. Yes, definitely. Yeah, no, I'm, I'm really proud. And, like,

that was one of those, you know, pinch me moments. And I'm just like, oh my God, what is happening? Like, yeah, very special, special moment on set, for sure. He doesn't have, like, a version of, like, the cruise cake thing where it's like the. like something he sends every, you don't know about Cruz cake? What's, what's a cruise cake? This is like my personal. Like, what? It's okay. This is my personal passion. Tom Cruise famously sends out a cake to like friends, family, colleagues every holiday season. Yes. This is a self-serving story now because I can't wait to hear.

I get the cruised cake. I know. It was a lifelong ambition. What? I know. I got it this past holiday season. I am officially retired. It's over. I mean, yeah, for sure. If you were getting the cruise cake. It was the best day of my life. I'm not even going to exaggerate. Wow. Yeah. To the point where I got the cake and I called the bakery to confirm it was actually from Tom Cruz because I've been talking about it so much, I'm like someone is fucking with me.

This is not real. Anyway, that's my story. But there's no cage equivalent is what I'm saying. You don't get a holiday card. No, nothing. I get no cage cake. Hopefully there's not one and you're just not on the list. Yeah, I know.

Oh, man, that would be a bummer. Well, that's that. Okay. So we've expanded a repertoire with this. film, what are you looking for? What do we need to manifest? Like, is there, when you're talking to team Micah, what do you say? Find me this. I mean, rom-com is for sure, for sure up there. Yeah, I think there's a lack of great, great rom-coms in the past, you know, decade or so. And I feel like we need to revamp that. So I'd love to do that. I don't know, keep working with

interesting people. Keep, yeah, I don't know, I've gone through different phases in my career and now it's really just about the people, I think, people that I, you know, respect and look up to and I try and, you know, watch short films and the next generation of filmmakers and find, yeah, find people that I won't work with. It is an interesting time. It's like if, like, the conversations I was having five or six years ago with, like, books like you, it was about like getting into the superhero franchise.

Yeah. And that's still an aspect. Yeah, of course. If the right thing happens, right? No, yeah, for sure. But it doesn't feel like that's the only way to go in town right now. I don't think so. Right?

Yeah, I don't think so. Follow the filmmaker, follow the talent. And that's what's going to serve you. I hope so. Are you a musical person? Have you auditioned for musicals? I unfortunately don't have a great voice. There's auto tune.

They can. They can. You know, I actually really was always like, I just want to be a pop star. So, you know, I'd love to. Why not? Who's like, do you have a filmmaker list? Do you have like a top five?

I mean, like dream, dream, dream, dream as, you know, Yorgos. I've loved Yorgos from the beginning. I think Dogtooth is one of my favorite movies of all time. I think he's, he makes you feel something very visceral. Not usually the best feeling, but. Yeah, he's so incredibly unique. You always know when you're watching a Yorgos film. I thought Bologna was one of like the best movies of last year.

I was obsessed. Loved it so much. I think Emma was incredible. Jesse Pleggle. Oh, my. Oh, it just, it's like insane. Yeah. That movie.

Love that. I could see you fitting into that world. I'd love to. Yeah, let's make it happen. Okay, so coming up, they followed the summer. Yes. Finally Happening. Vegas A Love Story, the Rumi and Barani.

I mean, this seems perfect for you. Shot something called Victorian Psycho. Yes. On brand. This is perfect. Very on brand. Very on brand. Yeah.

I'm very excited for that one. Okay. Does the title basically tell the, is that the log line essentially? But that easily was, it was a movie that I was very scared to do. I almost turned it down because I thought, I didn't know if I could pull it off. In what way? What's the? It is a very challenge.

challenging role. Very challenging. Physically, mentally? All of the above. Yeah. Okay. Have you seen the finished product? Have you seen what you did? No, no. I think soon though. I just saw like some clips the other day and I was like, oh my God.

Oh my God. Yeah. Okay. I'll see. Okay. We end happy, say, I can't fuse with a profoundly random questions. Yes. You ready?

I'm ready. Okay. Dogs or cats? Dogs. You're a dog person, right? Oh, yes, dog person. Do you have a dog? Do you have a dog named Thelma? A little, like, miniature Aussie gal, and she's incredible.

She's pretty much perfect. Pretty much the best there is. Pretty much the best there is. Next to my Lucy, I would say, second place. Yes, sure, fine, but, yep, she's the best. You know, I've started to do, maybe we'll get you on next season, a celebrity dog show, celebrities and their dogs. It's called Who's a Good Guest. That's brilliant.

Please bring me on to that. Oh, Thelma will love it too. She is a star. Really? Oh, yes. Yes. She loves it. Does she have an Instagram account?

She does not. But she should. I'll tell her about that. Yeah, yeah. What do you collect? Nothing, really. Actually, no. I haven't done it recently,

but I went through this phase of taking like glass water bottles from every country that I travel to because normally there would be like little. So I have a bunch of them. I haven't done it in a while, but maybe I should pick that up again. Nice. Mm-hmm. Do you have a favorite video game of all time? I don't play video games.

That's okay. It's too cool for that. Yeah, I don't. I wish I did honestly, because I think I would love it, but never got it to do it. Competitive streak, yeah. Yes, indeed. The Dakota Johnson Memorial question, she asked me this. I ask everybody, would you rather have a mouthful of bees or one B in your butt?

One B in my butt. Yeah, that's, medically that is the world-wise choice, I think. It's the way to go. Yep. I think we just get that. Yep. What's the wallpaper on your phone? Picture of my boyfriend and I.

It's very cute. In Paris. I'm Paris. Who's the last actor you were mistaken for? I'm like, people think that I'm Gwen Stefani. It's not an actor, but like a young Gwen Stefani, they're always like, you, if there's a no doubt, like, biopic, you have to play her. I'm like, I've loved no doubt growing up. Oh, my God.

There you go. So, you know. We know the singing ability is. Yeah, I'll figure it out. Yeah. I'll figure it out. It's the worst noted director has ever given you. Oh, God.

How much time do you have? Yeah, man. I don't know. Like, if they're just like, just do this one like louder or faster. I don't know. But I usually doesn't really like, I don't know. Yeah. You're pretty malleable.

It doesn't bother you too much or? Yeah. I don't know. You're saying yeah, but your body's saying that. I'm like, am I? Am I really, though? Okay. I don't know.

I try and. Keep an open mind. Because sometimes a note that feels odd, maybe there's something to it. Okay. I don't know. Okay. And in the spirit of happy,

who's an actor who always makes you happy? Mm. You see them on screen your Amelia in a better mood. Mm. Olivia Coleman? Yeah. Because I just watched what... Which one?

I just rewatched Fleaback. Yes. Oh, my God. Yeah. I'm just, she's incredible. Yeah. I just love her. And I feel like I just want, like,

like a hug from her or something, you know. And Olivia, in a Yorgo's movie, she's, like, she's sassy, broad in the best possible way. I love it. Love it. A movie that makes you sad? A movie that makes me sad? Oh, one that I will just sob at is, do you ever see, it's, like, called Broken Circle Breakdown? I know the movie.

I have actually never seen it. Okay. Should watch it. Okay. Put it on your list, and that will get you. Yeah? Yeah, that will get you. But it's actually very incredible film.

Okay. And a food that makes you confused. You don't get it. Why do people eat that? I mean, I know everyone's going to disagree with this, but pickles. Just don't get them. I think they're gross. They're salty, the jar, and there's the juice, and people like drinking the juice.

That's insane. That's just madness. It's just madness. I totally agree, but there's people that like it. It's not for me. And I just don't get it. They're like slimy, gross. I just, yeah.

I certainly don't like it when, like, the pickle, affects something else, because that juice will destroy the whole. A whole thing, absolutely. I can take a pickle on its own, though, but clearly we agree to disagree. We're okay. Yeah, that's okay. That's okay. That's okay.

That's okay. We have. We've gone, we've gone through it. Gone through the whole thing. Yeah, we have. But the good news is, the film's great. Thank you. Congratulations.

Reminders of him. It's in theaters by time they listen to this. I think it's out or it's about to be out. Just check it out, guys. Just check it out. Yeah. Support Micah. Yeah, come on.

Thanks for finally doing the pod. Thank you for having me. This was a blast. It was. Thank you so much. And so ends another edition of happy, sad, confused. Remember to review, rate, and subscribe to this show on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm a big podcast person.

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