‘Intuition Hit Me’: Ben Stiller Reveals Why He Stopped Doing Lead Roles Until New Film Nutcrackers Was Offered

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As a long-time admirer of Ben Stiller‘s work, witnessing his return to acting after a seven-year hiatus feels like receiving a long-awaited gift from a cherished friend. His decision to only take on projects that truly resonate with him is not only refreshing but also testament to his dedication and passion for his craft.

Ben Stiller has been the lead in numerous successful movies such as Zoolander, Dodgeball, The Royal Tenenbaums, and Night at the Museum. Although he’s been busy with other projects like directing and producing, he’s set to return to acting with the upcoming film Nutcrackers following a seven-year break. During the movie’s debut at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Stiller shared that his absence from major film roles was a conscious choice.

He explained to the audience at the premiere that he had decided a few years back to only take on projects that deeply moved him. As for why Nutcrackers stood out, Stiller said it was because when director David Gordon Green presented him with the idea, the heartwarming holiday-themed comedy struck an emotional chord with him. He recalled immediately opening and reading an email from Green as soon as he received it.

“Suddenly, a strong feeling struck me – this film has something unique. I’m eager to produce this movie, to interact with these children,” he clarified. The script seemed like a project he yearned to be part of, and the chance to collaborate with David was another compelling reason that made his choice straightforward. “It was such an authentic, emotionally resonant environment,” the actor further stated.

The movie additionally features Homer, Ulysses, along with brothers Atlas and Arlo Janson, who were all greeted with a standing ovation at their TIFF debut, joining Stiller and Green, at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall. As per the official summary, this film is inspired by true events and narrates the tale of four siblings discovering warmth and security in the least expected locales as a result of an unforeseen twist of fate.

“This charming blend of comedy and drama takes real-life incidents as its base, skillfully weaving a captivating tale that resonates with all viewers,” the description notes. Stiller was fortunate to collaborate with the four novice actors, who had no prior film experience, yet left an indelible impression on the veteran actor. “I find them absolutely remarkable,” the Star of Zoolander expressed.

They chose to aim their guns at the Janson family’s farm in Ohio, as it seemed the most genuine option for the production. He commented, “It felt authentic! Filming this movie was an extraordinary experience, one unlike anything I’ve encountered before.”

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2024-09-06 18:37