As a longtime fan of Adam Brody‘s work, I found his insights into playing Seth Cohen and his career choices particularly intriguing. It’s fascinating to see how an actor can evolve their understanding and portrayal of a character over time, especially one as iconic as Seth Cohen.
Erin Foster’s latest romantic comedy series “Nobody Wants This,” now available on Netflix, features Kristen Bell and Adam Brody as a newly formed couple, but their relationship is complicated because he is a modern rabbi with deep religious beliefs, while she is not Jewish (often referred to as a non-Jewish woman in this context). This dynamic leads to difficulties in both their personal and professional lives. They explore themes like love, intimacy, friendships, and faith with the casual charm that these popular Millennial actors naturally exude. Notably, they have collaborated on screen before, including in the series “House of Lies” and the 2017 film “CHiPs.” In an interview with EbMaster, Brody discusses his religious beliefs, fostering a connection with Bell onscreen, and dealing with being recognized as the beloved character Seth Cohen from “The O.C.
What about “Nobody Wants This” first spoke to you?
Prior to learning about Kristen’s fascination with me through her writing, I was already aware of it. Kristen is a joy to be around and truly gifted; she boasts an impressive portfolio, which made me feel that if she was involved, the piece would likely be exceptional and I couldn’t wait to read it. Upon reading it, I was impressed by Erin’s skillful work on this endearing script where I could embody a character that felt both familiar in many aspects yet novel due to the addition of the rabbi elements. This role offered the opportunity for growth through research and exploration, making it an interesting mix of familiarity and challenge.
You and Kristen have such a great rapport in the show. What do you think is the secret to finding chemistry with an on-screen love interest?
To put it simply, I must admit I’m unsure; truly, I am. What I can say is that I acknowledge the writing’s merit, as we have collaborated previously, although not in explicitly romantic scenarios. However, in both cases, our past relationships or romantic history were present, and no one ever commented on our chemistry being remarkable. The characters seem to naturally develop a connection, making it believable for viewers to care about their relationship and desire them to be together. She is an excellent actress, and we share strong marriages, which helps us portray these feelings convincingly, though I suspect a self-absorbed individual could also manufacture on-screen chemistry. Therefore, I remain uncertain.
You’ve had so many different roles, ranging from charming men to total psychopaths. In this series, you’re definitely in charm mode. How are you able to find that gear?
It seems that the key to success lies in the writing itself. If the lines provided are witty or intelligent, you’re on the right track. However, if you encounter something that might be off-putting, try to either omit it altogether or deliver it in a subtle manner to soften its impact. By smoothing out any rough edges, you can make the character more appealing. If you manage to elicit laughter, whether from a prepared joke or something unexpected you discover during performance, that greatly enhances the character’s appeal. The character is designed to be charming, but it’s not just about mimicking the label; it’s about dancing gracefully with the dialogues to bring out the charm effectively.
What was your research beyond the script? Did you speak to any hip rabbis?
In my spare time, I attended a Shabbat service at a synagogue and even joined a Shabbat dinner. However, due to strikes that occurred during the production of our project, I found myself with ample free time. This allowed me to immerse myself in various educational materials. I consumed numerous podcasts, books, movies, and documentaries on Jewish topics. It was like going back to school, and it was quite enjoyable and enlightening. My studies covered a wide range of subjects related to Judaism, including Torah studies, Holocaust history, the history of the people, and tracing lineage. Overall, this period was very informative and expanded my understanding of Jewish culture.
On “The O.C.,” you played one of the most notable Jewish characters that Millenials had ever seen on TV, and your new role dives far more into religious discussions. Did these parts make you think about faith and religion in ways you might not have considered before?
While I don’t adhere to any specific religious beliefs, I am deeply interested in learning about history, cultures, tales, mythology, and literature. These topics are captivating, and they all contribute to the human journey. I craft my personal philosophy and purpose in life from these elements. This doesn’t make me a nihilist; instead, I have a unique, romantic perspective on the world. The concept of “leaving things better than you found them” is a human creation. Although one might argue that the universe doesn’t care, this idea is rooted in human thought, and it resonates with me.
Having grown up in a household where religious practices were minimal, I found it refreshing to encounter a character who was deeply spiritual. Unlike Seth Cohen from my favorite show, this individual isn’t just culturally Jewish; they genuinely express faith and engage with their beliefs on a personal level. Their connection to the divine is palpable, something that I haven’t seen portrayed in characters I’ve come across before. It adds depth and complexity to their character, making them all the more intriguing for me as an audience member.
Initially, I found myself drawn to aspects that resonated with me the most: He’s a resident of Los Angeles, he’s attending a social gathering, he’s trendy, he’s not your average rabbi. However, upon reflection, it’s important to acknowledge that he is indeed a rabbi, and this implies an exploration of spirituality that may be unfamiliar or challenging. He is a deeply committed Jew, immersed in the study of the Torah and Talmud for a significant portion of his life, living his life according to these teachings. He constantly contemplates them, not just daily but also hourly, which piqued my interest. I thought, “This role is something I’m not accustomed to; it would be intriguing to learn more about it and expand my skills as an actor.” To be honest, I feel a sense of obligation – I hope that the Jewish community appreciates it. In essence, I aim to make them and us proud with this endeavor.
Looking at your career overall, you’ve done some daring indie films and cool smaller projects. Is there a performance of yours you’d love to get a spotlight on that maybe went under the radar?
I believe “Kid Detective” is an excellent choice in this case. This film holds a special place in my heart. Although I haven’t starred in many movies, it’s not really relevant here. The fact is, I simply adore this movie. I’m a big fan of Evan Morgan, the writer and director, and it resonated with me even more because we worked together on it from start to finish. I take pride in my involvement in its creation.
What is the role that you are recognized most for these days? Has “Scream” or “Shazam!” overtaken Seth Cohen?
I think it will always be Seth Cohen, if I’m being honest.
You’ve had several roles that seem to play off of a persona audiences might think about when they see you, like how “Jennifer’s Body” and “Promising Young Woman” both subvert the Seth Cohen nice guy. Do you think of your career holistically, as in ways past roles might influence the audience’s perception of you?
I think a few projects have done that quite purposely. “Promising Young Woman” is a clear example of casting a bunch of people who are known for their nice guy characters and subverting that. I don’t know how conscious I was in the “Jennifer’s Body” crowd. I had worked with [producer] Jason Reitman before, so I don’t know if I just was nearby and age-appropriate, or it was more of a conscious decision to go, “What if Seth Cohen was a Satan worshipper?” I can see the benefits to that, certainly. But in general, I’d say most times that I’ve played a a scumbag it’s not necessarily purposely casting against type. Maybe that’s me being naive, but I feel versatile. I don’t feel pigeonholed, regardless if I’m most famous for Jewish nice guy characters. I truly do feel satisfied with the breadth of work I get to do.
You’re married to Leighton Meester. If you’re channel surfing in your house and an episode of “Gossip Girl” or “The O.C.” turns on, are you turning it off or watching it for a while?
To put it simply, these days, people don’t usually switch channels like they used to. Just imagine, if by chance I stumbled upon “The O.C.” airing, I’d probably pause for a brief moment to watch it. However, such an occurrence is quite rare nowadays.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
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2024-09-27 01:47