Adam Brody and Kristen Bell went from friends to (fictional) lovers in ‘Nobody Wants This’

As a seasoned cinephile who has seen more rom-coms than I care to remember, it’s rare for one to truly stand out and capture my heart like “Colin from Accounts” did. Hailing from Down Under, this delightful series is not just a romantic comedy, but a testament to the wit, charm, and undeniable chemistry of its stars, Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer – who also happen to be real-life husband and wife.

Kristen Bell and Adam Brody are casually seated in a spacious dining nook at a restaurant, almost engulfed by a sea of plush, large cushions, mulling over the concept for a possible podcast they might jointly host.

Bell asks, tilting her head slightly and gazing intently at her friend and fellow actor, “What’s the topic of our conversation?

Then it clicks.

“We talk about TV shows and movies,” they both say nearly in unison.

“But we disagree a lot,” Bell says.

“We do,” Brody chimes in. “In general, I don’t like stuff and she likes stuff.”

She affirms, “Indeed, it could be described as such: ‘Adam dislikes it, but Kristen enjoys it,'” she states. However, I value Adam enough and am aware of his intellectual capabilities that I often ask, “Why? What’s your reasoning behind this?” Only to discover a different perspective from him that I hadn’t considered before.

“What else do we talk about?” Bell continues.

He considers the question for a moment: “I was gonna say parenting, sharing things we do with our kids. Like, ‘This is a good book for your kids …’”

It appears that co-hosting a podcast is not part of their upcoming plans, but it could serve as an effective marketing strategy for their upcoming series. After becoming household names in the early 2000s on teen dramas such as “The O.C.” (for Brody) and “Veronica Mars” (for Bell), they are now stirring up nostalgia among millennials by collaborating on the romantic comedy titled “Nobody Wants This“. This film revolves around an unusual romance that blossoms between a frank lifestyle podcast host and a rabbi.

In the current Netflix series, Bell plays Joanne – a woman who frequently discusses her solo lifestyle on her podcast co-hosted with her sister Morgan (portrayed by Justine Lupe). Simultaneously, Noah, played by Brody, is a forward-thinking rabbi fresh from a breakup. On L.A.’s east side, their unique yet passionate relationship unfolds as they face challenges related to careers, family, and faith. These hurdles test the bond between them.

The series was developed by Erin Foster, a former actress known for shows such as “The O.C.” and “NCIS: Los Angeles,” who now co-hosts “The World’s First Podcast” with her sister Sara. The show is somewhat based on her true-life experience of converting to Judaism following her marriage to music executive Simon Tikhman. Initially, Foster wrote the pilot with the idea of portraying the lead character herself. However, in the span of four years from selling the concept to 20th Television (the production company) and the show being acquired by Netflix (the distributor), there were changes in both the television industry and Erin’s personal circumstances.

40 had come knocking for Foster, yet she wasn’t eager to take on acting roles at that time, as she expressed. Having welcomed her first child earlier this year, Foster shared that Netflix appreciated the script and believed it could become a significant series. However, they envisioned someone other than Foster in the lead role – Bell.

She mentions that giving up the role was actually quite straightforward for her,” she says. “She’s not striving to become the most famous actress globally.

Additionally, the course of chemistry isn’t predictable. It was crucial for Foster that the main characters had some chemistry between them, along with a mutual appreciation for humor. Bell and Brody certainly provided it.

In a dating context, humor can be an underestimated yet powerful bonding factor – either someone gets your jokes or they don’t, according to Foster. If I’m crafting a character who is witty, light-hearted, and has a biting sarcasm, I wanted to find a man who possesses maturity, reliability, kindness, and charm, but also knows how to make me laugh. I believe that humor is the most attractive trait in a person.

Over lunch recently during off hours at Mirate, a Mexican restaurant and bar featured in the series, some of that dynamic was on display as Bell and Brody discussed pairing up for a rom-com series, stepping into their respective roles and how the show portrays love at a more mature age. This conversation, which has a few spoilers, has been edited for clarity and length.

Have you two collaborated in the past, specifically on shows such as “House of Lies” and “Scream 4”? If so, how did this particular collaboration feel for each of you?

Brody: This time around, we both entered this project on an equal footing, not to imply any power dynamics specifically. However, our previous collaboration was different; I was the lead in a film, and she joined for a few days. Later, I appeared in her series for a brief spell. In contrast, this time, we approached it as genuine partners from the get-go.

As a proponent, I can confidently assert, I was among the first to delve into the details of this collaboration – it’s not about claiming the initiative, but merely sharing my early involvement in shaping the partnership.

Brody: It’s credit deserved.

As a follower, I expressed my thoughts: This read felt incredibly thoughtful, fresh, and edgy for a romantic comedy. What struck me was that we weren’t portraying typical 20-somethings, making it feel remarkably real. From the moment I turned the first page, I exclaimed, “This is Brody, no doubt.” During our initial discussions, I immediately responded, “Yes, I’m on board with this. Plus, Adam Brody is perfect for the role.” Thankfully, everyone else agreed as well.

A significant aspect that makes a romantic comedy engaging lies in the chemistry between characters, which can be challenging to replicate or produce artificially. Did your shared past or prior relationship contribute to this chemistry?

Brody: Spending just a few hours on set with someone allows you to develop a strong connection; after three more hours here, we’ll likely be quite acquainted and comfortable. It’s not something that can’t be achieved, but I do believe working together previously, knowing we get along, knowing we work well together – you might say we start from a solid foundation. However, the question of how high we can elevate our relationship remains unanswered.

In simpler terms, Bell believes that her ability to work well with Adam Sandler on set, as demonstrated in their previous collaborations, stems from her familiarity with his acting style and range. She feels confident that he can portray characters with charm, intelligence, and vulnerability effortlessly, especially in a romantic comedy like this one where extended eye contact is crucial. Additionally, she mentions that both she and Sandler have the ability to maintain prolonged eye contact without dialogue, which is a skill not all actors possess, in her opinion. She concludes by stating that she was certain they could handle any challenges the script might present.

Brody: It seems to be another term for a charming male lead in a romance story, doesn’t it? Yes, I feel at ease and confident portraying such characters.

Bell: Adam, you can gaze at it yearningly. You’d like to remain with it and you wouldn’t require him to speak a word. Moreover, his being an enjoyable collaborator and a lively presence on set was a significant factor that, while perhaps not captivating in the project discussion, is indeed important.

Brody: Oh, no. We’re selling them on the friendship. Let me piggyback onto that with a slightly different thing, but equally as pragmatic: I’ve been a fan of Kristen’s for a very long time. I think she’s a flawless comedian and actor all around. I still can see you in modes I haven’t even seen you in yet, but I know you know you can do it and I can picture it, because I think you’re tonally very, very versatile.

How did the discussions go between you and Erin when it came to you assuming the role of Joanne, as Erin originally conceived this from her own personal experiences and initially planned to play the character in the pilot?

Bell was being very open since he had learned about the situation beforehand. During a meeting with her, he expressed his interest in participating but also brought up the point that she had written something personally. He made it clear that if she wished to proceed on her own, he would gracefully withdraw from the project.

Initially, she wrote what she was working on primarily for herself. However, as other tasks emerged within the same timeframe, such as having a child, she acknowledged that her current path might not be suitable. She expressed, “No, I believe it’s not my journey at this moment,” thus clarifying and resolving the situation.

Adam, Noah isn’t your typical image of a rabbi. You’ve mentioned that you had a Bar Mitzvah, but you don’t practice traditionally. Were you worried about portraying a rabbi given this?

Brody: At first, I hesitated due to its religious nature. However, I eventually found myself intrigued by it and thought, “This is something unique from me, and I’m looking forward to delving into, investigating, and immersing myself in it for an exciting research and exploration experience.

Every time I approached him, Adam was always engrossed in a Jewish podcast or book, clearly dedicating himself. In contrast, I barely made an effort. I’d just show up, but Adam was truly remarkable. He was diligent and dedicated.

Brody: The reason it’s significant is that I’m portraying a character who is a scholar, and I wanted to have a basic, casual understanding of the subject matter. I hadn’t known much about Judaism before, despite being bar mitzvahed and playing Jewish roles previously. It was crucial because I could speak with some credibility on it, both as the character and outside of it, since I would be depicting a community leader of a particular religion and ethnicity. This process helped me gain a more profound understanding and admiration for the history and culture of that people group.

Have individuals who appreciate films such as “Anyone But You” or TV series like “Bridgerton” discussed online or fantasized about a real-life romance between the actors, beyond the characters they portray. How does this phenomenon strike you, as a married couple, with an upcoming romantic comedy on the horizon?

Bell asked if “ship” was the term you used, and it seems reasonable given the context, even though it’s not practical.

Brody: I believe it’s clear that if someone is pairing us up, in today’s term, they’re projecting our friendship. However, nobody desires to witness a fractured relationship. It’s reasonable that those individuals are younger.

Bell: They don’t know the consequences of that …

Brody: I think as we get a little older, people are just happy to know your friends.

Bell expresses understanding because he can recall instances where he felt empathy towards on-screen couples expressing love, thinking, “Wow, the sensation of two people in love just feels so right to me.” However, he admits that he never considered actors having such a dynamic off-camera, but with the rise of social media and widespread content availability, there’s a broader opportunity for voyeurism. He questions if this is beneficial or not, stating that it certainly occurs.

Brody: I’m not convinced they’re genuinely rooting for us. Moreover, I believe our relationship is one that people seem to be fond of and support, too.

Does the notion of revealing too much in a podcast resonate with you, Joanne and your sister, given that you both have been guests on numerous podcasts? And, Kristen, since your husband hosts “Armchair Expert,” does this idea about sharing too much strike a familiar chord for either of you?

Bell: I think you know the answer to this question is that I’ve never asked myself that question.

Brody: There’s never been a moment where you’re like, “F— wish he didn’t share that?”

Bell: I don’t agree with that viewpoint. To begin with, interviews featuring people who are very close to each other are captivating because they resemble eavesdropping on a private conversation. There’s an element of “shouldn’t I be hearing this?” which adds intrigue. My husband and I are both open sharers, as you might have guessed, though I can’t remember the exact conversation we had — it must have been formalized at some point. We decided to share our lives publicly, starting a podcast, in the belief that being honest, open, and vulnerable, even about awkward or embarrassing things, would ultimately serve a greater good. I strongly feel that everyone deserves love and everyone should experience vulnerability. I believe this approach contributes to our overall happiness and well-being.

This series revolves around two individuals meeting later in life. Comparing it to shows such as “Love is Blind” or “The Bachelor,” the characters are typically in their twenties, making one think, “They’re not quite ready for this experience yet!

Bell: Similar to a 22-year-old lamenting that it’s their last opportunity for love, we have had numerous conversations regarding the age of our characters. However, their exact ages remain unknown; they are somewhere in their mid-30s, late-30s, or early-40s.

Brody: I believe another reason it feels different is because we tend to come together swiftly, spend time together, and then ponder, “How does this situation unfold?” rather than constantly questioning if something will happen, or if it’s a fleeting encounter doomed to be a mystery, or a misunderstanding arising from overheard conversations.

[To Bell] I’m just going to keep eating your fries as you answer because they’re so f— good.

Bell: The focus isn’t on our standing in relation to one another or within our friend circle, a common theme in many young love stories. Instead, it’s about the potential significance we could hold for each other moving forward, which is essentially an mature question.

As a cinephile, I can’t help but feel deeply connected to LA. When we were filming, we ventured into places like Los Feliz and Eagle Rock. One memory that truly stands out was the time we spent in these neighborhoods, immersed in the city’s vibrant energy and unique charm. It’s experiences like these that make Los Angeles such an inspiring setting for our story.

Brody shared: I really enjoyed that everything was filmed on location without using stages, giving it a lived-in feel which I prefer, even though it can be logistically tougher. Mostly, we’re seen sitting in restaurants or someone’s home. Something quite unusual for me was walking down Vermont Avenue for the kiss scene. Given that I spent a significant part of my 20s on this street, it felt strange yet thrilling to be there filming a series and strolling down the street of my past—that moment was truly surreal and cool.

Bell: A fellow was eager to play an active role within the community. He was quite talkative during filming sessions.

Brody: Additionally, there was a photographer present, which is rather unusual. It’s peculiar how one can be surrounded by countless onlookers, a hundred colleagues, three cameras, all of whom seem at ease, and then one individual pulls out their lens, and I find myself rolling my eyes.

Bell: It ruins the vibe.

As a devoted movie critic, crafting the perfect on-screen romance is always a challenge. For the pivotal kiss scene between Noah and Joanne, I aimed to create an authentic connection that would resonate with viewers. To achieve this, I immersed myself in their characters, exploring their unique dynamics and emotional journeys. I also worked closely with the actors to ensure they felt comfortable and confident in portraying their characters’ feelings genuinely. For the ‘meet cute’, I focused on creating a memorable and relatable encounter that would immediately endear Noah and Joanne to audiences. Ultimately, my approach was to infuse these moments with heart, humor, and a touch of magic, making the connection between them feel effortless yet unforgettable.

Brody admitted he felt under pressure trying to open the wine bottle, which was essentially him failing at the task.

Discuss the concept of capturing lightning in a jar. It was believed that he had the ability to effortlessly unlock it, but he failed to accomplish this feat.

Brody: Most of the pilot is just trying to open the wine.

In the initial edit, we pushed hard for a six-minute portrayal of that scene where he wrestles with the bottle. I insisted on keeping it intact as I thought, “This is something you simply don’t understand”; he’s truly grappling and I can’t help but find it amusing, yet endearing at the same time. However, we did need to trim it back a bit.

Brody: My initial scene was the one before the kiss, set in a restaurant on Vermont where I invited you for dinner as friends. To be honest, that’s the only scene where I felt the pressure because it was our first day and you said something like, “Let me capture this moment and see if it works.” However, deciding on the final few scenes did carry some significance.

In romantic comedies, they usually wrap up with a “happily ever after” scene, often featuring a passionate kiss. However, it’s clear that there are challenges and obstacles yet to be addressed, potentially providing material for future episodes or seasons. Is this an indication of optimism?

User: I find it intriguing, contemplative, and relatable to conclude with a sense of uncertainty, even when you’re certain about their desires, but unsure if the world is ready for it. That’s how relationships often feel, not that I don’t enjoy a satisfying ending in a movie, wrapping everything up neatly, leaving me relieved after two hours of escaping reality and getting lost in the story. However, I appreciated the more authentic touch to this narrative. It was tense, I would say, as I wasn’t certain if we should have ended it that way or follow conventional scriptwriting advice, which is to wrap up all loose ends.

Brody: In essence, this is a performance. The uniqueness lies in the dynamics between the characters, and the challenge is to depict how they handle various situations, which mirrors real life’s unpredictability. Therefore, it should maintain an element of ambiguity to reflect life’s open-ended nature.

What’s the last great rom-com you saw? Adam, you can disagree with Kristen.

Bell: He will, don’t worry.

Brody: I’m thinking. What do you got? I can have thoughts on that,

Bell: Oh, oh, oh, 100% “Colin from Accounts.” Have you seen it?

Brody: No. That’s a rom-com? This was a topic on set: “Watch ‘Colin from Accounts.’”

Bell: Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer, who are from either Australia or New Zealand (I believe it’s Australia), are a married couple in real life. They also happen to be comedians and have written this show themselves. It is an authentic romantic comedy that is both hilarious and heartwarming. In fact, I would rank it among the top shows I’ve watched in the past five years.

Brody: [laughs] Nothing is coming to mind.

Bell: Remember what you said to me the other day?

Brody: What?

Bell: “The Apartment.”

Brody: Definitely, it’s hard to find something better than that. I believe it was made for adults. It had a dramatic aspect that I found appealing. There was a certain melancholy about it, yet it was just as funny. You might recall, I used to be quite fond of Nick Hornby. He was exceptional, not only with “High Fidelity,” but overall in his work. He was particularly passionate about music and often incorporated that into his writings. However, I haven’t revisited most classic romantic comedies for a while, so I’m not sure how they hold up today, especially when it comes to Hornby’s work during his peak years.

Read More

• MANA PREDICTION. MANA cryptocurrency
• EWT PREDICTION. EWT cryptocurrency
• Silver Rate Forecast
• COW PREDICTION. COW cryptocurrency
• LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
• VET PREDICTION. VET cryptocurrency
• CHR PREDICTION. CHR cryptocurrency
• SUPER PREDICTION. SUPER cryptocurrency
• WIF PREDICTION. WIF cryptocurrency
• EUR JPY PREDICTION

2024-09-26 13:36