How Conan O’Brien Surprised If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’s Director On Set: ‘One Of The Greatest Pleasures Of Making The Film’

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Conan O’Brien is famous for his funny and energetic style as a talk show host, but he recently took on a different kind of role in the A24 film *If I Had Legs I’d Kick You*. The film, directed by Mary Bronsten, is a thought-provoking and emotionally difficult exploration of parenthood, focusing on a mother who is facing challenges. While this serious project might seem unexpected for O’Brien’s fans, he delivers a fantastic performance, and director Bronstein shared with TopMob how surprised she was by his talent.

The upcoming 2025 film, *If I Had Legs I’d Kick You*, features Rose Byrne as Linda, a therapist juggling a sick child and everyday household responsibilities. Conan O’Brien plays Linda’s therapist and coworker. In a recent conversation with Byrne and producer Mary Bronstein, I asked about working with O’Brien, and Bronstein was full of praise for his professionalism and readiness on set.

We collaborated closely on that performance, but the success is entirely due to him. He really immersed himself in the role and brought something unexpected to it—and honestly, that’s the best feeling for a director: seeing an actor make a choice you didn’t anticipate. You do so much preparation, and that’s all you can really hope for.

In this film, O’Brien delivers a subtle and controlled performance, acting as a foil to Byrne’s more energetic character. Casting O’Brien was a brilliant move by Bronstein, as he brings just the right amount of dry humor and provides a sense of stability during Linda’s difficult moments. Although his part isn’t huge, O’Brien maximizes his screen time, and one scene in particular particularly impressed Bronstein.

There’s a key monologue in the film that I won’t spoil, but you probably know the one I mean. When I wrote it, I was completely alone and honestly thought it was impossible to perform – too preachy, too full of words, just unworkable. I figured I’d have to collaborate with whoever played the role to make it believable. But with Mr. O’Brien, that wasn’t necessary. He delivered the monologue exactly as written, straight from the page. Watching him do that was one of the most rewarding parts of making the film.

I just saw Conan O’Brien deliver that monologue, and honestly, it was flawless. It really hit home for me how incredibly talented he is – he’s so much more than just a comedian. He’s proven he can handle both funny and serious roles in movies, and his voice work is fantastic – no surprise he landed a part in *Toy Story 5*! Plus, let’s not forget he’s a natural on stage. He absolutely killed it hosting the Oscars earlier this year, and the Academy clearly agrees, because they’ve asked him to host again in 2026. He’s a true performer.

It would be great to see O’Brien recognized at the Oscars this year. He truly deserves the attention, and even if he doesn’t win any big awards, I’m thrilled he’s pursuing more dramatic roles. He’s already created so many memorable moments in late-night television, and I’m excited to see him make his mark on film as well.

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2025-10-11 15:38