Adam Brody has recently shared insights into his career revival, largely attributed to the widespread acclaim of the Netflix romantic comedy Nobody Wants This. After two decades since he gained fame as Seth Cohen on the beloved teen drama The O.C., Brody has reestablished himself as a leading romance-comedy actor in a series created by Erin Foster, which revolves around a rabbi’s love for an agnostic woman. The anticipation for season 2 is building, with filming set to commence early next year, and both Brody and co-star Kristen Bell returning to their roles. Bell has even likened the show’s success to her experience with the massive franchise Frozen. This resurgence has also led to Brody being nominated for his first Golden Globe, placing him among this year’s most-discussed actors.
In a recent interview with Backstage, Brody candidly reflects on his career revival stemming from Nobody Wants This. He expressed his gratitude for the increased visibility of his work. However, Brody acknowledged that, despite the renewed interest, his performance style remains consistent with his previous roles. He elaborated on the complicated casting landscape in Hollywood—pointing out how powerful executives often favor currently popular names over less mainstream talent:
It’s pretty great. I mean, I don’t take any offense to it. Put it that way, you know. It’s very nice. You know, and most of it is the latter. It’s related to everything I’ve done in the last 20 years, you know, I didn’t get this job because I wasn’t working for 20 years. And so, yeah, it feels like they’re still related—the work that’s seen. and not because, you know, somebody’s seen it. And, also, you grow, you know, as an actor, you learn.
It’s also pretty silly in the sense of, um, it’s such a subjective industry in many ways. It’s such a subjective art. and it’s such a subjective—you know, and then anyone has this—, any filmmaker knows, any filmmaker wants to cast somebody and they can’t. The money says, ‘No, it’s got to be X, Y or Z’ and then they go, ‘all right, well, X won’t do it. Y? Figuratively, I’m sick of that person. That’s not a color I want to paint with right now. It’s everywhere. They’re like, ‘yeah, that’s why you got to use it.’ And it’s a fight and, you know. It’s very nice to be on a momentary upswing where perhaps more opportunity comes your way, perhaps doors that were closed open.
At the same time, it’s also f—king ridiculous. But what are you gonna do? Just meaning that you’re the same actor you were a month ago. Real heads know. I can say that for so many actors, you know, but everyone’s kind of chasing their tail. I think it’s a cliché, “like these executives are just worried about their jobs,” It’s just, it’s the way it all works. You know, everyone wants the latest thing and, and, yeah, you gotta fight to sort of cast someone original in anything. Anyone has to fight for that. And so, I don’t know. I mean, look, I’ll take it. I’m used to it, the ups and downs, but, you know, it’s all I roll my eyes at it as well.
Brody’s Resurgence: A Journey Years in the Making
Previous Moments of Brilliance
Brody’s insights shine a light on the dynamics underlying casting decisions in Hollywood. While talent and fit for a role are critical considerations, producers and decision-makers often lean towards well-known actors that can attract a broader audience. As Brody navigated the industry, he has spent years playing significant yet underappreciated roles. The positive reception surrounding Nobody Wants This is a testament to his enduring appeal.
His portrayal of characters varies significantly, illustrating his range as an actor. For instance, he showcased a more complex side in The Kid Detective, where he played a downtrodden detective, a stark contrast to the lively roles in Ready or Not and the Shazam! franchise, where he portrayed a sympathetic character amidst chaos. Critics and audiences alike recognized Brody’s contributions to these films, affirming his status as a highlight.
Additionally, he recently explored the rom-com genre in the FX and Hulu miniseries Fleishman Is in Trouble, where he appeared as a supporting character. Regardless of the size of his roles, contributions to various projects garnered considerable social media attention, as fans celebrated his presence. This culminates beautifully in Nobody Wants This, placing him back in the limelight.
Our Perspective on Adam Brody’s Career Renaissance
The Right Role at the Right Time
Having previously collaborated twice, the chemistry between Bell and Brody has reached new heights in Nobody Wants This, aided by Netflix’s vast audience reach. This role marks the moment many anticipated for Brody since The O.C. concluded in 2007. His journey through the industry included diverse roles, from gripping crime dramas like StartUp to the quirky comedy-drama Billy & Billie. However, this recent character allows Brody to fully embrace his natural charm and relatability, finally centering his narrative on a larger scale.
Source: Backstage
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