Emma Stone recently revealed that she had to take some unconventional steps, even likening them to “blackmail,”to ensure that Kieran Culkin, of *Succession* fame, remained committed to starring in their critically acclaimed film, *A Real Pain*. Stone, who first gained prominence with her role in the 2007 comedy *Superbad*, has steadily ascended in Hollywood, earning recognition for her performances in films like *Zombieland* and *Easy A*. She has since expanded her repertoire, showcasing her versatility in dramas such as *The Help* and franchise blockbusters like *The Amazing Spider-Man* series.
Throughout her career, Stone has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards, winning for outstanding performances in films such as *Birdman*, *La La Land*, and *The Favourite*. In addition to her acting achievements, she has ventured into producing, including her role in *A Real Pain*, a comedy-drama helmed by Jesse Eisenberg, who also stars alongside Culkin.
Emma Stone “Blackmailed”Kieran Culkin to Join *A Real Pain*
Last-Minute Crisis Before Filming
As the start date for filming rapidly approached, Stone found herself in a challenging position when Kieran Culkin considered dropping out of *A Real Pain* just two weeks prior to shooting. The film follows cousins David and Benji, played by Eisenberg and Culkin, on a poignant Holocaust tour of Poland in memory of their grandmother. The project has garnered excellent reviews, currently holding a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and Culkin’s portrayal of the complex character Benji has led to significant praise, including a Golden Globe nomination.
How Emma Stone Came to the Rescue
During an event at the Palm Springs Film Festival, Eisenberg shared the remarkable lengths Stone went to in order to keep Culkin on board. He recounted how Stone had intervened without consulting him, effectively “blackmailing”Culkin to prevent his exit. Eisenberg humorously detailed that she “literally took [Culkin] off the plane with his kids and flew to Poland with him.”Despite arriving late to rehearsal, Culkin’s continued involvement ensured the film remained on track.
“[Kieran] was trying to drop out of the movie two weeks before we were shooting. Like all the money had been spent, and he was trying to drop out in New York. So one of our producers, Emma Stone, essentially like blackmailed him to come back to the movie behind my back, and literally took him off the plane with his kids and flew to Poland with him.
I have a video of her holding his kid’s hands going through customs like a proof of life video that he made it, and he showed up to rehearsal late, even though we had made the rehearsal around when his plane was getting in.”
The Impact of Emma Stone’s Actions
Eisenberg’s anecdote highlights the crucial role Stone played in the success of *A Real Pain*. Her intervention not only preserved the integrity of the film but also contributed to the collaboration’s overall brilliance. The film adeptly balances difficult themes with humor, providing audiences with a thought-provoking experience. Given Culkin’s standout performance—likely to place him in contention for an Oscar—fans may soon see him acknowledging Stone in his acceptance speech if he wins. Her behind-the-scenes efforts exemplify how collaborative spirit and determination can make a significant difference in the world of filmmaking.
For further details and insights, visit Collider.
Related Articles:
Explaining the Title of Godzilla Minus One: Why This Godzilla Film Is Named That
12:06
Wallace & Gromit’s New Film Sheds Light on Tough Truths About the Franchise After 36 Years
4:32
Tim Allen Reveals Exciting Toy Story 5 Storyline Tease: “It’s A Really Cool Thing”
4:17
Leave a Reply