Comic Eric André just lately shared the story behind one in every of Hollywood’s largest what-ifs: turning down the position that in the end received Kieran Culkin an Oscar. Talking on the Whiskey Ginger podcast with Andrew Santino, André opened up about his choice to say no the half in Jesse Eisenberg’s critically acclaimed A Actual Ache — a alternative he now admits he regrets.
Throughout the podcast, André, 42, defined that two years in the past, Jesse Eisenberg personally provided him the position of Benji Kaplan, the outspoken cousin in A Actual Ache. Nevertheless, after studying the script, André felt the darkish tone of the movie wasn’t the suitable match for him on the time.
“I used to be like, ‘To go to Poland for six weeks and shoot a film the place we’re simply babbling in regards to the Holocaust, looks like a bummer,’” André stated. He added that whereas he appreciated the supply, he didn’t suppose it aligned with the form of work he needed to do. “The motherf***er received an Oscar for the position I handed up,” André joked. “It’s not like I get provided roles continuously. I’m not f***ing Leonardo [DiCaprio].”
A Actual Ache, directed and written by Eisenberg, follows two cousins, David (Eisenberg) and Benji (Culkin), as they journey to Poland to honor their late grandmother. Impressed by Eisenberg’s family historical past, the film explores themes of grief, survival, and legacy in opposition to the backdrop of the Holocaust. Initially, Eisenberg had thought-about enjoying Benji himself however was suggested in opposition to it by producer Emma Stone, who additionally satisfied Culkin to remain on the mission after he practically backed out attributable to household commitments.
On the Oscars, Culkin thanked Eisenberg in his acceptance speech, saying, “Jesse Eisenberg, thanks for this film. You’re a genius.”
Whereas Eric André could have missed out on what grew to become an award-winning efficiency, his candid reflection presents a glimpse into the tough choices actors face when selecting roles. As A Actual Ache continues to earn reward, André’s story provides an intriguing “what might have been” to its legacy.
ALSO READ: Oscars 2025: What Did Kieran Culkin Say to Jeremy Sturdy That Bought Bleeped in his Profitable Speech? Discover Right here