James Marsden and Olivia Munn, both Hollywood stars, share a surprising connection that dates back to their high school days. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Marsden revealed that he and Munn were actually classmates at Putnam City North High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The actors recently started filming Season 2 of the Apple TV+ series ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’ alongside Jon Hamm and have a long-standing history that predates their acting careers.
Marsden, 51, and Munn, 44, had a unique bond as Munn was close friends with Marsden’s sister, Jenny, during their high school years. Despite graduating in different years (Marsden in 1991 and Munn in 1998), their paths crossed once again when Marsden visited his hometown after finding success in Los Angeles. Reflecting on their initial encounter, Marsden shared, “Olivia [Munn] was one of those girls my sister introduced me to at a dinner gathering. It’s funny how life comes full circle.”
Their reunion years later at a Hollywood event brought back memories of their shared past. Marsden recalled the moment when Munn approached him at a GQ party and reminisced about their casual outings to places like Applebee’s during their high school days. The duo found it amusing how their paths crossed again in the entertainment industry, ultimately leading them to work together on the same show.
Not only do Marsden and Munn share a high school connection, but they also have another tie through their involvement in the X-Men universe. While Marsden portrayed Scott Summers (Cyclops) in the original X-Men trilogy, Munn took on the role of Psylocke in ‘X-Men: Apocalypse.’ Although their characters never interacted on-screen, their shared history within the franchise adds another layer to their on-screen chemistry.
Apart from their professional collaborations, Marsden and Hamm also share a personal bond as members of the same Fantasy Football league. Their friendship extends beyond the set, highlighting the camaraderie and mutual interests that exist among the cast of ‘Your Friends & Neighbors.’ Marsden’s upcoming role in the Avengers film franchise further solidifies his presence in the superhero realm, promising an exciting continuation of his on-screen journey.
Marsden’s revelation about his intertwined past with Munn sheds light on the unexpected connections that can emerge in the entertainment industry. Their shared experiences from high school to Hollywood exemplify the unpredictable nature of life and how paths can converge in unexpected ways. As they continue to collaborate on projects and build upon their shared history, Marsden and Munn’s connection serves as a testament to the enduring bonds forged through time and shared experiences.