Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Jon Bernthal Admit They’re ‘Really Terrified’ to Make Their Broadway Debuts (Exclusive)

**Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Jon Bernthal Gear Up for Broadway Debut in ‘Dog Day Afternoon’**

Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Jon Bernthal are set to make their Broadway debut in ‘Dog Day Afternoon,’ which premieres on March 10 with an official opening scheduled for March 30. The play is a stage adaptation of the critically acclaimed 1975 film, and both actors admit to feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation as they prepare to take on roles immortalised by Al Pacino and John Cazale.

At a recent press conference in New York City, the actors candidly shared their feelings about stepping onto the prestigious Broadway stage. Moss-Bachrach, 48, expressed their apprehension, remarking, “Oh man, we feel like idiots… Yeah, we don’t know what the hell we’re doing!” His sentiment was echoed by 49-year-old Bernthal, who added, “We’re really terrified, man! What do you think?”

Their admission reveals the immense pressure that comes with performing in such a high-profile production. Even with their extensive careers in film and television, the transition to theatre—especially in front of a live audience—poses a unique challenge. They are not merely stepping into new roles; they are following in the footsteps of two acting legends, making their task even more daunting.

“It’s so intimidating,” Moss-Bachrach noted, highlighting the reverence he and Bernthal hold for the original film and its stars. “These guys are like… they’re—” Bernthal interjected, finishing Moss-Bachrach’s thoughts by stating, “They’re our heroes. We hold those actors… they’re sacred to us.”

Both actors acknowledge the significance of the film in their careers, with Moss-Bachrach emphasising its impact on his desire to pursue acting. “I think any actor in America has watched this movie, or should,” he remarked. However, as they step into their roles, they are determined not to directly compare their performance with that of the celebrated original actors.

The play, which features a script by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis, offers a contemporary interpretation of the story’s themes. It revolves around a desperate man from Brooklyn who attempts to rob a bank to finance gender-affirming surgery for his partner. Moss-Bachrach commented on the narrative’s versatility, stating, “It’s a story that’s big enough to be told many different ways.”

However, he also acknowledged the potential for comparison with the iconic film, joking that he would welcome other adaptations to mitigate some of the pressure they face. Bernthal stressed the importance of viewing this production through Guirgis’s lens, noting that “this is a heavyweight of an American playwright telling the story” that resonates with themes relevant in today’s society.

The friendship between Moss-Bachrach and Bernthal, which dates back to their collaboration on the Netflix series ‘The Punisher’ in 2017 and later on Hulu’s ‘The Bear,’ is a source of comfort as they traverse this new terrain. Moss-Bachrach shared, “It’s nice to know one thing— to have a shorthand with somebody, have a history.” He expressed confidence that their strong offstage chemistry would translate well into their onstage partnership.

“There’s a lot of variables when you get into anything,” he added, reflecting on the challenges of performing live. “So yeah, it’s nice to be able to look at my friend’s face… We’re going to fail spectacularly together.”

‘Dog Day Afternoon’ is set to run for a limited engagement at the August Wilson Theatre until June 28. As the opening night approaches, time will only tell if the actors can ultimately rise above their fears. Nevertheless, both are committed to embracing the experience whole-heartedly.

“I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Bernthal said, capturing the essence of their artistic journey. “This material is so sacred. We revere the people that have told the story before, we revere the people that we’re telling the story with now.”

Moss-Bachrach concluded by expressing his excitement about their upcoming debut, stating, “You caught us at a funny moment where everything is changing and interesting… It’s deeply exciting, ultimately. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

Tickets for ‘Dog Day Afternoon’ are now available, and anticipation is building for what promises to be an emotionally charged and powerful production on Broadway.