Inside Mandy Moore and Nate Bargatze’s ‘Intimidating’ “Shark Tank” Scene for “Breadwinner”: ‘My Pulse Was Racing’ (Exclusive)

Mandy Moore and Nate Bargatze have recently opened up about their thrilling experience of filming a pivotal scene in their upcoming movie, *The Breadwinner*. Set to hit cinemas on 29 May, the film features the pair as parents of three, and includes a memorable segment where Moore’s character makes a pitch on the popular ABC reality show, *Shark Tank*.

In a candid discussion with PEOPLE, Moore described the adrenaline-fuelled moment of filming on the actual *Shark Tank* set, where she portrayed her character, Katie, as she pitched a fictional family-planning product called the Star Minder. “My pulse was racing. The stakes felt so high,” she reflected. Bargatze, who co-wrote the film, echoed her sentiments, describing the entire experience as “unbelievable”. He noted how he could genuinely feel the pressure while facing judges such as Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, and Lori Greiner.

Despite the fictional nature of the Star Minder, Moore conveyed the intensity of performing in front of actual investors. “I was imagining, ‘Oh my God, what if nobody bites? What if nobody wants this product?’” she recalled with a laugh, revealing the mix of nerves and excitement that accompanied the scene. Prior to shooting, she received a pep talk from the stage manager, underscoring the seriousness of their task.

Moore identified the *Shark Tank* scene as her favourite day on the *Breadwinner* set, stating, “We truly felt like we were on *Shark Tank* pitching a product to the sharks. It was so scary and intimidating.” Bargatze added that while the investors had been filming all day, they remained friendly and open to the process. “They were a little tired, a little like, ‘What are we doing?’” he mentioned, adding that this did not detract from their willingness to participate.

As the filming progressed, Moore observed a shift in the atmosphere. After her first take, she noted how everyone began to relax and enjoy the moment, with the sharks even starting to add their own improvisational lines. “They were like, ‘Oh, this is funny…’ They got it and they started riffing by the end,” she said, highlighting the collaborative spirit that eventually emerged.

The film, directed by Eric Appel, also stars notable figures including Colin Jost, Kumail Nanjiani, Martin Herlihy, and Will Forte. Moore and Bargatze’s on-screen daughters are portrayed by Stella Grace Fitzgerald, Birdie Borria, and Charlotte Ann Tucker, adding depth and charm to the family dynamic depicted in the film.

Adding a unique touch to the storyline, Lori Greiner, one of the real-life sharks, takes on a supporting role after deciding to invest in Moore’s character’s pitch. Greiner has been a prominent figure on *Shark Tank* since 2012 and brings her expertise in consumer products to this fictional narrative.

*The Breadwinner* promises to be a captivating exploration of family and entrepreneurship, infused with a dose of comedy. The film’s release is highly anticipated by fans of both Moore and Bargatze, who have shown an impressive range in their respective careers.

As the May release date approaches, audiences can look forward to the blend of drama and humour that defines *The Breadwinner*. Moore and Bargatze’s ambitious venture into the entertainment realm, especially their unique scene on *Shark Tank*, demonstrates their dedication to creating engaging and relatable content for viewers.

For those interested in watching *The Breadwinner*, it will take to theatres on 29 May, while *Shark Tank* continues to air on ABC and is available for streaming on Hulu. With the show’s 17th season having concluded recently, fans have plenty to enjoy as they await the film’s debut.