Paul Rudd Wanted to Play Christian, Not Josh, in “Clueless”: ‘The Most Interesting Part’ 

**Paul Rudd Reflects on Early Career and Iconic Role in ‘Clueless’**

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Paul Rudd opened up about his early career, particularly his breakout role in the 1995 film ‘Clueless’. While he is fondly remembered as Josh, the charming stepbrother-turned-love interest of Alicia Silverstone’s character Cher, Rudd revealed that he actually had his sights set on a different character during auditions.

The actor, now 57, expressed a particular interest in the role of Christian, Cher’s romantic interest who is later revealed to be gay. Rudd described the character as “the coolest character in the movie,” and noted that he found the part to be the “most interesting”. However, the role eventually went to Justin Walker, while the character of Dionne’s boyfriend, Murray, was portrayed by Donald Faison.

Reflecting on the audition process, Rudd noted that he was more focused on serious acting at the time and did not experience the anxious anticipation that often accompanies such milestones. “I was not on the phone with my agents, like, ‘Did I get it? Did I get it?’” he recalled, adding that his approach was more laid-back and he was simply excited to be a part of the project.

Rudd’s longtime friend Adam Scott, who attended acting school with him, was present at the film’s premiere and could sense that this role would mark a turning point in Rudd’s career. “I remember thinking, ‘Oh, Paul’s going to be a famous person now,’” said Scott, who described the atmosphere at the premiere in Malibu. He recalled that the immediate impact of the film allowed them to step into a new reality where they could walk into any bar and be recognised.

Just a few years after ‘Clueless’, Rudd was part of another ensemble comedy, ‘Wet Hot American Summer’ in 2001. He described this project as fitting his comedic style perfectly, despite ‘Clueless’ also being a humorous film. The satirical take on 1980s sex comedies featured a roster of stars such as Amy Poehler and Bradley Cooper, solidifying Rudd’s place in the comedy scene.

The actor’s career gained further momentum in 2002 with his role as Mike Hannigan on the beloved television series ‘Friends’. Rudd played Phoebe Buffay’s (Lisa Kudrow) love interest, ultimately becoming her husband. Following the show’s conclusion in 2004, he transitioned smoothly to adult comedies, featuring in hits like ‘Anchorman’ and ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’.

Currently, Rudd is promoting his latest film, ‘Power Ballad’, in which he stars alongside pop star Nick Jonas. In this film, Rudd plays Rick, a wedding singer whose career is revitalised when Jonas’s character attends the wedding and transforms one of Rick’s songs into a hit. The actor recently expressed some nerves about the prospect of singing alongside Jonas, saying, “I’d sung in movies before, but it was always silly — you get a lot of leeway,” emphasising the seriousness of the singing involved in this project.

During the interview, Rudd acknowledged that while he has sung in previous films, including ‘Role Models’, the singing in ‘Power Ballad’ was a significant departure. “This was real, actual singing,” he explained, demonstrating his dedication to delivering a heartfelt performance. Despite his nerves, Jonas reassured him, stating, “Well, you blew everybody away on set.”

As ‘Power Ballad’ hits cinemas, fans of Rudd can look forward to seeing him share the screen with Jonas in what is promising to be another memorable performance. The film not only marks a new chapter in Rudd’s career but also showcases his versatility as an actor, proving that his talents extend far beyond traditional comedy roles.

Rudd’s journey from a hopeful young actor auditioning for roles in the mid-90s to a renowned star in Hollywood is a testament to his talent and tenacity. As he continues to take on diverse projects, audiences eagerly await what he will bring to the big screen next.