Andrew Garfield Was ‘Terrified and Nervous’ to Work With Robert Redford in “Lions for Lambs”. Then Redford Showed Up 4 Hours Late

Andrew Garfield has recounted his nerve-wracking experience on the set of his first film, *Lions for Lambs*, which premiered in 2007 and featured renowned actors Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. The young actor, who was just 23 and fresh out of drama school at the time, candidly shared his memories during a recent episode of *Good Hang with Amy Poehler*.

*Lions for Lambs* portrays three intertwining narratives set against the backdrop of the Afghanistan war. Garfield plays the character Todd Hayes, a student influenced by Redford’s character, a professor seeking to engage his students in meaningful discourse. The film, which intertwines themes of war, politics, and education, was a significant project for Garfield, who was still finding his footing in the film industry.

Reflecting on his feelings prior to filming, Garfield admitted to being “terrified and nervous.” The added pressure of working alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Streep and Redford only amplified the anxiety. However, fate intervened when Redford arrived on set four hours late, a delay that surprisingly helped alleviate some of Garfield’s apprehensions.

Waiting for Redford’s arrival, Garfield found himself growing increasingly frustrated. “I’m just angry,” he recalled, only to realise later that the delay provided him with a moment to breathe and gather himself. “A lot of the nerves had kind of dissipated because he was so loose and casual,” Garfield added, reminiscing about the first impressions he had of the legendary actor.

Garfield described Redford as “so cool” and noted his habit of arriving late—“famously late,” as he put it. Dressed casually in denim during their initial meeting, Redford was oblivious to the worries of his co-star. This laid-back approach had a calming effect on Garfield, allowing him to settle into his role without the burden of acute nerves looming over him.

Despite the initial tension, Garfield quickly discovered that Redford’s generosity on set created an inclusive atmosphere. The veteran actor, who was not only starring in but also directing the film, actively sought out Garfield’s input. “He would shoot himself and then look at me after his first take, and he’d be like, ‘What do you think?’” Garfield recalled. This simple gesture significantly impacted the young actor, as it made him feel valued and respected—an equal in a field traditionally dominated by seasoned professionals.

Throughout the filming process, Redford’s kindness and encouragement stood out to Garfield. The Hollywood icon’s efforts to treat him as a peer were especially meaningful, given that *Lions for Lambs* marked Garfield’s debut in film. “He made me feel like it was my set and made me feel like I was an equal,” Garfield expressed fondly, reflecting on the lessons learned during their collaboration.

Before embarking on his film career, Garfield had primarily worked in theatre, often believing that he would remain within that realm. He noted that after two plays, he had convinced himself of a stable career in stage roles, coupled with sporadic commercial opportunities. However, the experience on *Lions for Lambs* opened doors he hadn’t previously imagined, propelling him into a world of Hollywood.

Fast forward nearly two decades, and Garfield has since established an impressive career, earning two Academy Award nominations. He now stars in *The Uprising*, directed by Paul Greengrass, a film set during the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 in England. In his conversation with Poehler, he described *The Uprising* as a compelling narrative examining the themes of violence and social change. According to Garfield, it combines thought-provoking content with elements of a thrilling action film, a testament to his evolving versatility as an actor.

As Garfield continues to explore new horizons in film, his early experience in *Lions for Lambs* serves as a poignant reminder of the impact that mentorship and camaraderie can have in the competitive film industry. With *The Uprising* now in theatres, audiences can witness the remarkable growth of this talented actor, who remains true to his craft while navigating the ever-changing cinematic landscape.