Miles Teller Says Viral 2015 Interview Where He Was Called ‘a Dick’ Felt Like ‘a Violation’

**Miles Teller Reflects on Past Criticism and Career Growth**

Miles Teller, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in hits like *Whiplash* and *The Spectacular Now*, recently shared his thoughts on the negative press he faced early in his career. In an interview with IndieWire, Teller revisited a 2015 profile published in *Esquire*, which labelled him “kind of a dick.” The actor expressed his discontent with how the piece was handled, suggesting it misrepresented his character and experiences.

During the interview, Teller reflected on the impact of the *Esquire* article, stating, “That was so mishandled. The reason why I have not done profiles is because I said, ‘Wow, if I’m not doing this interview on camera, this person can misquote things or put things out of order or say things that didn’t happen.’” He conveyed his feelings of violation regarding how the piece portrayed him, adding that, upon reading it, he felt it did not align with who he is.

The actor explained that the negative reception he received affected his willingness to engage with the media. Teller remarked, “I told my team, ‘Guys, I don’t think I’m doing this again, because I’m reading this and this doesn’t sound like me to me.’” He highlighted a prevalent issue in media narratives, where good character may not garner as much attention as controversy. “It’s unfortunate that being a good person, that doesn’t sell. People want to click on the negativity,” he noted.

Teller emphasised that one’s conduct on set holds significant weight within the film industry. He said, “Ultimately, how you treat people truly, that’s what matters… The actors, the directors, the crew, the producers, you can’t hide who you are when you’re on set.” This statement underscores the importance of integrity and professionalism in an industry that frequently scrutinises public personas.

Recalling his journey through the early stages of his career, Teller acknowledged the pressure that many actors face in securing roles. “I used to be more critical of work other people were doing, because you get thrown into this rat race when you’re first starting out,” he reflected. As he has matured, Teller’s perspective has shifted to one of respect for those who maintain longevity in the industry. “As I’ve gotten older, I appreciate and have respect for longevity, if you can hang around. I always wanted to contribute,” he added.

Currently, Teller is promoting his latest project, *Paper Tiger*, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this month. The film, directed by James Gray, features a stellar cast that includes Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson. This reflects the actor’s continued growth as a professional, moving from young talent to a sought-after lead in major films.

In addition to *Paper Tiger*, Teller recently portrayed lawyer John Branca in the biopic *Michael*, which chronicles the life of the pop icon Michael Jackson. In discussions about future projects, he hinted at the possibility of a sequel to the film, generating excitement among fans.

As Teller navigates his career, he seems to have developed a more robust understanding of the complexities of fame and media narratives. His experiences have shaped his approach to interviews, as he continues to focus on his craft and relationships within the industry.

In conclusion, Miles Teller’s journey illustrates the challenges and triumphs that come with being a young actor in a demanding industry. His reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of authenticity and the power of resilience, especially when faced with adversity in public perception. As he embarks on new cinematic ventures, audiences will undoubtedly be eager to see how his experiences have influenced his work.