At the Los Angeles premiere of *Minions & Monsters* on June 28, Jesse Eisenberg, the celebrated actor and director, shared an interesting insight into his family life, particularly his creative collaboration with his nine-year-old son, Banner. Eisenberg, who is known for his performances in *The Social Network* and *Now You See Me*, has opened up about his son’s enthusiasm for acting, notably expressing a desire to appear in all of Eisenberg’s films.
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Eisenberg, 42, remarked during an interview with PEOPLE that while his sister, Hallie Kate Eisenberg, a former child star most famously associated with her role as “The Pepsi Girl,” may not make an appearance in his films, Banner is eager to seize any opportunity to join his father on set. “No, my kid wants to be in all the movies, though,” he noted, laughingly highlighting his son’s enthusiasm.
Banner has already had a brief appearance in Eisenberg’s directorial work, *A Real Pain*, which has recently garnered accolades, including an Oscar win in 2024. The film, which also stars Kieran Culkin, features Banner in an uncredited role as Abe, the son of Eisenberg’s character, David. Eisenberg described this casting choice as a personal decision, underlining the emotional significance of sharing this experience with his son.
During the premiere, Eisenberg also reflected on the animated franchise that has captured his son’s heart. Banner is particularly fond of the *Minions* series, which serves as a spinoff to the *Despicable Me* films, and premiered its latest installment recently. Eisenberg enthusiastically recounted attending a private screening with Banner, revealing that the young boy was amused by the antics of the iconic Minions, while Eisenberg himself appreciated the clever references to Old Hollywood.
“The movie is a celebration of filmmaking and Old Hollywood,” he explained, intimating that the film resonates with his own experiences in directing. Eisenberg highlighted the particular joy of voice acting in an animated film, stating, “To get into one of these movies is like an actor’s dream because it’s so fun to be in without all of the anxieties of your own vanity.”
Eisenberg’s voice work in *Minions & Monsters* marks a return to animation since he lent his voice to the main character in both *Rio* and its sequel. His excitement for re-engaging with this medium stems from a desire to delight audiences, especially as he navigates his dual roles as a performer and director. “It’s just pure joy,” he said, adding that the experience felt serendipitous given his current trajectory in filmmaking.
Previously, Eisenberg made his feature directorial debut with the 2022 film *When You Finish Saving the World*, featuring renowned actors Julianne Moore and Finn Wolfhard. Following the success of this venture, he returned to directing for *A Real Pain*, and is also gearing up for another project titled *The Debut*, which showcases talents like Paul Giamatti alongside Moore.
Reflecting further on *A Real Pain*, Eisenberg mentioned how important it was for him to include Banner in the film. He stated, “I wanted my kid to be in it because it’s such a personal story.” This inclusion was not merely a practical decision; it carried significant emotional weight as Eisenberg considered the film a touchstone of memories and experiences.
As the premiere of *Minions & Monsters* approaches, audiences not only look forward to the film itself but also to the heartwarming stories behind its creation, particularly the familial bonds that contribute to the art of filmmaking. Eisenberg’s joyful anecdotes about his son’s participation in the film industry remind fans that behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood lies a personal narrative that many can relate to.
The release of *Minions & Monsters* is scheduled for July 1, and with Eisenberg’s established talent and the excitement of his young son, anticipation for the film continues to build.