Will Arnett, the renowned actor and host of the popular podcast SmartLess, recently shared insights into his experiences with podcasting and his latest film, Behemoth!, during an interview with PEOPLE magazine. The 56-year-old star, who attended the world premiere of Behemoth! at the New York Film Festival, reflected on the challenges of being candid in public forums, as well as how his podcasting journey inadvertently influenced his role in the film.
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Arnett’s podcast, which he co-hosts with actors Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes, has been running since July 2020 and is known for its informal and unfiltered discussions. While this style has contributed to the show’s popularity, Arnett acknowledged that it has its pitfalls. He humourously admitted his struggle to rein in his thoughts during conversations, often leading to comments that can be misinterpreted or sensationalised by the media.
“There have been a few of those times that either me or Jason or Sean have said something relatively benign, and the headlines that follow can be quite wild,” Arnett explained. He recounted instances where what started as a light-hearted remark spiralled into exaggerated news articles, illustrating the unpredictable nature of public discourse in the digital age.
Despite the occasional media misrepresentation, Arnett values the connections made through their relaxed format, which enables both him and his co-hosts to engage candidly with a range of celebrity guests. Yet he remains wary of the sometimes unforeseen repercussions that can arise from such openness.
Interestingly, Arnett’s experience with podcasting has also had unintended benefits for his role in Behemoth!. He plays the brother of Pedro Pascal’s character, portrayed in part through his character’s relationship with a fictional podcast. This unique connection was not initially conceived during the film’s production. “That was a total coincidence, obviously,” Arnett noted, laughing at the serendipity that linked his professional pursuits in such a manner.
In a stroke of ingenuity, director Tony Gilroy asked Arnett to provide some rough podcast material to aid in his editing process. Arnett casually recorded a selection of notes to help guide the film’s pacing, unaware that these recordings would eventually make it into the final cut. “I just kind of woke up one morning and went into my booth and recorded a bunch,” he explained.
To Arnett’s surprise, when he viewed the finished product, he discovered that his informal recordings had been incorporated into Behemoth!. “I didn’t think that it was for performance. I was just kind of doing it for him to have,” he admitted. The actor took the discovery with a lighthearted attitude, joking that Gilroy might have found his initial take so compelling that he chose to keep it instead of seeking a more polished performance.
In addition to the peculiarities of podcasting and filmmaking, Arnett also shared a humorous anecdote about his friends’ suggestions for potential podcast guests. Rather than celebrities, some have encouraged him to interview their relatives, which he met with a mix of amusement and disbelief. “I’ve had my friends who are like, ‘You know who you should have on? My mom is hilarious,’” he recounted, shaking his head at the notion. “I’m like, ‘Dude, that sounds great. We’re not having your mum on the podcast.’”
As Arnett presents his new film to audiences, fans can also look forward to upcoming episodes of SmartLess, where new guests and discussions continue every Monday. Notable figures including Michael Douglas and Jessica Biel are set to appear in the near future, adding to the ongoing appeal of the show.
Arnett’s blend of humour and sincerity in both his podcasting and acting roles paints a vivid picture of a man navigating the complexities of modern media. With Behemoth! set to hit UK cinemas on December 4, audiences will have the chance to see how Arnett’s creative energies converge in this thrilling new project.
As he continues to balance his multiple careers, Arnett remains committed to learning from his experiences, proving that even seasoned entertainers are constantly evolving in their craft.