“I Don’t Want to Ruin This!” Dave Franco on His Fears in ‘The Studio’

“I genuinely didn’t believe I had any chance of being nominated,” saysDave Franco, who is one of the five guest actors fromThe Studio competing in the category – a near complete victory for the Apple TV+ comedy. (The only exception: last year’s winner)Jon Bernthal for The Bear.) Despite his publicist informing him of the good news via text, it took a Google search to convince Franco – and his wife,Alison Brie– that the news was indeed genuine.

In The Studio,Franco gets back together with his long-time friends and artistic partnersSeth Rogen and Evan Goldbergfor an exhilarating journey through multiple episodes that begins with him portraying a gangster in aRon Howard movie – and concludes with him celebrating in an “old-school Hollywood buffet” manner in Las Vegas at Cinema-Con.

Here, Franco discusses with Gold Derby his greatest anxieties about shooting those now legendary single-take scenes, if he’ll return for additional chaos in Season 2 — and what it signifies to have his name mentioned beside icons such as Scorsese and Howard.

I can only picture the excitement when the show received 23 nominations. What did you hear from Seth and Evan?

Franco: Seth extended his congratulations to me, and naturally, I returned the favor. I specifically recall expressing my gratitude for their support when I was desperately pleading with them to bring me back for more episodes. I’m truly thrilled for them. I understand the effort they’ve invested, and it’s amazing to witness your friends succeed.

You and your fellow guest actors essentially dominated that category. How did that feel?

Franco: It was amazing! I’m completely smitten with this show. I recall when [Seth and Evan] first sent me the episodes before it officially premiered on Apple, and I was scared because I loved it so much. I thought, “Oh, I think this is my favorite show, and I don’t want to be the one to ruin it.” But I truly love everyone involved. Seth and Evan are at the forefront of this project, and they foster such a warm family atmosphere. They make it nearly impossible to fail. They constantly provide us with brilliance. It’s a set where if you’re rude or not contributing like everyone else, you’ll be shown the door. So it’s just a group of wonderful people who are giving their all.

Every member of the cast has essentially expressed the same sentiment about being scared of messing it up, but it genuinely comes across as sincere because of the single-take filming approach.

Franco: I believe it was completely natural to feel scared entering the process, as you don’t want to be the one who messes up a long take. However, what becomes clear is that it’s an enjoyable way to act, because regardless of how much or little you have to do in any particular scene, you’re fully involved at all times, since the camera will likely capture you – unlike traditional filming, where when the camera isn’t on certain people, they may tend to disengage a bit and not be fully present in the scene. Seth and Evan mention that the ideal number of takes to achieve the perfect one is between 16 and 18. As an actor, you have around that many takes to refine your performance and experiment with different approaches in the earlier takes to see what works. By the time you reach take 16 to 18, you feel like you’ve truly found the best version of the scene.

What were some of the elements you experimented with in those initial attempts that ultimately worked well?

Franco: I believe in the first scene of my own at Cinema-Con, whereZoë KravitzShe arrives at the party, I approach her, and I’m already high on drugs, with a line that was written for me, something like, “I’m going to the tables to win some money.” On the first take, I just added, “I’m going to the tables to win some money.”Now You See Me-style” – and no one commented. So I thought, “I guess I’ll just keep saying it.” And what actually happened is theNow You See MeSomething kind of turned into a runner during those last two episodes, where the second episode begins with a recap. They had my character, one of the most messed-up characters in those episodes, do a recap as if I’m drunk and recounting what happens. And in that recap, I’m once again bringing upNow You See Me. So it’s just, let’s try everything and see what works. It’s amazing to work with Seth and Evan because I’ve known them for almost 20 years, sinceSuperbad. and so I just feel very at ease with them, and I know that I can take things to the edge. And if I ever cross the line, they’ll bring me back. But I just feel free, and it’s the most enjoyable form of acting.

You delivered two distinct performances in the early episodes compared to the later ones. Do you believe that’s what the audience was reacting to?

Franco:  It’s intriguing. The reality is, I was only meant to be present for that earlier episode where I’m in that fake scenario.Ron Howardfilm, portraying this New York gangster. I recall when we began filming those scenes, I approached Seth and asked, “Should I be using a New York accent for this?” He responded, “You know what? Let’s give it a try. Let’s see.” I attempted it on the first take, and he didn’t say a word. So I thought, “Okay, I guess I’m going with the accent.” The best part is that the accent comes back in the final episode when I step onto the stage and once again become that character. It shows how open Seth and Evan are to keep rewriting and adjusting on the spot, using previous events to shape the story, rather than sticking strictly to written scripts and saying, “We’re set and this is how it’s going to be.” They’re more like, “Let’s see what happens. Let’s make changes at the last minute and create the best version possible.”

What do you believe has contributed to the show’s tremendous success?

Franco:  I believe it’s because it combines so many amazing elements. It’s a hilarious comedy combined with outstanding cinematography along with remarkable costume and set design. It appeals to film enthusiasts and those who appreciate aesthetics, but it’s also easy for everyone to enjoy due to its genuine humor. Perhaps some people were worried that the show would be too niche, and you might need to be part of the industry to fully grasp certain aspects. However, in the end, humor is humor, and even if you don’t catch every reference in the show, it doesn’t affect your enjoyment.

Will you return for another season?

Franco:  I want to return for 10 seasons. I hope they keep this going forever and they know I’m available whenever they need me. I don’t need to read the script. Just let me know where to be.

Do you believe viewers can tell the difference between the actual Dave Franco andThe Studio Dave Franco?

Franco: Yes and no. Those who know me understand how different this “character” is from who I really am. I don’t really party anymore. I definitely don’t go to Vegas. I don’t use drugs. For me, an exciting night is staying in with my wife and my cats, watching a documentary. But this kid the other day approached me and said, “Oh man, I wish I could party like you in”The Studio!” [LaughsIt’s been amazing, and somewhat strange that I received my first nomination for portraying myself while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and mushrooms.

Anything you’d like to see for the second season ofThe Studio?

Franco:  There must be something about the standing ovations that are timed at these European festivals. It would be entertaining to have my wife join the show and possibly be even more wild and unpredictable than I am. What’s impressive about the idea of this show is that it can truly continue indefinitely, as there will always be new topics in Hollywood to mock.

And if you come out victorious, will you express gratitude to Sal Saperstein?

Franco:  I get the sense that many people will end up doing it to the extent that it eventually becomes somewhat uncool. But I hope it turns into such a popular trend that it becomes uncool.Ike BarinholtzOne of my closest friends. I deeply care for him, and this memorable moment is now strongly linked to him, which makes me incredibly happy for him.

What’s scarier: Performing alongside your spouse in a horror filmor being nominated together with Scorsese and Cranston in the same category?

Franco: I’d say being nominated along with those guys! If someone had told me earlier this year that I’d be in the same category asMartin Scorsese and Ron Howard and Bryan CranstonAnd all these incredible people, I wouldn’t have believed you. Acting with my wife in a horror film, believe it or not, is really easy and a lot of fun. We take that movie to the most personal places we’ve ever been, on or off camera. But being nominated alongside Martin is still more frightening.