Eric André’s Missed Opportunity: A Path to Kieran Culkin’s Oscar Win
In an unexpected twist of fate, Eric André played a crucial role in shaping Kieran Culkin’s trajectory towards winning the coveted Oscar in 2025. Before Culkin earned accolades for his remarkable performance, the role of Benji Kaplan in the 2024 comedy-drama A Real Pain was initially offered to André by Jesse Eisenberg, the film’s writer and director.
André, known for his unique comedic style, felt uncertain about the project. In a recent episode of Andrew Santino’s Whiskey Ginger podcast, he candidly discussed the moment Eisenberg approached him: “I was like, ‘That seems really miserable and not in my lane,'” he recalled, reflecting on his reasons for declining.
After examining the script, André expressed apprehensions about the film’s tone. “To go to Poland for six weeks and shoot a movie where we’re just babbling about the Holocaust seems like a bummer,” he noted. Despite recognizing the potential impact of the film, he did not foresee the success it would ultimately achieve during the 2025 Oscars season. He released the role with goodwill, telling Eisenberg, “I appreciate the offer. I’m sure it’s gonna be great. I don’t think that’s what I’m looking for right now.”
André’s intuition about the project contrasted sharply with its ultimate reception, as Culkin’s portrayal of Benji not only won him the Academy Award but also earned him the SAG Award and the Independent Spirit Award. A Real Pain tells a poignant story of two cousins reconnecting to honor their grandmother, seamlessly intertwining humor and depth, a combination that resonated with both audiences and critics alike.
This narrative serves as a reminder that the film industry is a complex web of choices and chance opportunities. For André, although he stepped away from a role that could have been a breakout moment, Culkin’s victory is a testament to the artistic collaboration that often defines successful filmmaking.
For more details on this fascinating turn of events, you can check the full story in the Hollywood Reporter.