Adam Driver & Michael Shannon | Actors on Actors - Full Conversation

Adam Driver and Michael Shannon chatted during a taping of Variety‘s “Actors on Actors” on a range of topics, including making “socially conscious” blockbusters.

[@whatitlooklike471]

Micheal Shannon is like if a dad became famous one day and didn't really want it but went with it anyway

[@larissabenfey]

Truer words have ne'er been said.

[@_solange]

This is so so so accurate

[@yanabelle810]

Plus he dresses like it and absolutely gives no fucks! I adore him

[@glenmanby6755]

As he explains 9.40 mins into the conversation, that is exactly what happened to him. So you were on the money there and this comment made me laugh so much so I'm glad that it was alwasy accurate.

[@susandonner4ever]

li

[@MsLm97]

I love how they're constantly cracking jokes but they almost never laugh :D

[@sakurathornsickle5681]

awk as fuck but equally funny to see

[@MsLm97]

***** exactly yeah, their personalities are so well matched up for this interview it's hilarious

[@25101993cb]

wow nice comment sir here have a like

[@nikkicole54321]

MsLm97 theyre laughing on the inside.

[@No_OneV]

Its called being a Man, my father used to do same thing

[@ProjectDelta1]

When two villains are stuck at a lobby and have a pleasant conversation...

[@simonlillard7961]

Hahahahaha

[@myswagobsession]

I've never seen or heard humor THIS dry in all my life. It's so subtle. I'm in love.

[@SheIsBlessed]

Watch more of Michael's interviews, it's so him

[@ljr-w2596]

You should meet my vet

[@alondathomas293]

@@SheIsBlessed: I was cracking up when he explained why he prefers theatre to film. He comes off as so laid back and refreshingly un-star like. That being said, he's definitely one of the better actors around today---the best films I've seen him in where he was excellent are: 99 Homes, Premium Rush, a little indie film noir called The Missing Person, and Take Shelter.

[@moma-b]

@@ljr-w2596 XD

[@verylindsay3289]

Seams That Work it’s so British.

[@pileofgoodthings6065]

"We should be friends." "Never gonna happen." I am ACTUALLY DEAD.

[@str8frmthacr8]

lmfao!!

[@esotericVideos]

Michael Shannon is the funniest guy nobody thinks is funny.

[@sandanakin]

think he was talking in regard to being friends with the director

[@monicavieira7016]

@@sandanakin no, Adam Driver said they have the same vision of acting as "doing a service" so they "should be friends". So he replied that it will never gonna happen. I thought it was rude, but it might have been a joke as they already seem to be "known" before this interview. Since Adam worked with him on his project. But it looks like Adam Driver admires his work but he was a little bit superb ....

[@mathieutorres2827]

"It's a beautiful thing you do. People should know about this.... tell them." Christ. Yes sir.

[@AbdielCoronado]

this is the manliest interview in this series

[@ThePharcydePhreak]

I mean you have seen the Michael Keaton/Sam Jackson one?

[@Kmn01923]

You can feel the crash of charisma lol. I do feel Michael had much stronger one

[@TheCoolerChannel]

I’m into a lot of “immature” things anime video games etc but I feel like I need to watch this in my study while having a pipe or cigar with a glass of scotch

[@islandgirlfaceart4078]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@WarsawBlues]

Adam: "Mike, how did you come to Nocturnal Animals" Michael: "How long have we known each other" I'm dead.

[@johnboko7110]

Sarcastic smugly insult.

[@Weaver0x00]

But not only does he keep the question asked in his mind all the time while Adam talks about his non-profit, he then answers it in details.

[@benakinnusi2518]

@@Weaver0x00 wow tell me why as soon as i read your comment micheal shannon finally answered the question LMFAO

[@calebwild8007]

Their not celebrities, just two normal guys who love acting. Old school American actors. Wish their more like them.

[@jayk489]

I read your comment as: "-wish their moms like them." Wich I wish for them too.

[@ryoku79]

There is. Just gotta keep your eyes peeled

[@nycgingercat]

Or maybe they both commit to their stock character persona. Either way, they're both impressive people.

[@jody024]

Ha funny.

[@lulumoon6942]

Sadly it seems actors like this are most often character actors instead of leads. Wish it were the rule instead of the norm, I think the movie industry underestimates the audience by using sales only but I guess this is a necessity.

[@ripxkid]

Adam is such a nice and polite guy, he kinda reminds me of Keanu Reeves. They both have that similar aura around them.

[@xbroadwaybx]

ripxkid they also will never age lol

[@aidangroves5153]

Yeah and the hair

[@maarsiee]

they also look alike

[@Padre_diego_longoose]

ripxkid lol omg you read my mind. Same vibe.

[@hellomimibanana]

THATS who he reminds me of!! Been trying to think of who the hell he looks like for so long lol

[@D34DLYxC0L3]

You can tell these dudes are really on the same level

[@15Candles]

Two serious men playing a serious villain, so yeah they are really on the same level lol

[@yaminthein7833]

Top 2 talented thespians who don't rub their fame in people's faces but deliver the best performances. What a pair. What a pair.

[@pleasurepain9647]

@Hailee Steinfeld - Topic Because he doesn't rub it in people's faces. I think...

[@sweetnasty2423]

I thought this said lesbians

[@jumpforjoy6]

They're literally doing a variety interview.. Pretty sure they want their faces out there...

[@trigtriggytrigga]

Adam: So how did you...? Micheal: Tell them about your deepest fears.

[@MondayNightFriend]

Thank you, this made me lol

[@chrisninamartinez3851]

Hahaha

[@PINQINQ]

Hahahahahaha

[@CuriouslyHilarious]

Holy shit classic michael shannon lol. Just ignores the first scripted question and gets right into the conversation. Love him

[@TsiniWeeny]

Peter Hayes Haha, glad to know I'm not the only one who picked up on that 😂

[@Maxblind20]

Michael Shannon's got the most cinematic voice I've ever heard. His voice just emanates charisma.

[@lovinmusicevryday]

I'm a little in love with Adam Driver

[@ssalaam5536]

He is my new favorite actor

[@Lullyart]

lovinmusicevryday I am actually not a little complete in love with this actor

[@meghanmonroe]

I'm more than a little in love. Maybe not as much as John Oliver.

[@caracahill5590]

I’m a lot in love

[@3nails4you]

"We should be friends." "Never gonna happen." The deadpan in that room was almost palpable.

[@MoahGentle]

Pretty surely they're friends irl.

[@monicavieira7016]

Was that a joke or an insult? I can't understand. For me it was so rude....

[@A-G-A-G]

@@monicavieira7016 100% a joke They know each other irl they just have that rapport it seems

[@drfunk1986]

I feel like Michael Shannon actually kills people in his time off.

[@Cathee.M.]

He maintains this intense, unwavering eye-contact where he just looks at you as if he's trying to figure you out...I've met a few people like this and it's really disconcerting in real life :) But I guess that's just how some people behave during conversations.

[@kari_sims]

@@Cathee.M. my first and last boss was like that, but as soon we got to know each other with time i was about the only person who could make him laugh with my dry humor, people got intimidated by the dude for no reason lol

[@alondathomas293]

@@Cathee.M.: Yeah, he's got creepy as hell big eyes, and a unique look----it's just perfect for his bad-guy roles, like in The Iceman, where he plays the lead, a real cold-blooded criminal---but he comes off surprisingly laid back and down-to-earth considering his fame, which is pretty cool. Driver just has this incredibly unique look of his own, and I like his voice, too. He seemed like the last actor anyone would think of for the role he played in Star Wars, but he managed to pull it off. Plus that was the best Star Wars flick I've seen in years, too.

[@shelleyokeeweehow1348]

That's fkn hilarious 😂

[@MarkyMarkTeamAmerica]

LMAOO

[@morganjones4281]

"We should be friends." Adam Driver you're so sweet ;)

[@noelnegele6039]

"Never gonna happen." And then they both proceed with the conversation

[@SaraStar7373]

These actors on actors are so well matched

[@pinkfurryhat]

Damn Adam Driver is so adorable. i love seeing actors just casually talking, it's interesting

[@DjTwilightZone]

I would watch a comedy buddy cop movie with these two!

[@onajaeharrison7219]

Yessss

[@kimwexler9393]

LET IT HAPPEN

[@beastxcore1721]

this is the way.

[@AnnaLVajda]

Does it have to be a comedy could it be gritter?

[@CF-op8er]

It'd be an absurd must-watch

[@Jaqen-HGhar]

That was awesome of Michael Shannon to talk about Adam Driver's charity. For those who haven't seen the documentary on him trying to pull it off you should it's amazing.

[@luisvelez3987]

Jaqen H'Ghar Just finished watching it. Very inspiring.

[@_roseanevieira]

Which doc?

[@neurogenesis8409]

what's the documentary called?

[@Pbarwik]

Same thought, let's pause the movie promotion and talk about something that helps people.

[@AustinStonewall]

Looks like the half hour Vice News piece that you can find on KZbin. Just search "Adam Driver Documentary" and it should come up.

[@alizaa7550]

Why is this literally the most chill conversation I've ever heard

[@geothevanni]

Adam: Hey Mike, tell me about your movie Mike: Fuck that let's talk about your non-profit

[@BigBossIncarnate]

Michael Shannon was just trying to make jokes and Adam was like Yeah I'm not laughing xD this was awesome

[@QuestionKnife]

BigBossIncarnate it kind of went both ways hahahaa

[@raintuatoo6383]

BigBossIncarnate+ I don't know about that, Adam Driver seems to be laughing at Michael Shannon audition story on 12:51 .......So yeah I don't know what your talking about.

[@bravohash]

I agree with Rain. Adam was being funny too but they both have a dry sense of humor and have been friends for years so they know how to play off each other

[@isiahblt]

Additionally, appears to me that Adam truly admires Michael so he’s really making a strong attempt to collect as much information and knowledge as possible from Michael... I know I would but I’d do that same for most all the actors in this series lol

[@EastLinus]

Interesting

[@TheDamasio10]

21:39 "Adam Driver - We should be friends... Michael - Never gonna happen." I laughed sooo hard

[@juancarlosojano]

I'm constantly trying to guess when they're serious and when they're having manly humor.

[@sVenaggedon]

Nah it's manly

[@misssmargo]

two of the coolest guys on the planet.

[@maxawesom3850]

Michael Shannon killed it in Nocturnal Animals Adam Driver killed his dad

[@bigbagoforanges]

BWAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!!

[@emalinel]

Well that turned dark fast.

[@mystaminacantakethis]

omg 😂😂

[@user-lm7lv8dz8g]

@Alex yvuuu

[@joshuasmith6346]

Are you talking about him taking out Han Solo with a lightsaber

[@poofyspoofy5695]

I like how Michael looks at him. like he's focused on understanding, but it could be sort of intimidating by the way his eyes are squinted and his brows are farrowed. i like his voice too. he looks like he'll be a big meanie, but he seems quiet nice. Adams cool too.

[@yosoyconsuela]

Michael just has a resting bitch face. He's a cool guy really.

[@j.jmarlon1417]

it began with driver asking about nocturnal animals, and Shannon, was like, " how about you tell them about who you are and what you do". #VoiceofShannon

[@TheStanishStudios]

Meta Man Uhhhhh what

[@unikeko96]

Zod and Kylo are planning to rule the world together... xD

[@unikeko96]

이윤형 In my fanfiction comicbook they do so... B-)

[@ZenShroud1]

+A. O Or Greg Buehl

[@Babys-Interior]

I mean, I'm cool with it.

[@emiliohidalgo5927]

"Hey Zod, what are we doing tonight?" "The same thing we do every night, Kylo: Try to take over the world!"

[@Ernesto87]

The grandson of Darth Vader and the Kryptonian General himself, were doomed.

[@SuperChivasLover]

The comedic subtext in this video is really rich.

[@Blaize2001]

7:57 that giggle...

[@JHallenbeck]

These two guys are nice and dry with one another. So dry, neither of them realizes that the other is dry.

[@ryoku79]

Yet they have drinks lol

[@aenima3174]

Canada Dry.

[@tommy1138]

Adam Driver is an ex marine who shattered his pelvis in an accident, now he's an actor (and a really good one at that). Huge props to everything he does for servicemen! Michael Shannon has a knack for choosing great projects. The Iceman was fantastic and deserves a wider audience. Shannon's character in Boardwalk Empire was very complex and kept that show interesting after the death of Jimmy (Michael Pitt).

[@tommy1138]

***** I knew he shattered something and was devastated that he couldn't join his Company in Iraq.. Thanks for the correction.

[@gaberivera8845]

most likely

[@Kittykat716]

It was his sternum, and he was sooo bummed not to be deployed. 😟

[@SolarSystemSiren]

He dislocated his sternum. I didn't even know you could do that. Lol

[@Kittykat716]

It was a fractured sternum. Nothing shattered.

[@renecastellon3212]

Man Variety keeps getting the perfect pair of people to interview each other this year.

[@aaryamannambiar6677]

My god, the dry humour is on a level I have never seen before... It's amazing.

[@leiaelise2999]

I love the way Adam talks about Star Wars. He takes it seriously and its great to know understands the story on so many levels.

[@shaynwalker4787]

They are both weird in the best way possible.

[@NadheeransDeepSpace]

Holy fuck, you've outdone yourself this time, Variety! Two of the most interesting, weird (I mean that in the best of ways), actors working in Hollywood today. Michael Shannon's my favorite, and Adam Driver is killing with each new movie. Couldn't have asked for a better pair!

[@daphnegabriel4482]

Nadheeran Sri I agree! Soon as I saw this; literally stopped me in my tracks

[@NadheeransDeepSpace]

Yeah, I couldn't believe that this was a thing. Driver and Shannon are like the ultimate non-Hollywood actors, if that makes any sense. You know, just from the way they look, to the eclectic roles they take, so its so exciting to see them have a conversation!

[@michaelkupfer3723]

Weird? Try this with Crispin Glover and Christopher Walken. Or Jeff Goldblum lol

[@Jessmess112]

I cannot agree more.

[@fiaadalmiinamarjanen7759]

I love Adam's brown eyes 👀❤️❤️❤️

[@Scorpionturtle]

I love how they are actors first and being stars isn't even a concern. love humble actors!

[@RM13741]

Why do I fall in love with Adam Driver more every time I watch him do anything?

[@Flairytale]

Adam is soo amazing and I love his humor. They both have kind of a dry humor so sometimes Idk if they something for real or just ironically? Cause I feel like they both are socially akward which is adorable and this actors on actors was REALLY GOOD anyways :)

[@variety]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@angelxxsin]

lol you're everywhere

[@johnnydtractive]

Michael Shannon is just a revelation every time I get to watch him. 10/10 for this conversation, plus a bonus point for their parchingly dry humour.

[@mertinho]

Michael Shannon was soooo good in Nocturnal Animals. In such a talented group of actors and actresses he stole the show. Haven't seen Paterson yet, but I'm really happy for Adam Driver that he starts getting some recognition for his work.

[@GwaiZai]

if you liked that you should "Take Shelter"... I think it's his best.

[@bekahlotrfreak01]

I love how Adam feels like awkward asking questions with him, he’s definitely more acquainted and comfortable with Michael. His interview with Charlize he was much more reserved and gentlemanly with her, which shows how easily he can acclimate to whatever situation or role he’s given. Good lord... how can I not admire Adam? He’s such an interesting person!

[@amyjewell14]

Not gonna lie...these are two of the hottest dudes. This is heaven for me

[@sheenabaharudin]

2 years late but I feel ya Amy. I feel ya.

[@laura-hr2rj]

dennismaryanski nah I disagree. They are both attractive

[@Blackkey034]

Amy Jewell look,,,,um,,, i like both these guys and they have their appeal,,,, but wtff m8,,,,two of the hottest dudes?

[@puppchenschnuppchen4984]

@@Blackkey034 I thought the same thing. I don't think they are visually that attractive, but I think their personalities make up for it. I still don't think they are hot though.

[@DylanOB]

This is incredibly awkward and odd. I love it though. Both of them understand humour and how to communicate and at the same time they dont at all.

[@kiprs]

this is so odd - I thought of this as one of the less awkward, more honest and cohesive conversations but we picked up different things I suppose! :D

[@Bjorneization]

Yeah how tf is this awkward

[@andrews9615]

Adam is low key hilarious. “I always knew this was going to come by, and it was like finally.”

[@johnjungkook2721]

Michael : "a sex scene with kylo ren" Adam: "or kylo ren looking for his spaceship" Michael: "and she seduces him..." Adam: "watching people walk dogs" Michael: "...that would be hot" XD

[@ritasilva]

how are people not talking about that part more?? ahahah

[@ynmzeke9124]

@@ritasilva time?

[@Andlovethebomb]

18:02

[@RohitKumar-gd8vu]

It's so bad I discovered Michael Shannon few weeks ago. This guy is phenomenal. Have only seen few movies by him. Take shelter, The Harvest, 99 Homes, Shotgun stories. He's so great

[@Tymala1]

Revolution Road!

[@noraN33]

And Nocturnal animal

[@RandomDudeOne]

@@Tymala1 Revolutionary Road was the first movie I remember seeing Michael Shannon. He stole the show from DiCaprio and Winslet.

[@CF-op8er]

Boardwalk Empire

[@manuelladecastro6782]

adam’s so articulated and polite i keep fallING IN LOVE OVER AND OVER

[@Sewfulyjass]

I dont think people realise how funny Michael Shannon is (in a dry humour way) he usually plays characters with such veracity. It's fun to watch him be him

[@benakinnusi2518]

Agreed. Hes fucking hilarious

[@delrey874]

I really like these two actors. They just love acting. They are not just "Hollywood celebrities" who look good.

[@GoShelbyGoYo]

Adam's 'Thank You' at 0:49 is so genuine and adorable. I want to live in that moment forever.

[@kuleeeeee]

I love Adam Driver cause he is so real and so interesting. And he is realy interested in what Michael is saying.

[@TheGameCupboard]

Great video. Shannon seems cool as hell, and Driver comes across as just a genuinely nice dude.

[@LizzieSnnow]

This is so good. They are so intense. I love Adam Driver, he is very eloquent, brilliant, talented, and gorgeous. It's a very interesting interview. These two are awesome. Thank you so much for this video.

[@melodicmiserii]

He said antidote instead of anecdote

[@plansforus]

2 astoundingly talented, enigmatic and crazy intelligent men that I am inexplicably attracted to. They’re not your classical “Hollywood” handsome pretty boys, it’s their depth and resonance that gets me.

[@rileygraham1506]

love michael shannon. sounds very down to earth.

[@WrecklessEating]

Love both these guys.

[@ppprenxx]

kylo and zod

[@lesliemandaville2883]

Such a great pairing. Love Adam so much, he just gets better with each viewing. As charming a person as he is an actor.

[@neerod87]

Love how Adam always dressed up in Kylo Ren's color theme- BLACK

[@island7314]

The first 54 seconds of this interview are gold. Michael pulls a power move and then a show of respect. Pure alpha 👍🏾

[@Rich-mf3it]

These two are both awkwardly entertaining

[@faafafineartist]

and awkwardly attractive

[@moegani6269]

Two epic inspirations and role models for modern theater and film. Thank you for this variety!

[@variety]

Thank you for watching!

[@victorvillasenortejeda]

Two of the most splendid and charismatic actors nowadays.

[@Brian_Boru]

Michael Shannon is a presence. Liked his work straight away, when I saw him in a film with Ashley Judd called Bug. I need to see more of his roles. The guy is magnetic.

[@kiprs]

I totally feel Driver on Jarmusch's films sticking with you. I couldn't stop thinking about Paterson after I watched it. It was unlike anything I've seen, and truly an antidote to action movies.

[@josephpeat]

the mono tone they share and cadence of their voices love it

[@dugfriendly]

The honesty to say “I don’t understand what mean” is refreshing.

[@nawal8821]

I love michael so much, I'd literally watch anything he's in

[@soffran2010]

Two of the greatest actors living today. Both have mastered more subtle, difficult roles as well as roles that require extreme displays of emotion. Love them

[@LtMjBurrito]

The way this interview ended was the best. lmao.

[@TheHeston83]

Love both Of Them they were fantastic in Midnight Special looking forward to Nocturnal Animals and Paterson Loved Them in Villain roles as Kylo Ren and Zod as well

[@gregoris69]

Michael has a small part in Groundhog Day as part of the couple who get Wrestlemania tickets off of Bill Murray.

[@RockandRollsince1992]

I loved Nocturnal Animals and started to appreciate Michael Shannon a lot since I watched it.

[@khymaaren]

I love how 'Mike' just ignored the first question to promote Adam's thing. That was neat, Mr Shannon.

[@SofiaFP]

lmao of course they're friends. great job variety!!

[@dlcolwell120]

Michael Shannon is the most underrated actor. He is perfect for almost any character. I read a review on him that said "he is a great actor that can make you feel like there is a spider crawling under your skin." I just think he is a genius. Looking forward to seeing him in more roles.

[@animallover3285]

Michael Shannon is so gracious. He's the one being interviewed and he was so reciprocal to Adam to also get equal input and his views on the same topics. Class Act. Adore both these actors,

[@HyperspaceCafe]

I love how Michael Shannon always looks like he's trying to remember things from a past life lol you can see it in his eyes, he's super sincere

[@hessu275]

Perfect choices for this conversation, they both have a similar mind

[@chromeytrimms7950]

i love michael shannon. he is like the new christopher walken

[@Sweet_Karma]

Chromey Trimms He's better man come on

[@juliealexis7438]

Good comparison

[@Kev80ification]

Great pairing here!! Two great actors, two very humble men.

[@tuki6364]

Adam seems such a sweet a nice guy. Love him! Plus he is an amazing actor! He does an incredible job with Kylo Ren. Can´t wait to see episode VIII next year.

[@road_king_dude]

Or u can see him sooner in Patterson.

[@magnusewen]

Adam was perfect for the role. He was outstanding in Paterson.

[@zeke1835]

Lol I just saw ep VIII 4 days ago

[@CJ-jw5oo]

Of all of the Actors on Actors I’ve watched, this is my favorite. This is a real conversation.

[@kiwifruit138]

This is the best pairing I never thought I’d see. I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited by a thumbnail in my life. They’re on a separate Astro-plane then the rest of us and I’m here for it.

[@kiprs]

I come back to this video at least twice a year. it's such a perfect meditation, I love these two together.

[@ral4557]

Ugh I love them both so much. Amazing actors!

[@wahn10]

A very satisfying conversation with two gifted artists. To me they're the best actors of their respective generations.

[@kimb9364]

Wahn Yoon I couldn’t agree more, so much love for these two actors! 🙏🏻

[@151Sharon]

Two of my favorite actors . They are fantastic

[@manuelladecastro6782]

i’m watching this interview for the 3rd time and it never gets old lmao. i love their raw humor and i keep getting more obsessed with adam driver everyday

[@mitcheroar]

I really wish this was like a couple of hours AT LEAST, great chemistry & awesome conversations.

[@EyeLean5280]

This is so different from watching non-actors interviewing actors. Knowing the ins-and-outs means they have more interesting questions.

[@007josiah]

Dude I just got lucky and stumbled across this I had no idea this channel existed. Loving it!

[@misshalicious]

This is SUCH a good interview. So much honesty. I love listening to people discuss their creative process.

[@abutterflyloves]

This is why I love the actors I love. The amount of work, the questions, the honesty.