Garrett Hedlund on Brad Pitt in Troy and Friday Night Lights | Screen Tests | W Magazine

In this Screen Tests interview, actor Garrett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy, Troy, On the Road) explains how he blew his first audition (the reaction, "you sucked pond water") and how he blew off his senior prom to shoot a movie with Brad Pitt.
Transcript
I was raised on a farm, so.
We only had like three television channels.
I don't really remember the first movie I saw.
I loved what films did.
I would constantly,
you know, go to the back of the VHS's
and the address for Universal Pictures
or MGM would be on there,
and I'd just start writing to the studios,
asking if I could be in their, you know, in a movie.
That's more of a what I remember, yeah.
I don't remember my first audition really well.
I just remember that I didn't do very well.
I think the phrase was after, you sucked pond water.
That's a ridiculous phrase, but.
I moved to Arizona when I was to live with my mother,
and I always wanted to be an actor,
but being in Arizona, I was only a state away.
I'd been flying from Arizona to Los Angeles
for two or three years for auditions.
Yeah, by myself.
I'd get out of school and I'd fly into Burbank Airport,
I'd get in a taxicab, I'd go to the audition.
I'd taxi back, I found out I didn't get it,
and then the whole while I'm back on Southwest,
flying back to Arizona, go to school the next day.
I was , or , , and I'd skipped
my junior year prom
to be this extra,
and then by my senior year when prom was to go on,
I was out in Malta, filming Troy.
You know, it was funny, because, you know,
the character Patrick was,
you know, I'd see little things.
References to him being a poet,
so I'd go up to Wolfgang and Brad the next day
and I'd be like, well maybe instead of this shot,
maybe you could just have me on that hilltop over there
just kind of writing a little bit.
And, they were just, yeah,
yeah, that's a good idea.
Then after Troy, I went on to go do
Friday Night Lights, the football film.
I played football for just a year in Minnesota
and then a year in Arizona.
But,
I think I,
I was never really,
I don't think I was ever the starter.
I played like defensive end.
I was always on defense, so
I wasn't the glorious position.
I wasn't the ball carrier, I wasn't the quarterback.
I wasn't the one making the touchdowns,
so I think that's where, you know.
What draws me to certain different roles
are the extremities.
I mean, doing something completely different.
I don't feel during the day that I'm the same person
on Wednesday as I am on Monday,
and our minds change, our ideas change,
our opinions change constantly.
I've been signed on to On the Road since or so,
and I just,
I remember reading the book in high school.
I went online and looked,
and it said Francis Ford Coppola's directing this,
and I was like, man, I'll never get a chance at this.
And I still, I mean, we're halfway through filming
and I still can't believe I'm a part of it.
I auditioned in like March of ',
and then I found out on my birthday
in September that I'd gotten it.
I'd had to land in Chicago for a layover,
and when I got to Chicago, my dad called me,
sang me all of Happy Birthday,
and then I land in L.A.
and I get another call from
home in Minnesota,
and it was
you know, it was news telling me that my father
had dropped of a heart attack
after he got off the phone with me.
So I was just like, I called him up in the hospital
and I said, you know, you can't do this, it's my birthday.
And he goes, I know, son.
And I said, I just got On the Road (laughs).
He's like, that's great, son.
So it was a weird balance
of you know, when there's a great amount of good
it can also be evened out by
a great amount of sort of bad in a way.
I sat down with lunch with Jeff Bridges.
Sorry about this.
If it was a car, it'd be out the window.
Just phones and gadgets and stuff,
I'm not good with them.
I don't appreciate it them the way others do.
It's like for me, you know when somebody gets a new car
and they're so worried that scratch,
that first scratch, but after that everything's fine.
You know, everything to me in life
is like the second scratch.
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Garrett Hedlund on Brad Pitt in Troy and Friday Night Lights | Screen Tests | W Magazine

[@Ibborianee]

just sit back and enjoy his voice...

[@jennycavender9319]

I feel like he is the type of guy that doesn't always make eye contact, but when he does... it's devastating for the other person. Captivating.

[@soulspark3970]

It sounds almost as if he was purring

[@s.f.694]

He does look like a lion in human form to me so yea he purrs like a lion I suppose 👀 🥰💓 🦁 beautiful man and so charming I love his personality he seems so humble and sweet a lot of charisma

[@gegesolace]

ik im purring

[@hannahwhite5567]

100%

[@aquadee91]

I think I want to hug Garrett. Garrett needs a hug.

[@littlewoman2214]

Dee Ramirez did you know his dad passed away?

[@aquadee91]

ariya Walters What?! No I didn't know that. Awww...that's terrible.

[@littlewoman2214]

Dee Ramirez I believe he died of a heart attack in either early 2015 or 2016 :/

[@echolot]

such an underrated actor. his film credentials are almost flawless. i'm looking at you tron.

[@alanamcconnell2977]

He's a great actor.... Expect for his role in Pan. His acting was quite atrocious

[@micahmyers1632]

+Alana McConnell He acted like that for a reason. I found him hysterically funny.

[@alanamcconnell2977]

Not sure if it came across to well though. Just seemed like he didn't know hot to act

[@mychemicalromancewillpierc5241]

Are you saying tron is bad? Cause, uh... excuse me while I laugh

[@seelois]

My new actor crush! Lol I’m watching anything he’s in. I realize I saw most of them. lol probably had a crush on someone else! Brad Pitt Maybe.

[@mxixsx]

his voice... deer god in heaven

[@celticeyesmorriganrising929]

His EVETYTHING, DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN, A FEW YEARS YOUNGER, ,,,,, UGHHHH. A PERFECT PACKAGE!!!

[@ohsuzeyq_]

He's just so sweet. Still seems to be camera shy at times. The way he just throws his phone haha

[@aquablushgirl]

Oh fuck. I was not expecting to fall in love watching this.

[@87jocelyn]

He is so awkward, i love it.

[@Diana-ud3ki]

I want him to do ASMR so badly. Drooling over here...

[@simona9803]

I can`t even concentrate on what he is saying...his voice, maan

[@lelama3816]

No one's gonna mention the fact that he threw his phone like that ? 4:04 "Everything to me is like the second scratch" ... I like this attitude Garrett !

[@VicerL364]

Lol

[@scrainbow1234]

i just think garrett's so interesting. Even here you get this feeling like you're only scratching the surface of him, like there's so many layers underneath that you can barely catch glimpses of. And the story about his father, and his voice, and about the gadgets, and his eyes, and just :')

[@yourpainismygain]

"Everything in life to me is like the second scratch." I feel like he said that and didn't realize how genius it was. Wow how did I not know this guy before Tron.

[@sentosaco]

12 years later this one quote engraved in my mind still resounds with me

[@CBDBnoho]

HE should have played Anakin Skywalker. He naturally has a sense of vulnerability but intensity that would have been perfect for a role.

[@vagabond57097]

C Bean He's born to play Oliver Queen in the DCEU.

[@johnzackarias11]

dang you got a point there

[@imme246]

He would have been too young. Only 17 in 2001 so...

[@MirzaAliQasimRaza]

Yeah

[@MirzaAliQasimRaza]

Or oliver queen in dceu.

[@tarakokalj8607]

He is the most interesting man ever. i just love him and his simplicity :)

[@dr.karenboyd2237]

Tara Kokalj I absolutely totally agree with you that is such one of the most beautiful things about him . His simplicities about certain things in life is so unique and rare just like he is. That is what gladly separates him from his other fellow colleagues in Hollywood. I think that's a beautiful gift that he naturally possesses how he is as a person and as an actor and I really am fond on his ways of philosophical ways and methods on life. I believe more people need to take a lesson from him. on how to appreciate more of things and people around them. and being truly grateful for what you have. and take pride and love and support and gratitude and dignity and grace for what you do. and how far you come to be appreciative of things. that is alot of what Garrett Hedlund shows about himself everyday constantly. that's overall is such a humble gift . that he has. it's so unique sweet and beautiful unfortunately not everyone possesses that. let alone come to be more appreciative of all that they have. and which can easily be taken away . Garrett Hedlund is also a very good positive role model. as an actor as a person and by how he continues to grow and learn and become more fond of himself and being truly grateful for every given day.

[@AlexanderBrando]

i love how soothing and deep his voice is

[@JillieRawr]

I loved him in Four Brothers.

[@CrystalHairston2]

love his southern accent. I can't be the only one who can only think of Jack from Four Brothers

[@o0blubblub0o]

yeah that was the movie after i had a crush on him... ouh teenyears

[@amandacooley3969]

First thing I ever saw him in. Loved him ever since lol

[@hihi615]

R.I.P. Jack Mercer, he deserved better

[@zohrachellali7247]

He seems so intense and interesting and not hollywood at all i love it ! He's a great actor and damn that voice ❤️

[@IvetteStar901]

I could listen to him talk forever!

[@melekdavinacoban]

Oh god....his voice....I'm in heaven

[@sydneyvincent4441]

God that voice is just... ugh!!! There are no words!!! Love him so much!!! Great interview!

[@nara6875]

He's so precious.

[@xxxmochibaby]

He seems so genuine and wholesome! and that VOICE 🤤

[@bats70]

Interesting interview with Garrett..so glad I had the opportunity to meet him in real life at the Toronto Film Festival and hope to be working with him someday in film! He's super good looking 🔥🔥🔥🔥🙏🙏❤😘

[@harissatheartist]

I JUST LOVE how he talk how he smile,he is don't care about little stuff!i just love how he sing a song..how he act!

[@YlvaJo]

EARGASM

[@zombieedrea]

I honestly didn't think it was really him singing in Country Strong, and just thought he was faking the accent but holy shit it's real. He just became a million times more attractive to me. Damn.

[@beckabluesband]

The phone throw 😂 I had a "fuck yes" moment. Same Garrett, same. The second scratch

[@aquadee91]

Why can't I find someone genuine and understanding like him? #theydontmakeemliketheyusedto

[@karen000227]

his hand gesture/twirly/wave thing is awesome :)

[@christinaluo]

i could truly watch this man talk for days and days

[@comicconsciousness3229]

That last quote sounded so much like Dean from On the Road! He seems like a really thoughtful guy.

[@Mollydrunks]

..and i remember when no one knew Garret Hedlund except me.

[@NaturalAegyo]

I love Garrett, and this is edited beautifully.

[@ginevrabetti3203]

Underrated actor. He is very talented.

[@fannyalexander5906]

"everything to me in life is like the second scratch" oh i love him.

[@IWNFY02]

He seems really intelligent and insightful.

[@burla22]

I can't believe some people think he is "bland". He is anything but that! A bit awkward and dorky, but not bland. :P

[@newflava89AGAIN]

I don't really know about him, but he's really promising actor, he's not only got the talent but he got the personality as well!! I can see that he's not trying to be cool or whatever, he seems honest and i believe he's modest and humble too.. When there's a lot of fame whore with no talent and snob out there trying to be cool and talk to much, Garrett H just being himself and real.. It's rare to find a gorgeous nice guy like that nowday!! and i think he's shy guy too.. sweet

[@MsJacqueline143]

Everything like a second scratch in my life as well. I have a even amount of happiness and sadness it's just harder to accept when ur doing so good I know how u feel ur so cool I love ur layer back style

[@AlydiaRackham]

How terrifying, to have your dad have a heart-attack so young. That would scare me to death. I hope he's doing okay now. :(

[@ohsuzeyq_]

Crushing on him since 2004. Yep no shame

[@tracyvis5668]

Man I would love to see the full unedited version of this interview!

[@burla22]

He made a joke about that when Tron came out. He said his next movie would be TROG. LMAO

[@EmeraldFire512]

I first saw him in Eragon, in which he was the only good thing.

[@TheDKstackers19]

Beautiful voice!

[@Faelivrin12]

i really liked the second scratch part. what a good philosophy to have.

[@TheDumbSongChannel]

I wanted to hear about him sitting down with Jeff Bridges! Oh well, throwing the phone works too

[@ThePeaceFrog722]

The Second Scratch - good band name.

[@joycegibbs5267]

what a lovely guy, very down to earth.

[@emelyne2232]

Garett Hedlund for SOLID SNAKE !!!

[@elli2592]

He's just became my favourite person for the day!

[@kareneastman9695]

Garrett Hedlund is so friendly kind and many things.:-):-DI like him so much.:-):-D

[@Datwaifu]

This guy is husband material 💕

[@danikacbass9438]

Yep, Roseau MN. I don't live far from there, and I'm pretty sure I had a college course last semester with a relative of his.

[@shaynarose4254]

great interview !!

[@stellabendris701]

Makes me think of Matthias Schoenarts

[@marquesn77]

He’s so down to earth, rare

[@hclauss524]

i love that he threw his iphone across the room. haha

[@FallenPixel]

Such a gorgeous voice.

[@user-tl2jc9ke2u]

진짜...좋다..

[@megaptereattheoffice1070]

I fell in love with his voice 😍(why is there no smiley with heart shaped ears ?) Can someone tell me if he ever recorded audiobooks ? 🥰

[@Bellsell77]

he seems kinda sad, hope hes ok now :)

[@itsarinekole]

Garrett seems to be always like that.

[@Girl-di5dg]

God, I'm in love

[@Lollipop21100]

yeah isn't he the best? I've been to where he grew up, Roseau MN. my grandma lives sorta near there...she's even met him! but he is so amazing.

[@whtvrwhatever]

what a voice

[@ririnhapsari2850]

Hedlund you are so sweet, calm and humble😻💓

[@coachandgucci]

did you realize that TROY and TRON are different by only 1 letter?

[@lpssuperproductions]

Can't wait to see him as Hook in Pan.

[@yourpainismygain]

@BlondieKido94 it's like when you get a new car, and you're worried about the very first scratch and you try to do anything to avoid it. But once it's finally scratched, the second one isn't such a big deal, and you car less and less if it gets scratched. He says that's what life is like for him. It's awesome.

[@sadieandzag]

why did it have to end!?!?

[@flavy310]

His voice. omg omg.

[@sisiracostha5327]

Beautiful actor Garrett HENLUD 💗💞

[@xloveXghoulx]

Is there a kickstarter to make him my husband...? He's dating Kirsten dunst? Dammit. Oh well he's a great actor. Looking forward to the next Tron!

[@celticeyesmorriganrising929]

She is not good enough for him!!##!

[@ejoshcoron]

+xloveXghoulx haha that made me lol

[@littlewoman2214]

ejoshcoron Kirsten is reportedly engaged to another actor now!

[@ohsuzeyq_]

They broke up

[@chikuritz1547]

Was dating kirsten dunst.. Dont mind me but she's is absolutely not good enough for him.. I must say that his choice was not at all good after doing On the road he made that mistake.

[@HelenaaaMS]

HIS VOICEEEE! oh!

[@Fortnite_loot555]

If I have a soulmate somewhere, I think Garret might be it...

[@beepbeepimasheep.]

Murtagh | Eragon ~ I love you ♡ Hook | Pan ♡ Sam | Tron ♡ patroclos | Troja

[@angelak6293]

most beautiful man ever!

[@ap0ph3nia]

How can one man be so perfect?

[@S0undTraCkOfMyLife]

@TheGhostMuse thank you so much :)

[@nabilarchie]

@VeraCasseres me too. but i recognized him from four brothers and then saw him on death sentence and was like "hey, that hot guy from four brothers" lol

[@murtaghsgirl1]

He is hilarious! Throw the phone again!:)

[@brianintn]

Death Sentence is his best film portrayal i think. Billy Darley for the win!!!

[@Lostandfound56]

Anybody else giggle when he said "glorious position"?

[@taylorbarnes1641]

I see him as Finnick O'Dair in Catching Fire...and no one else.

[@hs-qz9np]

THAT VOICE ! ! !

[@sky9starz]

1st noticed him in Eragon...become fan after Tron =)

[@amanak65]

He would have made a good version of jack sparrow.With that eargasmic voice, well 10/10

[@brunajohnsson4324]

Um Gato desses....!

[@puckbogaers3490]

Wel he is like 18 years older then me but still love him

[@Post1Punk2Disco3]

The way he says 'opinions'. *swoon*

[@xxLiviaCorriganxx]

His voice is sooo loooow

[@sashasiregar1238]

He has so many sadness. Needs more love

[@sarahbear1942]

I agree. He seems like he needs a five minute hug, and who wouldn't want to give him a hug.

[@uinisefaustinafoochong7743]

He's like a brother to me

[@plumTDK]

im in loooveeee :P

[@The3rdGunman]

4:02 EXACTLY SAME HERE

[@ninokatsitadze7787]

I adore him in "Dirt music" ❤

[@ParanoidPopsticle]

i think i might be in love.....