Andrew Garfield on Becoming Jonathan Larson for 'Tick, Tick... Boom!' | Rotten Tomatoes

Andrew Garfield has enjoyed an eclectic and critically acclaimed film career, and his work in 2021 is a prime example of his versatility. While he shone in 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye' and arguably stole every one of his scenes in a certain comic book movie, his work in Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'tick,tick... BOOM!' has garnered him the most attention, including a Golden Globe for Best Actor in early 2022. Speaking to Rotten Tomatoes, Garfield breaks down how he prepared for the role, beginning with an "immediate yes" when Lin-Manuel Miranda came calling and explaining that, despite his classical theatre background, he had never done a musical before, and he gave himself a year to learn how to sing. He describes how he actually learned about Jonathan Larson through the process of working on the film, understanding his humanity, his messiness, and his magic. And he talks about how he ultimately wanted to honor Larson in a way he thought Larson would approve of.
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[@Julia-gc9ns]

I've been rewatching "tick, tick...BOOM!" for weeks, and I still haven't picked up my jaw from the floor. I don't know if it's Andrew's unique theatrical discipline or his dedication in preparing for this role, but something very humane yet profound happened around him in this movie. I don't recall now any other performance I've seen that gave me such a striking impression of an actor completely emersed in the character he's playing.

[@itsmejustme386]

you found the right words. I feel the same and I couldn’t find better words to describe what I felt while watching this masterpiece.

[@JustDyl]

Every time that final note of Louder Than Words sounds, and you're looking at the title screen, I sigh because my soul just feels so full

[@alexsghostcookie7911]

@@JustDyl yesssss

[@alexsghostcookie7911]

thank you for stealing the words from my mouth. He really puts his soul into every single movie he makes, he's an absolutely brilliant actor

[@alexsghostcookie7911]

@@Kayla0 yes same!!!

[@LivingThroughLove]

Andrew talking about how the Sunday element was really resonates with me. I've heard so many people saying it's distracting from the story or that it's Lin flexing his contacts but really, what Andrew says here is what I felt. These are people who would have been Jonathan's friends, his contemporaries, his colleagues, had he survived. It's not a flex, it's other actors honoring this phenomenal creator who died far too soon

[@relief3950]

The passion that Andrew had about playing Jonathan Larson.... made him nail this character.. and I dont think anyone else could've played Jon Larson better than this guy.... He deserves an academy award for this role..

[@graceheaton1618]

A Lin Manuel Miranda and Andrew Garfield mashup wasn’t something I knew I needed until Tick Tick Boom

[@happyjenny7681]

I always have tears when he talks about Jonathan larson he really does mean a lot to andrew and you can tell that he took this role seriously and really fell in love with jon and his work

[@jayde-lynncasey8671]

He’s such a spiritual person, it’s so beautiful hearing how his brain works

[@weasley2o13]

An artist who is brave enough to cry in front of the camera is brave enough to communicate something much deeper than what is written for him on the page. I'm all in. Thank you.

[@weronikaizel]

he is incredibly well spoken

[@06angelee]

Andew Garfield studies all his characters and immerses himself to who they were. He is an amazing actor. He is also very witty and charismatic. I love watching all his interviews :)

[@alexsghostcookie7911]

I've been watching all of andrew garfields movies and I just have to say that he is one of the most brilliant actors of our generation and is criminally underrated. The way he can act these characters in movies is always so heartfelt and moving, even though all the movies hes done are so different from eachother, he can pull off any role and it is just amazing to watch. im so grateful to have found andrew at my worst and I love him so very much and hope to meet him one day because God he doesn't even know i exists but he has given me so very much. He is my idol

[@jacobsfire7735]

I applaud his performance its truly Oscar worthy

[@dreamingofnasa4262]

Andrew Garfield... He's such a truly special person. Just the way that he is so impassioned in his work is beautiful. I love how deeply Andrew feels things and how he expresses himself, he's just an all-around profound and eloquent person. People like Andrew Garfield are so special and so beautiful but only exist every once in a while I just feel so lucky to be alive at the same time as him.

[@blue_sweater]

Andrew Grafield is one of my favourite media people. He is true artist. The more I watch his works and his intervies, the way he thinks and sees the world...the more im falling in love with his talent and personality. He really has this immense gift to sense the world and express through his versatile talents. I hope Andrew is happy and content with his life ❤

[@valrojas16]

the way he talks... my god. Even if you think a movie is bad or his character is bad, the moment he talks about that movie or character you're like "yes, you're right" I'd always admire the passion he has for everything he does and especially with Tick Tick... BOOM! seeing how special was for him to give life to his character... is just so amazing and precious.

[@Sipan5551]

Andrew Garfield's speech is so delightful to hear that he should either do a TED talk or just record himself talking abour stuff for hours and release it

[@hassanmasood186]

Andrew's played 3 real-life characters so far. Eduardo Saverin, Desmond Doss, and now Jonathan Larson. Andrew has a gift for nailing these performances. He deserves an Oscar for this.

[@andreautreras1567]

And Robin Cavendish

[@jescan4]

And Jim Baker

[@vixenvampa]

My fav comfort movie

[@LivingThroughLove]

Jonathan Larson, his story, his life, his creations, his energy, this was one of my autistic theater kid hyperfixations since I was back in high school. Now, I'm turning 30 and while it's not 30/90 I genuinely feel that anxiety, pain, frustration, and fear in it. This is... Tick tick boom means so much to me and I just cried over it

[@juliettecatherine1171]

It is so wholesome that he was so against calling these legends he admires fools, even if it's just through a lyric in a song

[@fanymunozh]

This film was made with so much love and passion... only an actor like Andrew could have play Jonathan in a such a masteful way. I admire him and love him so much, he has a beautiful soul. 🤍

[@jesileigh]

I've loved this show since I was a young teen, having discovered it shortly after discovering RENT (my senior quote in 07 was No Day But Today, and now at 33 I have it tattooed on my arm in Jonathan Larson's handwriting--an impulsive decision I made the day I watched the film because something in me said I HAD TO do it RIGHT THIS VERY INSTANT). I was so nervous when I heard a film was coming, but hearing that Lin was directing soothed those nerves instantly. Nobody could have handled this film the way he did. And his casting of Andrew in particular was perfection. Hearing Andrew talk about channeling Jon makes so much sense having seen the film so many times now. Such a brilliant team and I can only imagine what it meant to have Julie Larson there and on board.

[@Molly-vs3lv]

You know you're a nerd when you watch this interview and you realize that the music in the background is the same stock music that was played in the SNL sketch "Swiftamine"

[@maeeliz]

I’ve seen Tick Tick Boom 8 times already and I can’t wait to watch it again. LOVE it. I really hope Andrew Garfield feels able/willing to commit to another musical role at some point in the future, if he feels called to it. ❤️

[@indahdwips]

Yeahh, 100% truee. I'm absolutely agree with Andrew Garfield. As 21 y.o kid this film hit me so hard, like directly speak my soul, and I can't deny that. This film wake me up and make me want to fight again. This film was magical for me, I never bored to rewatching again and still gave me the same experience, I can't help but just sobbing in the end of this movie for hours. Questioning everything about my life. Thank you for your passion, Andrew Thank you for your present, Lin Manuel Miranda Thank you for your love, hard work, and arts that you bring to the world, Jonathan Larson Thank you allowing me to see this masterpiece, Universe I Love U All, so badly ❤️❤️❤️

[@kaitlynlee2955]

The way andrew approaches Jonathan and his story, and really falls in love with the person and role, it's so easy to fall in love with it and be passionate about him too

[@linzdubs5258]

I could listen to Andrew read a grocery list for hours! My god his passion, his insight, and talent…he’s just amazing

[@finalfroevo]

19:35 this whole speech to the end. Uplifting despite everything that could happen, it's what keeps you moving. Sustaining the cycle by being creative. To not let go

[@MaximusOnPluto]

I wanna see Andrew Garfield become a film writer or director. His perceptions and perspectives of the world is so pure and rich, and he connects to all sorts of artistic forms in the best way possible. I genuinely believe if he wants to and put his heart into it, he will become more than just an actor.

[@ornellacardinale1144]

Andrew is such a beautiful human being 💘

[@sharonfisch9426]

You certainly channeled Jonathan Larson in your brilliant actin/sing/dancing/passion in Tick Tick Boom. I hope you continue in musical theater. You express yourself so eloquently in every interview. Bravo.

[@carolinemoore2813]

Ive watched tick tick boom quite a few times now and love it even more everytime

[@fiyukim8612]

he will win that oscar

[@cacaty3262]

Let's hope because he's amongst 2 veterans

[@fiyukim8612]

@@cacaty3262 yes true but this is already his second nomination and for the film, he has learned to sing, dance, and play the piano, as well as integrated into Jonathan Larrson's body. he is just an amazing and soulful actor. i've watched the other nominees' films as well, and he really deserves it.

[@cacaty3262]

@@fiyukim8612 In an interview he said he asked Jon to take over his body and lead

[@weasley2o13]

Amen.

[@ellemnida]

love how he talks and context of it.

[@larissacury7714]

I'm so sad he didn't get the Oscar. He deserved it!!! He was perfect!!!

[@kirstinbainard8259]

Oh Lin... So much more than just Disney's modern answer to Howard Ashman ♥️

[@squadhilal]

Lin Manuel Miranda is a genius.

[@sofiagutierrezbouchat7334]

He needs the Oscar people!!!

[@ThouAreAnArt]

Andrew Garfield deserves an Oscar

[@Lllolpaqe]

andrew needs that oscar more than anyone else yeah

[@kathystigger6020]

I unfortunately have not seen this movie. But i have seen Hacksaw Ridge. . And all three spider man movies he was in. He is a really good actor. When he says you ask ur self if this is what you are ment to do. It is all occupations. I am in Health care.. A CNA. I have asked my self plenty of times is it worth it. Then u see them Yea its worth it. I ve been with this crazy thing for almost 16 years. At the end of the day. I still do love my job.

[@KevinZeph]

tears tears tears tears im in tears

[@thegyptiancatgirl]

I'm veriñy curios about that muse

[@eli5950]

If Andrew doesn't win the oscar for best actor I will sue

[@jillaustin3143]

So did you sue?

[@eli5950]

@@jillaustin3143 yes but they ignored it

[@uniquedork1]

Bernadette who?!

[@lauraberg6872]

Wow, he came up with such a overly artistic way to say he tripped himself up about calling theatre greats fools, because it didn't feel like something his character would do. Lin totally just spoke his language to inspire him and ease his concerns. Jon had nothing to do with it in that way.

[@vanessaalvarez1939]

? ?яⓞ??Ş?