Jesse Eisenberg on Acting, The Debut, and Turning Down Zuckerberg
Actor‑director Jesse Eisenberg spoke at the San Sebastian Film Festival about his latest film, The Debut, and how watching Julianne Moore in a rehearsal shifted his perception of acting. He also clarified his decision to pass on the role of Mark Zuckerberg in Aaron Sorkin’s upcoming Social Reckonin…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Jesse Eisenberg, best known for his portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg and his directorial debut When You Finish Saving the World, took the stage at the San Sebastian Film Festival to discuss his newest feature, The Debut. The film, which premiered in the festival’s official selection, follows a shy woman, played by Julianne Moore, who finds herself drawn into the world of a community theatre production in 1990s New Jersey.
From Shy Kid to Film Director
During the press conference, Eisenberg opened up about his own childhood experiences that inspired the story. He recalled walking into a local theatre at the age of seven, feeling out of place in school because of his curly hair, only to be welcomed by the cast and crew. "I was so shy and depressed," he said, "and then I walked into the community theatre and suddenly everybody was so nice, and they hugged me." The anecdote drew laughter from the audience and underscored the film’s autobiographical roots.
Julianne Moore’s Impact on Eisenberg’s View of Acting
Eisenberg admitted that he once held a negative opinion of acting, describing it as a “ridiculous job” that paid too much and was full of vanity. He said he believed actors wanted to look good, stay in nice places, and receive credit without doing the hard work. That perception shifted dramatically when he watched Moore rehearse a scene on a monitor. "She was going through a real, deep emotional process to get ready for the scene," he recalled. "I realized, ‘Oh, maybe acting is actually a really valuable thing. Maybe difficult. Maybe it takes a lot.’" The moment changed his view, making him respect the craft more deeply.
Highlights of The Debut
In addition to Moore, the film features Paul Giamatti, Halle Bailey, Havana Rose Liu, Bernadette Peters, Colton Ryan, Lilli Cooper, Maulik Pancholy, and Bonnie Milligan. Eisenberg noted that Giamatti’s character, while written as a mysterious and intimidating director, unexpectedly brought warmth and romance to the story. "His character is not supposed to be romantically charming. He’s more supposed to be scary and mysterious. But he just brought this warmth to it," Eisenberg said.
The film’s setting in 1990s central New Jersey allows Eisenberg to explore the contrast between the isolation he felt as a child and the community spirit he found in theatre. He described the experience as transformative, comparing it to stepping onto an alien planet where everyone was kind and supportive.
Why He Declined the Zuckerberg Role Again
When asked about his decision not to reprise his role as Mark Zuckerberg in Aaron Sorkin’s forthcoming film The Social Reckoning, Eisenberg explained that the part simply didn’t feel right for him at this time. "It just didn’t feel like something I wanted to act in again," he said. "But that has nothing to do with how great the movie is. The movie will be a great movie, and Jeremy Strong will be amazing in the role." He added that he prefers to keep his association with Facebook at a distance, despite the public’s strong link between him and the company.
The San Sebastian International Film Festival, running from September 18 to 26, served as the backdrop for Eisenberg’s revelations. The event showcased a range of international cinema, and Eisenberg’s appearance was a highlight for many attendees.
In closing, Eisenberg reflected on the power of community theatre and the importance of confronting one’s fears. He encouraged aspiring actors to embrace the challenges of the craft, noting that true growth comes from stepping outside comfort zones.
Overall, Eisenberg’s candid remarks shed light on the personal journey that shaped his latest film and his evolving relationship with the acting profession.
Key facts
- Eisenberg’s debut film, The Debut, is autobiographical and set in 1990s New Jersey
- Julianne Moore’s rehearsal changed Eisenberg’s negative view of acting
- Paul Giamatti added unexpected warmth to his character
- Eisenberg declined to reprise Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Reckoning
- The film premiered at the San Sebastian Film Festival
- Eisenberg emphasizes the transformative power of community theatre
Why it matters
Eisenberg’s insights reveal how personal experience can transform an actor’s perspective on the craft, offering a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at the making of a film rooted in real life.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Debut about?
It follows a shy woman who becomes involved in a community theatre production in 1990s New Jersey, drawing on Eisenberg’s own childhood experiences.
Why did Jesse Eisenberg decline the Zuckerberg role again?
He said the role didn’t feel right for him at this time, though he respects the project and the new actor Jeremy Strong.
Who stars in The Debut?
The film features Julianne Moore, Paul Giamatti, Halle Bailey, Havana Rose Liu, Bernadette Peters, Colton Ryan, Lilli Cooper, Maulik Pancholy, and Bonnie Milligan.
Sources
- [1] hollywoodreporter.com — originally reported as “Jesse Eisenberg Used to Have “a Negative Opinion” of Acting: “They Pay Us Too Much, We’re Vain””
