Jesse Plemons Reflects on Role Choices and Body Changes in New Projects

LONDON, England — Actor Jesse Plemons is carving a unique path in Hollywood, blending eccentric character roles with personal transformations. Sitting in a hotel room on a grey February afternoon, the 36-year-old reflects on his journey, including his notable casting decisions and significant physical changes throughout his career.

Plemons first gained widespread recognition for his role as Todd in AMC’s acclaimed series Breaking Bad. As he recalls, Todd’s chilling nature was a sharp departure from the path Plemons envisioned for himself. ‘When I was in Breaking Bad, it was just so wrapped up in the zeitgeist,’ he said. ‘I feel like I still haven’t fully lived that down.’

Despite the challenges of being typecast after portraying such a villainous character, Plemons has since embraced diverse roles that have allowed his career to flourish. Recent projects include Alex Garland’s dystopian thriller Civil War, where he plays a character grappling with a divided America. ‘The parallels [with reality] are undeniable,’ Plemons said, pointing out the socio-political commentary present in his recent work.

One of the noteworthy shifts in his life was prompted by his casting in Civil War. Plemons realized he needed to shed weight to authentically portray his character, a soldier marked by destruction. ‘Being asked to play that character and being unable to see him at my current weight… that kind of snapped me out of it,’ he explained, mentioning how fasting and lifestyle changes aided in his transformation.

Plemons’ versatility as an actor is further showcased in the Netflix thriller Zero Day. He portrays Roger, a political fixer shrouded in secrets while navigating a world marred by cyberterrorism and political unrest. ‘I really loved Roger, how slippery he is. There’s an unpredictable quality to him,’ Plemons said of his character, adding that the compelling script motivated him to join the project.

His experience mirrors the unique storytelling in Kinds of Kindness, another project where he took on multiple roles. Plemons acknowledged the challenges of such surreal narratives but pointed out that the distinctiveness of the characters drew him in. He expressed satisfaction in being part of stories that push boundaries, even stating, ‘It’s not a movie for everyone, which is really exciting.’

Looking back, Plemons credited his early career experiences as foundational in shaping his understanding of acting. Having started as a child actor, he shared, ‘It exposed me at such an early age to so many different types of people.’ His breakthrough came with the role of Landry Clark in Friday Night Lights, a series that allowed him to showcase his knack for portraying complex characters.

As he continues to navigate the complexities of Hollywood, Plemons remains focused on taking on roles that resonate personally. His collaboration with acclaimed filmmakers, including Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, has elevated his standing in the industry. ‘It’s one of those things I never even thought to dream about,’ he said, reflecting on working alongside such iconography.

In a stressful industry increasingly leaning toward franchise films, Plemons has consciously chosen to pursue unique narratives, avoiding typical blockbuster roles. He shared his experience working on Jungle Cruise and Battleship, emphasizing that while he enjoyed those projects, his primary focus remains on character-driven stories.

Plemons continues to seek out projects that explore the ‘nuanced human experiences’ despite their dark tones. He commented on the evolving nature of storytelling, stating, ‘For actors, there’s always this hyperfocus on the characters, the relationships – the human aspects of it.’ With an impressive body of work increasingly intertwining with real-world issues, Plemons embodies a rich blend of talent and introspection as he embraces his multifaceted career.