Will Poulter — the versatile actor known for his standout roles in The Bear, Midsommar, and the new movie Union County — dedicated his afternoon to engaging with redditors for an AMA. Broadcasting from r/movies, he reveals a surprising love for the culinary arts that extends far beyond his character’s kitchen. He also discusses the profound experience of sharing the screen with first-time performers in rural Ohio. Dive into the highlights from the conversation below.
The culinary life
Question:
Did you gain any practical cooking skills during The Bear shoots that you now use at home?
Will Poulter:
Question:
If you never became an actor, what other career would you imagine yourself having done instead?
Will Poulter:
Exploring Ohio
Question:
Hope this doesn’t get buried!
Will, I’m from Bellefontaine, Ohio where Union County was filmed. I haven’t seen it yet but I’ve heard there are a lot of locals in the movie. Where did the decision come from to shoot in such a remote location and how was your experience with the town and locals while you were there?
Will Poulter:
Question:
That’s hilarious, did you find anything good from Jungle Jim’s?
Will Poulter:
Question:
As a citizen of Union County Ohio, I’m just curious, did you visit to get an idea of the community and do some research for this role?
Will Poulter:
Acting with first-time performers
Question:
How is acting across a real person different than acting across another professional actor? What did you take away from your time on Union County?
I saw the film at Sundance and was very moved.
Will Poulter:
Question:
Union County reminded me of movies like Nomadland and Sing Sing, where most of the cast are not actors but real folks telling their story.
Will Poulter:
Looking back on the journey
Question:
Some actors say they can never watch their own performances, others study them. Where do you fall? Any favorite reactions from another person watching with you?
Will Poulter:
Question:
Will, I am so glad you haven taken good care of yourself. Your mental health journey has been a beacon of hope for me and many others – that you could face it head on, and not quit something that made you happy yet was so public, and come out stronger for it, was and will always be incredible. I know you are only human, that you did it for nobody but yourself, and that you put your pants on one leg at a time. I had to give up the biz, myself. Folks don’t realize how much of a team is needed to overcome mental struggles and stress. Just, thanks. If you ever read this. You’re one of my favorite performers and I wish you all the best.
My question is: what is a favorite memory you have from Guardians?
Will Poulter:
It is clear that Will Poulter approaches his craft with deep curiosity and respect for his collaborators, spanning trained performers and local residents. His reflections on filming Union County offer a powerful look at the power of community-driven stories and authentic representation on the big screen.
What was your favorite part of the conversation? Read the full AMA in r/movies, and find more conversations like this in r/television, r/entertainment, and r/acting.
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Dining and Cooking