Paul Dano Talks Playing Steven Spielberg’s ‘Complicated’ Father: ‘The Stakes Felt Really High’
Steven Spielberg is so synonymous with modern blockbuster filmmaking. In fact, most fans probably feel they know all they need to about the legendary director. Alas, Spielberg’s next movie aims to change that. As he contends for his third Best Director Oscar in 2022, the release of Spielberg’s next movie, The Fabelmans, draws nearer. Now one of its stars, The Batman‘s Paul Dano, opens up about playing a character inspired by Spielberg’s own father.
Steven Spielberg’s next movie, ‘The Fabelmans,’ is inspired by his own life
While not a direct autobiography, The Fabelmans is being widely discussed as a semi-autobiographical release. As reported by Deadline back in early 2021, the movie is “loosely based on [Spielberg’s] childhood growing up in Arizona.” Exact plot details have remained fairly vague, but the movie sounds like it will be one of the director’s most personal yet. In fact, it will be the first movie in decades for which Spielberg will have a writing credit.
Moreover, The Fabelmans is assembling a strong cast led by Gabriel LaBelle as Sammy Fabelman. That character is essentially the Spielberg analog in the movie. Michelle Williams and Dano will star as Sammy’s parents, while Seth Rogen plays Sammy’s uncle and Julia Butters (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) his sister. The Fabelmans is currently scheduled to hit theaters on November 23, 2022. Universal has yet to release a trailer or any footage.
Paul Dano plays a character based on Steven Spielberg’s father in the film
While his character isn’t technically Spielberg’s father, Dano told The Hollywood Reporter he absolutely felt the pressure of living up to the man. In particular, Arnold Spielberg’s death in 2020 at the age of 103 made Dano’s performance all the more critical to get right.
“Somebody like Steven making a film about his life and you’re playing a version of his father … the stakes felt really high. … You’re embodying one of the most important, influential, complicated figures in [Spielberg’s] life. It was incredible to see how much of this was in his work the whole time. He’s sharing a piece of himself that I find very moving. There’s a real gift in it, when somebody of that stature and at that level of artistry is willing to do that.”
Despite the pressure of playing his director’s father, Dano appreciated the opportunity to play a role closer to who he is in real life. After all, the actor is perhaps best known for darker material like There Will Be Blood, 12 Years a Slave, and — of course — The Batman.
Paul Dano currently stars in ‘The Batman’ as a sinister take on the Riddler
In Matt Reeves’ 2022 film, Dano plays classic DC Comics villain The Riddler. However, his take is far closer to a sadistic serial killer in the vein of the unsolved Zodiac murders than anything previously brought to the screen. Prior to Dano’s take, The Riddler was more often played with over-the-top glee. See Jim Carrey’s performance in 1995’s Batman Forever and Frank Gorshin’s work on he 1960s Batman TV show.
But most critics and fans are responding favorably to The Batman. The film — according to Variety — debuted with $134 million in domestic theaters. That all but ensures a sequel is well on its way. Will Dano’s Riddler return to wreak havoc on Gotham City once again? Given the rich tapestry of beloved characters Reeves introduces, it’s certainly a possibility.
