Goosebumps’ David Schwimmer wants “very different” roles to Ross from Friends

As a film enthusiast with decades of movie-watching under my belt, I have always been intrigued by the transformative power of actors and their ability to slip into diverse roles. David Schwimmer, known to many as Ross Geller from Friends, is no exception. His recent venture into the horror genre with Goosebumps: The Vanishing, a far cry from his rambunctious days on the sitcom, showcases his versatility and commitment to exploring new territories in acting.

The shift from Ross’s unagi-yelling antics to the understated Anthony in Goosebumps is a testament to Schwimmer’s growth as an actor. His pursuit of roles that challenge him and offer a stark contrast to his past work is commendable, especially in an industry where being typecast can be a formidable obstacle.

Comparing Schwimmer to other actors like Daniel Radcliffe and Robert Pattinson, who have bravely ventured away from their iconic roles, seems fitting. It’s exciting to imagine him taking on more daring roles in the future, provided the school run goes smoothly, of course! Who knows, perhaps we might see him starring in a Robert Eggers film or portraying an eccentric musician someday – but let’s hope the school bus is running on time.

In jest, I’d say, “If they ever remake The Goonies, Schwimmer better watch out – Chunk’s role is calling his name!

Throughout several decades of acting spanning diverse genres such as kids’ cartoons and intense dramas, David Schwimmer has been recognized primarily for one role: that of Ross in Friends.

Identify an individual from either Intelligence or American Crime Story hailing from New York, and it’s hard not to imagine him shouting “Adjust directions!” instead.

For Schwimmer, following a decade spent as a central figure in what is widely regarded as the most renowned sitcom ever made, transitioning into new roles has been a key aspect of his career after Friends.

In my next adventure, I’ll be stepping into the shoes of scientist Anthony in the Disney Plus’s spine-tingling young-adult horror, Goosebumps: The Vanishing. As the story unfolds, I find myself drawn into a heart-stopping mystery that sends chills down my spine!

In the initial phases, Anthony is asking for a more minimalistic approach from Schwimmer in terms of his acting style, which is quite different from the lively, unagi-yelling character Ross was known for – and it’s this shift to a slower tempo, in a fresh genre for the actor, that attracted him to the role.

For a decade, I portrayed a role alongside Ross. That span represents a significant portion of my existence. Therefore, it’s only reasonable for me to seek out experiences that are quite distinct,” he clarified.

I’ve never before attempted acting in this particular genre and style, but I appreciate diverse tones, ranging from horror to action-comedy. This project seemed to strike a unique balance that I found challenging, and I must say, I’m genuinely impressed with the creative and production teams for executing it so well.

The genre is a blend of horror and action-comedy, aiming to provide a strong emotional depth to each character and their interactions as well.

Indeed, that resonates with my persona and kin, and as a performer, the question becomes: Given this setting and mood, how should I most effectively portray it?

He added: “I discovered that playing things down is usually the best approach, as everything around can be quite grandiose or exaggerated. So, I believe it’s often wiser to keep a low profile.

For certain artists, it can prove difficult to escape the confines of a specific character or genre following their major debut, as they risk being typecast within the film or television world.

Other performers such as Daniel Radcliffe and Robert Pattinson initially gained fame through iconic roles (Harry Potter and Edward Cullen from Twilight, respectively). However, they have since ventured into new territories, aiming to establish themselves beyond the series that brought them initial recognition.

Is Schwimmer doing a similar thing? 

He acknowledged this, agreeing with my sentiment. By the way, those performers are truly exceptional, and I admire their dedication and the bold choices they make in their craft. I too aspire for such chances.

“I guess I’m up for anything different, anything that’s a real challenge.”

That is, if parental responsibilities allow.

In a jovial manner, Schwimmer shared that he doesn’t have any specific plans or goals at the moment, and his current focus isn’t primarily self-centered. Instead, he emphasized the importance of achieving a harmonious balance between work and family life as a father. He added that several aspects now influence his decisions.

As for me, I’m left wondering if we might catch a glimpse of that 58-year-old actor gracing the screen in Robert Eggers’ next film, or perhaps embracing the role of an iconic eccentric musician. The answer to this question remains uncertain, it seems to hinge on the daily routine – the school run, as they say.

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2025-01-02 23:34