Is it fair to callAdam Driverthe Henry Fonda of this generation? Driver’s versatility is certainly reminiscent of how Fonda could portray any role, whether it be Davis, aka the eighth juror, in12 Angry Menor how he played against typecasting as the villainous cowboy, Frank, inOnce Upon a Time in the West(1968). Driver certainly has that elite level of acting acumen, but Driver has, quite by happenstance, taken on the roles of two well-known Italians in Maurizio Gucci and most recently, as Enzo Ferrari. And Driver responded to how some critics have questioned him about the repetition during his sit-down with hosts Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes on theSmartlesspodcast:
Who gives a s—t that it was two Italians back-to-back?
Driver’s jest about how much playing two Italians comes up made Bateman, Arnett and Hayes laugh, and the star ofHouse of GucciandFerrarimade it crystal clear that his ambition as an actor is to work with the best filmmakers. InHouse of Gucci, Driver had the opportunity to rub shoulders with Ridley Scott, while Ferrari gave him the chance to work with another Hollywood heavyweight, Michael Mann. Driver also said during the podcast:
“So many people have been like, ‘How many Italians… ?’ I’m like, ‘It’s just kind of worked out that way.’ I think someone probably would — should have said, you know, [something] because it’s going to come up a lot […] But I’m like, well it’s Ridley, and it’s Michael. And they’re in my mind some of the best filmmakers."
Related:These Are the Best Adam Driver Movies, So Far
Adam Driver’s Ambition
Ferrari’sAdam Driver understands the necessity for movies to make money, but he’s not strategically picking and choosing which roles he wants to play based on that criterion. Rather, Driver seeks out the best opportunities, so he can work with some of the best filmmakers Hollywood has to offer. Driver said in the same podcast:
In my mind, it’s a filmmaker’s medium. So, I’m strategic in that, ‘Well, isn’t the goal then to work with great filmmakers?’ […] I made myself available to try to work with them if it came up.
Certainly, Driver’s talent, which is akin to so many ofHollywood’s best actors of all time, allows him the latitude to work with whomever he pleases, at this point in his career. But it’s fascinating to look back on the actor’s journey, and how Driver was rejected by Juilliard the first time he applied. After an injury to his sternum derailed his military career, Driver auditioned for the famed NYC school a second time — and he got in.
Today, Driver is arguably most well-known for portrayingKylo Ren in theStar Warssequel trilogy, but his on-screen presence and next-level acting chops have enabled Driver the freedom to play unforgettable roles like Lev Shapiro inFrances Ha— Driver teamed withBarbie’sGreta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach — Detective Flip inBlacKkKlansmanand Bill Murray’s partner inThe Dead Don’t Die. The sky is the limit for Driver, who seems to be driven by creative forces rather than simply the almighty dollar. But having a net worth of $16 million (perCelebrity Net Worth) certainly doesn’t hurt.
And be sure to check out Adam Driver’s appearance on theSmartlesspodcast, which includes some hilarious interactions between well-known Star Wars fan Sean Hayes and the actor who portrayed the First Order’s Kylo Ren/Ben Solo (below):
