Sebastian Stan Slams Method Acting, Thinks It's A "Very Irresponsible, Narcissistic, Self-Indulgent Thing"
As he stated, he doesn't believe in creating chaos to evoke raw emotion on set.
If you're into film, you've probably heard the stories of actors engaging in method acting. With this technique, performers "become" the character, often remaining in the role for extended periods to empathize emotionally with the characters they're portraying.
They push themselves to feel the true sentiments in each scenario rather than merely faking them.
In some instances, this technique has actually distinguished good actors from all-time greats. It has helped some of the best actors create some of the most iconic characters we've seen.
However, doing this requires immense commitment from an actor, to the point that they may have to sacrifice their mind, body, and spirit to fully transform into characters we will never truly forget. Sometimes, however, things can get a little too intense.
There have been tales of actors intentionally provoking their castmates because they insist on maintaining their character, while others have sent rodents to their castmates simply because it's what their character would do.
Some celebrities can tolerate it, while others see no sense in it. Sebastian Stan is one of the latter, and he didn't hold back when it came to his comments about it.
Here's what he had to say about method acting.
Sebastian Stan had some hot takes about method acting
In many ways, it's hard to recognize Sebastian Stan when he played opposite Lily James and Seth Rogen in Pam & Tommy, Hulu's biographical drama about Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee's leaked sex tape.
Axelle / FilmMagic via Getty ImagesIn Pam & Tommy, Stan took on the role of a drummer
In the film, Stan portrayed the infamously hotheaded and sometimes violent drummer from Mötley Crüe. Given that it was quite different from his role as Bucky Barnes in the MCU, it was challenging territory for the actor.
Hulu / Via youtube.comIt was new territory for the actor
During a recent appearance on Backstage's In the Envelope podcast, Stan reflected on developing his character and the process that helped him bring a real person to life on screen.
Amy Sussman / Getty Images for Deadline Hollywood
He's not a fan of the method approach
Apparently, despite Stan's concerns about bringing his own personal mannerisms to work, he's not particularly fond of the method approach to acting.
Kate Green / Getty Images
He doesn't believe in creating chaos
"I don't believe in creating chaos for the purposes of [acting]," Sebastian explained. "And I know actors do that a lot. There are many people who do that ... create sort of chaos on set or chaos among the other people they're working with in order to somehow give the scene this tension or whatever."
Hulu / Via youtube.com
He really didn't mince his words
"But to me, that just reads like a very irresponsible, narcissistic, kind of self-indulgent thing," he added.
Kevin Winter / Getty Images for Deadline Hollywood
He doesn't think it benefits anybody
"It just reads like: 'I'm afraid, and I just want to torture everyone else because of it.'"
Jimmy Kimmel Live
Given all the horror stories out there about method acting, perhaps Stan has the right idea.
We know that many method actors have brought us iconic movies and characters, and who knows if they would have been as excellent if they hadn't embraced that method. However, admittedly, there are some drawbacks to it.
After all, when you're working on a film, it's not just about you. There are many people around you to consider.
But, to each their own, right?
