Kieran Culkin shared his unusual story about how he secured the role in A Real Pain after the director simply happened to ask him to join the cast. Jesse Eisenberg simultaneously directed and wrote the 2024 movie, which features Kieran Culkin beside Eisenberg. Two cousins named David and Benji start a journey to Poland, where they will honor the memory of their deceased grandmother. The typical method Eisenberg used to cast Culkin appeared normal to him, yet Culkin found it utterly surprising.
“That’s Not How You Get a Job”
During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Kieran Culkin, best known for Home Alone and Succession, recounted how Eisenberg cast him in A Real Pain without seeing him act in anything or holding an audition.
“He cast me without auditioning me or seeing me in anything ever, he was like, ‘Yeah, that’s fine. I’m aware of you. I met you before,’ Culkin recalled. However, in reality, the two had only crossed paths twice in passing.
Eisenberg made a nonchalant gesture and said to the reporter, “Just glance at his quality of being.” The uncertain manner in which Kieran Culkin secured the job role left him confused, and he commented, “That’s not how you get a job.” The decision made perfect sense to Eisenberg because he trusted his instincts. He’s amazing.”
The Part That Expanded His Fame Internationally
A Real Pain became a career-defining project for Kieran Culkin despite its unconventional casting method. The acclaimed performance in that role won him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Role. The job started as a casual casting choice, and it transformed into a milestone achievement that demonstrated that trusting your gut and being spontaneous occasionally leads to spectacular results.
