Summary
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
Actor Monica Barbaro joins Josh Horowitz to discuss her career trajectory, transitioning from a background in professional dance to starring in major studio films like Top Gun: Maverick and her Oscar-nominated role as Joan Baez in A Complete Unknown. Barbaro details the making of her new high-concept rom-com One Night Only alongside Callum Turner, directed by Will Speck and Josh Gordon with a frantic New York aesthetic inspired by films like Uncut Gems and After Hours. The conversation also covers her recent theatre debut at London's National Theatre, upcoming projects including Luca Guadagnino's Artificial and Bradley Cooper's Ocean's prequel, and reflections on overcoming early career struggles and learning to trust her creative instincts.
- When approaching a new creative medium like theatre or singing, embrace the opportunity to learn from veterans rather than trying to coast on established career milestones. 19:32
- Recognize that early career rejections and commercial side hustles can help build resilience and provide valuable perspective as an actor. 38:10
- To break out of typecasting, make a conscious effort to turn down roles that repeat the exact energetic profile of your previous work. 39:59
- When taking on physically demanding roles with tight continuity constraints, rigorous wardrobe planning and open communication on set are essential. 14:12
Chapters
- 0:00Podcast Intro & Guest Announcement
Josh Horowitz introduces the episode, welcomes Monica Barbaro, and highlights her recent film work.
- 0:32Monica’s Career Highlights
Monica’s rise from Top Gun Maverick to A Complete Unknown and her upcoming rom‑com One Night Only are discussed.
- 1:31One Night Only Concept & Production
The hosts dive into the film’s unique premise of a one‑night‑per‑year society and its production details.
- 2:48Monica’s Musical Journey
Monica reflects on her transition from dance to acting and her recent singing roles, including her experience singing in films.
- 4:12Top Gun Maverick Experience
Monica shares behind‑the‑scenes anecdotes from the Top Gun set, her interactions with Tom Cruise, and the film’s production quirks.
- 6:13Future Projects & Aspirations
Monica discusses her upcoming projects, interest in musical theater, and her plans for future roles in film and stage.
- 48:01Reflecting on Joan Baez Performance
The host and guest discuss the actor’s Oscar‑nominated portrayal of Joan Baez, exploring pride and the challenge of embodying a non‑musician.
- 50:14Finding Confidence Through Feedback
The actor shares how director James Mangold’s advice helped him trust instincts and embrace freedom in his craft.
- 54:17Working with Luca Guadagnino
The conversation turns to the actor’s experience shooting Luca Guadagnino’s film, highlighting the director’s fluid style and research intensity.
- 55:00Early Acting & Career Challenges
Monica recounts her early auditions, side hustles, and the pivotal moment of landing her first major role.
- 57:28Stepping Into Ocean’s World
The guest talks about auditioning for and joining the cast of “Oceans,” detailing the dynamic of working with Bradley Cooper and Margot Robbie.
- 59:28Top Gun 2 and Future Projects
The host and guest discuss the status of the Top Gun sequel, expressing uncertainty and anticipation for future announcements.
Highlights
- 0:14
The guest explains that her biggest flex when dealing with a bad note from a director is simply forgetting his name entirely because he did not deserve a shout-out.
- 10:39
Unconventional Rom-Com Referencesinsight
Director Will Speck told the guest to watch Uncut Gems, After Hours, and Midnight Run instead of traditional romantic comedies to prepare for the frantic tone of One Night Only.
- 14:34
Strategic Costume Designstrategy
The wardrobe for One Night Only was meticulously tailored so the guest could easily run in heels, including designing shoes that were not attached to her feet.
- 15:57
Despite having no professional singing experience prior to playing Joan Baez, the guest found herself crying in her trailer before performing vocals for her next film.
- 18:38
Choosing Theatre Over Filminsight
The guest turned down film opportunities to make her stage acting debut at London's National Theatre, wanting to learn as part of an ensemble under master directors.
- 37:34
After earning her SAG card, the guest discovered that booking commercial work became significantly harder due to union restrictions and evolving internet contracts.
- 45:31
Cut Top Gun Scenesstory
The guest reveals that Jon Hamm shot scenes for Top Gun: Maverick trying to get her and Lewis Pullman to rat out Tom Cruise's character, though the scenes were ultimately cut.
- 56:35
Madcap Comedy and Horrorinsight
Director Luca Guadagnino would shift tone descriptions on set daily, telling the cast one day that Artificial was a zany comedy and the next that it was a horror story.
Quotes
Sponsored segments
- Subscribe 0:48–0:57
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About this episode
Monica Barbaro is having a moment. Or perhaps it's a series of moments. Top Gun: Maverick. An Oscar nomination for her singing debut in A Complete Unknown. And now she's leading a big screen romcom (alongside Callum Turner) in One Night Only. All of that plus films with Bradley Cooper & Margot Robbie, and Andrew Garfield & Luca Guadagnino on the horizon. She's here to talk about it all! SUPPORT THE SHOW BY SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! Rula -- Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/happy #rulapod Quince -- Go to Quince.com/HAPPYSAD for free shipping and 365-day returns. Limited Time Offer–Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code happy15 at http://huel.com/happy15. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcript
12,589 words · 7 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
Topics
- Top Gun
- New York
- One Night Only
- Unreal
- A Complete Unknown
- SAG
- San Francisco
- Oscar
- The Purge
- Cessna
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