What Did Will McCormick Reveal About Celeste and Jesse Forever? | This Week in Movies, Season 2, Episode 7

TL;DR

Will McCormick explains that he and Rashida Jones drew on difficult breakups and the idea of remaining friends after divorce to write Celeste and Jesse Forever. The co-writer and star discusses its semi-autobiographical roots, lower-than-planned budget, casting of Andy Samberg and Jones, and positive audience response. Read on for his insights into the film’s writing, production, relationships, and Sundance reception.

Transcript

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Key Insights

• 😑 Celeste and Jesse Forever is a semi-autobiographical film that explores the complexities of staying friends with an ex-partner.
• 😘 The movie had a low budget but was still able to capture the essence of the original script and the vision of the writers.
• 💗 The relationship between Will McCormick and Rashida Jones grew stronger throughout the filmmaking process.
• 🫵 The film received positive feedback and resonated with viewers, despite initial nerves and doubts.

Questions & Answers

Q: How autobiographical is Celeste and Jesse Forever?

The film is loosely autobiographical and draws on Will McCormick and Rashida Jones’s experiences with difficult breakups. McCormick says it is not a direct representation of their own relationship.

Q: What is Celeste and Jesse Forever about?

The film explores a couple trying to remain friends after a divorce while struggling to let go of each other. Its central focus is the complicated dynamic of staying close to an ex-partner.

Q: How did Will McCormick and Rashida Jones develop the film’s story?

They based the story on their own experiences with difficult breakups and the idea of remaining friends after a divorce. Those personal elements made the film semi-autobiographical rather than a direct account of their relationship.

Q: How did the film’s budget affect Celeste and Jesse Forever?

The movie was made with a lower budget than initially planned. McCormick nevertheless believes the finished film captures the original script and the writers’ vision.

Q: Did Will McCormick and Rashida Jones consider playing the lead roles?

McCormick says he never intended to play the male lead because he identifies as a character actor. Andy Samberg and Rashida Jones were chosen as the leads based on their chemistry and previous friendship.

Q: How did McCormick and Jones’s relationship change while making the film?

McCormick says their relationship became even closer throughout the filmmaking process. They grew both as best friends and as writing partners.

Q: How did Will McCormick feel about the film’s Sundance premiere?

McCormick describes the experience as intense and nerve-racking. The positive reception and audience feedback ultimately made it worthwhile.

Q: What movies are reviewed in This Week in Movies, Season 2, Episode 7?

The episode includes reviews of The Master, Liberal Arts, and Butter. The hosts also plan to discuss Bellflower near the end of the show.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Will McCormick and Rashida Jones wrote Celeste and Jesse Forever based on their own experiences with difficult breakups and the idea of staying friends after a divorce.

• The film explores the unique dynamics of a couple who struggle to let go of each other and maintain a friendship.

• McCormick explains that the movie was made with a lower budget than initially planned, but he is proud of the final product and believes it accurately represents their original vision.