Known for making people laugh

Skyler Gisondo has built a career playing well-natured goofballs in shows like The Righteous Gemstones and movies like Licorice Pizza, becoming a reliable source of humor alongside major talents.

Superman debut as Jimmy Olsen

Last year, Gisondo made his DC Universe debut in James Gunn's Superman, playing Jimmy Olsen, Clark Kent's best friend and a reporter for the Daily Planet.

A darker role in Primetime

In Primetime, Gisondo plays Decoy Dan Plumb, an aspiring actor desperate for his SAG card who gets drawn into Chris Hansen's world of capturing online predators. It's a departure from his usual comedic work.

Initial doubts about the role

When director Lance Oppenheim first called, Gisondo wondered how he fit into the film's gritty world. He recalls asking, 'What have you seen of mine that makes you think I would be right?'

“'What have you seen of mine that makes you think I would be right?'”

Would have turned it down before

A few years ago, Gisondo says he would have been too scared to take on such a departure from his previous work. Reading the script, he worried, 'I don't know if I can get there.'

“'I don't know if I can get there. I've never done anything like that.'”

Major impostor syndrome on set

Gisondo entered production with major impostor syndrome, but responded by working harder than ever before. He says it ultimately became the most gratifying process of his career.

“It ultimately was the most gratifying process of my career, in a way, to be operating so often from a place of real uncertainty.”

Dan as the film's emotional anchor

While Pattinson's operatic performance as Hansen dominates, Gisondo's Dan serves as the film's emotional anchor, functioning like Nick Carraway to Pattinson's Jay Gatsby.

Chemistry with Pattinson shines

The film balances darkness with playful humor, especially in scenes between Dan and Hansen. When Chris tells Dan to order something classier than Bud Light, Dan responds, 'Budweiser, then,' showcasing their chemistry.

“'Budweiser, then'”

Pattinson was inspiring to work with

Gisondo describes Pattinson as inspiring, praising his willingness to take big swings and his ability to drop in and out of darkness. Pattinson remained collaborative and generous even with heavy material.

“'Inspiring' is the only word he can think of to describe his co-star.”

Struggled to shake off the darkness

After Primetime, Gisondo filmed the comedy sequel Focker-in-Law, but found it harder than Pattinson to switch tones. Director John Hamburg had to remind him, 'Sky, you know, energy-wise, it's happy?'

“'Sky, you know, energy-wise, it's happy?'”

Next up: HBO's Gorilla Grodd series

Gisondo reprises his role as Jimmy Olsen in HBO's The People vs. Gorilla Grodd, a true crime mockumentary from the creators of American Vandal. He says the experience from Primetime helps with the mockumentary format.

“'I'm pinching myself'”