From Vanity Fair · Chris Murphy · · 2m
Skyler Gisondo’s Dark Side in Primetime
Skyler Gisondo’s role as a decoy in Primetime reveals his acting depth and struggle to switch off his 'dark side' after a Venice Film Festival premiere.
In brief
Skyler Gisondo’s role as a decoy in Primetime reveals his acting depth and struggle to switch off his 'dark side' after a Venice Film Festival premiere. Gisondo’s Primetime role as a decoy in To Catch a Predator showcases his ability to embody vulnerability and moral ambiguity while navigating the tension between his…
Child Star Beginnings
Skyler Gisondo landed his first acting role in a Pizza Hut commercial at age 10 after a competitive audition process.
“My first audition was a Pizza Hut commercial, which was a total cattle call.”
Avoiding Child Stardom
Gisondo’s parents restricted his Disney Channel auditions to prevent early fame, keeping him as a steady but uncelebrated actor.
“My mom wouldn’t let me audition for Disney or Nick because she didn’t want me to be kid famous or whatever.”
Early Film Success
Gisondo appeared in films like Walk Hard and The Amazing Spider-Man before turning 25, transitioning smoothly into adult roles.
“I was this steadily working kid actor, but by no means a famous child actor.”
Primetime Role
Gisondo plays Dan Plumb, a 23-year-old aspiring actor who becomes a decoy in To Catch a Predator to lure predators.
“Part of the outlandishness of the show is these decoys did not seem remotely underage.”
Venice Premiere
Primetime earned an eight-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, positioning it for awards recognition.
“I received an eight-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival.”
Voice Transformation
Gisondo trained to raise his vocal pitch for the role, creating a believable decoy voice that avoids sounding comical.
“I wanted the natural register of my voice to be a little bit higher so it didn’t seem as comical of a reach.”
Chris Hansen’s Reaction
Hansen branded the film an 'insult' and purchased promotional slots for his streaming service TruBlu to counter the movie.
“I’ve never met him or spoken to him, but I think the film is a dramatization of sorts.”
Working with Pattinson
Gisondo credits Robert Pattinson’s willingness to share his acting process and emotional depth for his own growth.
“He will drop in, do the greatest acting you’ve ever seen in your life, and then snap out of it and it’s done.”
Shifting Identity
Gisondo struggled to switch off the 'Decoy Dan' persona after filming, maintaining a conflicted mindset for months.
“I realized I was not able to go in and out. Dan was consistently trapped in this isolated, deeply conflicted, and estranged headspace.”
Focker-In-Law
Gisondo returns to comedy in Focker-In-Law, opposite Ariana Grande, after his Primetime success.
“It tonally could not have been more of a switch up for sure.”
Internet Fame
Gisondo became an internet sensation for his wholesome charm and relatable humor, despite his distance from social media.
“They’re not sick of me?... Dude, I have no idea.”
Future Projects
Gisondo is filming The People vs. Gorilla Grodd, a Superman sequel, and Shrek 5, showcasing his versatility.
“I’m looking forward to seeing her when I do.”
Moral Ambiguity
Primetime explores the ethical tensions of To Catch a Predator without taking sides on Hansen’s methods.
“It’s neither an exaltation of Hansen’s holy war against child predators nor a condemnation of the ethically dubious methods.”
Child Star to Adult Actor
Gisondo’s journey from child actor to respected adult performer highlights his ability to balance vulnerability and confidence.
“I think it would be really damaging to the work for me to spend too much time thinking about how something will be received.”
Venice Reception
The film’s Venice premiere generated overwhelming positive reactions, surprising the cast and crew.
“We were just riding high from that point on.”
Shrek 5 Role
Gisondo voices Farkle, one of Shrek’s three children, in the upcoming animated feature Shrek 5.
“I’m looking forward to seeing her when I do.”
The short version
Gisondo’s Primetime role as a decoy in To Catch a Predator showcases his ability to embody vulnerability and moral ambiguity while navigating the tension between his child star past and adult acting career.
