Thank you to Disney Studios for inviting me to attend this event, and interview the cast of Christopher Robin, including this exclusive interview with Ewan McGregor.
Here’s the deal: as a Star Wars fan, being able to part of this interview almost made me pass out. Being able to sit NEXT to Ewan McGregor, who plays title character Christopher Robin, made my heart skip a beat. So much so, I didn’t ask any questions because I was so nervous. I did, however, make eye-to-eye contact with Mr. McGregor, so life is pretty much complete right now.
But, you want to know how this extremely talented actor feels about taking on this iconic character, so let’s talk about Ewan for the rest of this post. OK? OK.
What It’s Like Being THE Christopher Robin
Playing Christopher Robin in a Disney film could bring on lots of nerves, but Ewan shared that when he read the script, he felt an immediate connection.
“When I read the script, I felt like I knew him. I felt like it was just the right part for me to play at this point, in this time. I think that anything that makes your sort of feel any kind of fear is usually good to do. It’s better to do stuff you’re slightly scared of, than not.”
Ewan McGregor Likes Pooh But Loves Kanga
When asked who is his favorite 100 Acre Woods character, Ewan diplomatically said that he loves them all. He did mention that Winnie The Pooh is his “little sidekick” and that Eeyore’s glum demeanor makes you feel happy when you’re with him, but he said something profound about Kanga, one of my favorite characters.
“I tell you who’s lovely — Kanga, because she was one of the few female characters of the bunch. She’s definitely the most calming and she’s the maternal character of the bunch, isn’t she? She’s the mum.”
The Message of Christopher Robin
When asked what Ewan viewed as the key message of Christopher Robin, Ewan immediately mentioned connection while also saying he doesn’t focus too deeply on the message of a film, since it’s really up to the viewer.
“I think it’s just about connection isn’t it, it’s about being available to each other and being there, being present. I don’t really concern myself with messages in movies, I don’t like to think about that. I think that it’s up to the viewer.
Everyone will receive it in a different way, it’ll mean something different to everybody, and I think that’s what lovely about any art. It’s like going into an art gallery and coming out like ‘I didn’t understand it’ and you think there isn’t anything to understand. You either get it, it means something to you, or it doesn’t. There shouldn’t be something to understand.”
An Appreciation for Director Marc Forster
This is Ewan’s second film with Director Marc Forster, and you could hear the admiration he feels for Marc. Ewan says it all starts with embracing and respecting input from the cast.
“Marc is such a beautiful collaborative director. He really loves to hear everybody’s ideas. He’s very open. He also absolutely understands what film he wants to make. But, he just allows us to feel. You feel like you’ve got a lot of room, (and can give) a lot of input.”
Isn’t Ewan McGregor just lovely? What a fun and insightful interview.
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CHRISTOPHER ROBIN arrives in theatres everywhere on August 3rd!
Making eye contact making life complete. I love it. I was nervous to ask a question, too. Mine never come out succinct, they are always garbled.
But you ask some of the best questions, garbled or not!