S5 EP8: Michael Cera on working with Tom Cruise, featuring in 'Barbie', and never graduating
The Louis Theroux Podcast
The Weight of Fame
This chapter explores the complexities of fame and its emotional toll, particularly the challenges of setting healthy boundaries. It discusses personal experiences of recognition and how social dynamics in Los Angeles can complicate one's relationship with celebrity status.
In this very special bonus episode, Louis is joined by actor and writer Michael Cera. Michael tells Louis about his foul-mouthed run-in with Tom Cruise, nearly missing out on his role as Allan in Barbie, and the reason he never graduated from high school. Plus, Louis reveals which Superbad character he most aligns with…
Warnings: Strong language
Links/Attachments:
Film: The Phoenician Scheme (2025) - dir. Wes Anderson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEuMnPl2WI4
TV Show: Arrested Development (2004-2019) - Fox/Netflix
https://www.netflix.com/title/70140358
TV Show: The Office (2001-2003) - BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b00jd68z/the-office
TV Show: The Grubbs (2002) - Fox
https://youtu.be/knwPbzLWCNQ?si=9d10SEXncfPkrdaK
Film: Superbad (2007)
https://www.netflix.com/title/70058023
Advert: ‘Pillsbury Doughboy Commercial’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDEYPbfWY6I
Film: Year One (2009)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4H_Eepvg3aU
Film: Ghostbusters (1984)
https://www.netflix.com/title/541018
Film: A Minecraft Movie (2025)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJO_vIDZn-I
Film: Anora (2024)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1HxTmV5i7c
Film: Funny Games (1997) - dir. Michael Haneke
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec-70W_K77U
Film: Benny’s Video (1992) - dir. Michael Haneke
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18X_kyHW3G0
Film: White Ribbon (2009) - dir. Michael Haneke
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JOXs8KEiDY
Film: The Castle (1997) - dir. Michael Haneke
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8hsui0
Film: Right Now, Wrong Then (2015) - dir. Hong Sang-soo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOE-Zznq_S4
Film: Yourself and Yours (2016) - dir. Hong Sang-soo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48F7SkR8yew
Film: Claire’s Camera (2017) - dir. Hong Sang-soo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4-C5L0TupE
Short Story: ‘My Man Jeremy’ - Michael Cera
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/11/25/my-man-jeremy
Short Story: ‘Pinecone’ - Michael Cera
https://store.mcsweeneys.net/products/mcsweeneys-issue-30
Book: True Grit – Charles Portis
Book: Masters of Atlantis – Charles Portis
Book: Dog of the South – Charles Portis
TV Show: Scenes from a Marriage (2021) - HBO
Film: Fanny and Alexander (1982)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euGIHjc6C_Q
Film: Barbie (2023)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBk4NYhWNMM
TV Show: Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace (2004) - Channel 4
https://www.channel4.com/programmes/garth-marenghis-darkplace
Film: Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010) - dir. Edgar Wright
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wd5KEaOtm4
Film: This Is The End (2013)
https://www.netflix.com/title/70264796
Documentary: Louis Theroux: Miami Mega Jail (2011) - BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b011k0xx
Film: Rushmore (1998) - dir. Wes Anderson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZVdXXG3KN8
Film: A Clockwork Orange (1971) - dir. Stanley Kubrick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T54uZPI4Z8A&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tD
TV Show: Mr. Show with Bob and David (1995-1998) - HBO
https://www.hbo.com/mr-show-with-bob-and-david
Film: Bottle Rocket (1996) - dir. Wes Anderson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJPQ-NnjZR0
Credits:
Producer: Millie Chu
Assistant Producer: Maan al-Yasiri
Production Manager: Francesca Bassett
Music: Miguel D’Oliveira
Audio Mixer: Tom Guest
Video Mixer: Scott Edwards
Executive Producer: Arron Fellows
A Mindhouse Production for Spotify
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