[A Candid Conversation with Kieran Culkin: From Succession to Stardom]-[Kieran Culkin Ranks Every 'Succession' Character From Good to Evil ｜ Explain This ｜ Esquire]

Esquire · B1 ·

📋 Summary

Exploring the Mind of Kieran Culkin: A Deep Dive

In a recent interview, Kieran Culkin, the actor behind the complex character of Roman Roy in Succession, offers a candid look at his career, his take on the Roy family, and the realities of life on set. Through his characteristic wit and self-deprecation, Culkin unpacks the nuances of his most famous role and reflects on his broader experiences in Hollywood.

The Succession Dynamic: Why Roman is the Heir

When asked who among the Succession cast would be the best successor to Logan Roy, Culkin doesn't hesitate to nominate his own character, Roman. He argues that Roman is the most like his father, whereas siblings Kendall and Shiv are "too smart for their own good," constantly attempting to "reinvent" the business. Culkin suggests that while Kendall and Shiv want to build their own legacy, Roman understands the brutal, top-down nature of his father’s management style: "Yell at people, make them do stuff. If you fail, blame someone else and fire them."

Behind the Scenes: Billionaire Habits and Character Choices

Culkin shares amusing observations about the ultra-wealthy, particularly the "coat thing." He notes that billionaires don't wear coats because they are chauffeured directly to their jets or helicopters, making outerwear "cumbersome" and unnecessary.

Regarding his approach to Roman, Culkin reveals that he made one defining choice at the start of the pilot: "This guy feels like he never has to suffer any consequences." This singular perspective shaped his portrayal of the character’s volatile and entitled nature. He also clarifies that the palpable tension between Roman and J. Smith-Cameron’s character, Gerri, was not originally in the script. It evolved from his tendency to be "really flirty" with her on set, leading to "inappropriate comments" that eventually became a core part of the show's narrative.

Reflecting on Colleagues and Craft

Culkin provides heartfelt anecdotes about his interactions with industry legends. He recalls the brilliance of John Candy in Home Alone, noting that much of Candy's performance was improvised—even the famous scene where he leaves a child at a funeral home. He also praises Steve Martin’s leadership on the set of Father of the Bride, highlighting how Martin modeled kindness and encouraged others to ask for "another take" if they felt they needed it, setting a standard for how a lead should treat their cast and crew.

Unfiltered Self-Analysis

In a humorous segment, Culkin compares himself to the characters of Succession and concludes that he is most like Logan Roy. Citing his tendency to tell people to "f*** off" and his admitted indecisiveness, he jokes, "I don't have to read the rest. It's four for four."

Culkin also touches on the absurdity of acting, from wearing a "freaking" fake mustache in Fargo that kept "flopping off" because he couldn't grow one in a day, to the baffling experience of wearing hearing aids in She's All That even after the script dropped the deaf plotline. These stories highlight the often chaotic and unglamorous reality behind the polished final product, proving that even at the highest levels of television, the process is often filled with "annoying" and "cumbersome" surprises.

🎯Key Sentences

it just sort of makes everyone chuckle.

Let's dive in, shall we?

they are almost too smart for their own good.

They want to put their own spin on it

That's what they want to be.

Expand All

📝Key Phrases

too smart for their own good

put their own spin on it

built himself from the ground up

seem to track

throw someone off

Expand All

📖 Transcript

Even if he is actually frustrated and he'll yell something, it just sort of makes everyone chuckle.

The f*** are we waiting on?

It's just funny.

He's a little bit hungry and he's impatient.

It's late.

Get him a sandwich and let's roll, please.

Or study on the web version →