James Marsden Talks “30 Rock” Role, Growing Into His Career
James Marsden may be one of the dreamiest men on the planet, but he never gets the girl. “27 Dresses” aside, he’s almost always the nice guy in films who can’t catch a break when it comes to love. Need examples? Just watch “The Notebook,” “Enchanted” or “Superman Returns.”
But maybe now Marsden’s finally getting lucky — he’s guest starring alongside Tina Fey on “30 Rock” when it makes its mid-season return. However, the actor was terribly tight-lipped about his stint on the NBC comedy when asked at the Savannah Film Festival last week.
“I can’t tell you anything. I am doing a six-episode stint on the show, kind of like what Matt Damon did last year,” Marsden told The Huffington Post.
“I can’t tell you. I wish I could,” he added when asked whether his character will be dating Fey’s Liz Lemon. “Alec Baldwin is here. Ask him.”
Unfortunately, Baldwin had already left.
Marsden, 38, said he feels that he has reached a certain age and a certain point in his career when he can afford to be a little more choosy about his roles.
“Early in your career you feel like there is a formula, a path you have to take. You have to do this movie because this person directed it and you have to be associated with these people,” Marsden said. “In some ways I have thrown that out. I decided I should go after the roles I like, that I am inspired by and then if I am having a good time, chances are that people will like watching you.”
But it’s tricky to stay both relevant and inspired.
“It’s about balance. Do a movie that’s good for your career, then do a one that gets good box office,” Marsden said. “Nowadays I worry more about, ‘Is this the right role for me? Does it speak to me? Am I right for this?’ … The inspiration needs to be there … I just want people to like it, even if only five people see it.”
Marsden shouldn’t have too much trouble with his next project. He stars alongside Kirsten Dunst and Isla Fisher in the raunchy Will Ferrell-directed “Bachelorette.”
Calling the flick another R-rated, female-driven comedy in the vein of “Bridesmaids,” Marsden adds that while he likes romantic comedies — even if he never gets the girl — it’s important to him that the scripts include strong women characters.
“They need to be smart and funny,” Marsden said.
Source: HuffingtonPost.com