Jake Gyllenhaal says he was forced by Guy Ritchie to “let go” for ‘The Covenant’
Jake Gyllenhaal spilled some tea about his latest movie project, The Covenant, directed by none other than the legendary Guy Ritchie. During a recent interview on Hot Ones, the Nightcrawler actor dished on what it was like to work with Ritchie, and let’s just say it was anything but ordinary.
When host Sean Evans asked Gyllenhaal if he found it “daunting, challenging, or liberating” to work with a director who allowed for “a lot of space to explore,” Gyllenhaal replied that he loved the fact that he got to work with so many different minds in his line of work.
In The Covenant, Gyllenhaal stars as US Army Sgt. John Kinley, who goes head-to-head with Taliban forces alongside Afghan interpreter Ahmed, played by Dar Salim. However, what made this project stand out was Ritchie’s unconventional approach to the filmmaking process.
According to Gyllenhaal, Ritchie instructed him not to memorize any of his lines and sent him a script that was only 50 pages long and not even fully written. “Usually, scripts are like 110 pages, and I was like, ‘What is this?’ when he first sent it,” Gyllenhaal said. “And then he said, ‘You come to set, and we’ll work on it on the day, and then you’ll go shoot your thing.’ And it was one of the most inspiring, creative experiences I’ve ever had because it asked for total let go.”
But that wasn’t the only interesting tidbit that Gyllenhaal shared during the interview. He also addressed rumors that real human and animal feces were used in the 2005 film Jarhead to create an authentic reaction in the scene.
While he denied that actual excrement was used, he did reveal that “fly wranglers” were on set to “put f**ing flies in it to make it look like real sht.” And if that wasn’t enough, Gyllenhaal also reminisced about other films where he had to endure sugar and fake flies being thrown at his face to create the illusion of being swarmed by the pesky insects.
With Guy Ritchie’s unique approach to filmmaking and Gyllenhaal’s willingness to let go and trust the process, it’s safe to say that The Covenant is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing movies of the year. Be sure to catch it when it hits theaters on April 21st.
Jake Gyllenhaal has been one of the most talented actors in Hollywood for years, with unforgettable performances in films such as Nightcrawler and Nocturnal Animals. His unique approach to each role has made him a household name in the industry, giving him the opportunity to work on various projects ranging from action-packed blockbusters to more character-focused independent films. However, this week, Gyllenhaal faced one of the toughest challenges of his career, as he appeared on one of YouTube’s most popular shows, Hot Ones, where celebrities try to endure the heat of increasingly spicy chicken wings.
Hosted by Sean Evans, Hot Ones allows guests to promote their upcoming projects while sampling chicken wings coated in hot sauces that gradually increase in heat as the show progresses. As the heat intensifies, celebrities often struggle to maintain their composure, leading to hilarious viral clips like Millie Bobby Brown crying or Idris Elba coughing uncontrollably. For Gyllenhaal, this was an opportunity to promote his upcoming film, Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant, a war movie set during the Afghanistan conflict.
In The Covenant, Gyllenhaal plays Sergeant John Kinley, a decorated soldier who must hire a translator named Ahmed (Dar Salim) before heading out to complete his mission. The film takes a dramatic turn when the duo faces unexpected dangers in Afghanistan, forcing them to fight for survival. Gyllenhaal’s performance promises to be a powerful one, as he brings his trademark nuance to the role of Kinley.
But what’s next for Gyllenhaal after The Covenant? The actor is set to star in Doug Liman’s remake of the cult classic, Road House. The original 1989 film starred Patrick Swayze as James Dalton, a professional bouncer with a mysterious past who takes on a new job in New York City. Although the film received mixed reviews upon its initial release, it has since gained a cult following and has been referenced in numerous productions over the years.
Gyllenhaal’s involvement in the Road House remake has generated a lot of buzz, as fans eagerly anticipate his take on the iconic role. While he may have to endure some spicy chicken wings in the future, it’s clear that Gyllenhaal is ready to tackle any challenge that comes his way. With his impressive range and talent, he’s sure to continue delivering memorable performances for years to come.
