In Ryan Eggold’s new film “Literally, Right Before Aaron,” after Adam (Justin Long) gets a call from his ex-girlfriend Allison (Cobie Smulders) telling him she is getting married, he finds his world spinning out of control. It’s been less than two years since their 8 year relationship ended and Adam is just not ready to say goodbye.
Against the advice of his best friend Mark (John Cho), Adam decides to drive back home to San Francisco to attend the wedding in hopes of convincing himself, and everyone else, that he is truly happy for her. Once home, Adam meets Allison’s incredibly charming fiancé Aaron (Ryan Hansen) and finds himself in a series of embarrassing, hilarious, and humbling situations. Over the next few days, Adam discovers the comedy and the tragedy of letting go and the hard truths about growing up.
We spoke with cast Justin Long, John Cho, Ryan Hansen at the film’s Tribeca Film Festival premiere at SVA. Check out what they had to say below:
How was working with Ryan?
Charlotte McKinney: Ryan was amazing, him being a fellow actor, he was able to direct us in a way that a lot of directors couldn’t and it was amazing to be around his energy.
What was your favorite scene to shoot?
Charlotte McKinney: My favorite scene was definitely the wedding scene when we got to dance around like crazy drunk maniacs, so that was definitely a fun time.
What attracted you to the project?
Justin Long: I really liked the script, it was a very natural dialogue. I really enjoyed the story. I felt like I could relate to the character. I know that’s a very generic answer, but it’s true. And he got a great cast. I’ve loved, always admired Cobie’s work and so yeah. Simple, easy.
Are there any moments that didn’t make final cute?
Justin Long: Well, they cut out a lot of stuff. I shot some stuff with John Cho where I had to fake puke on an actress who was very game and they cut it out of the movie, unfortunately. But I had never done that before. They had rigged up a tube, and I think they cut it out because it was too real. I was too disgusting, I think, but I was very proud of that and anything with John. John and I got to improvise a lot … I’m always prejudiced against really handsome guys. I always assume that they’re not that funny, you know? And so I was surprised when I worked with Ryan, it was disarming, how funny he is. And upsetting, that he’s that attractive and genuinely funny. It was like, that’s not fair, if God gives you one, you’re not supposed to have all these things, and he’s nice. And he’s nice to his wife. And I hate to say this but, I know it might work for the millennials, but goals. You know what I mean?
So what is your role in this?
Ryan Hansen: I play the title role Aaron, Literally, Right Before Aaron. I’m Aaron.
And what happens right before Aaron?
Ryan Hansen: Well, Justin Long’s character was dating Cobie, literally right before me, Aaron. And Coby and I are getting married, spoiler alert. I saw Cobie’s play, her matinee today. She’s wonderful. What a talent. A Canadian talent.
How was working with Justin?
Ryan Hansen: Justin’s an asshole. He’s untalented. [laughter] He’s one of my favorite people in the world. Cobie and Justin. Everyone’s so sweet, it was like a big love fest. It was a little too much, really.
Was there a lot of improv?
Ryan Hansen: There was some improv … Ryan wrote a beautiful script, but he gave us liberties to have a lot of fun with it. Who doesn’t want to work with Ryan Eggold, are you kidding me? Gorgeous, talented. Ryan’s the man. I love him so much.
Tell me about collaborating with Ryan, and why you wanted to be involved.
John Cho: Well, I thought the script was funny, it was a kind of classic, very warm romantic comedy. And Ryan, when I met with him, he’s an actor obviously. And he came at the film from an actor’s background and it informed everything he did. So he was very empathetic and it was just a big ball of fun. This big hot fudge sundae.
How was working with Justin?
John Cho: He likes to improvise a lot, which I’m not super comfortable with, but he got me to do it a little bit. He’s always trying to put a spin on something.
Is it fun to be here in New York at the Tribeca Film Festival?
John Cho: I always enjoy being in New York, one hundred percent of the time. I’ve never had a bad time here.
Justin Long, Cobie Smulders, John Cho, Charlotte McKinney and Ryan Eggold (Director) celebrated the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival premiere of Literally, Right Before Aaron at the official after party sponsored by Chloe Wine Collection and Rizk Pictures Productions on Saturday, April 22nd at Fine & Rare.
PHOTO CREDIT: Rob Kim, Getty Images
Additional sightings: Ed Helms, Russell Peters, Ditto Montiel, Sting and Mark Cuban celebrated the 2017 Tribeca Film premiere of The Clapper at the official after party on Sunday, April 23rd, sponsored by EFFEN Vodka.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jamie McCarthy, Getty Images
Clarke Duke, Kathleen Nolan, Al Knox, Juston Street and Adam Rifkin (Director) celebrated the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival premiere of Dog Years at the official after party on Saturday, April 22nd, sponsored by EFFEN Vodka at The Griffin Pop Up.