'There are worse things than being known as McLovin...'
One of the more remarkable film debuts in recent memory was, undoubtedly, Christopher Mintz-Plasse's performance as Fogell in Superbad. You don't remember Fogell? Yeah, you do. It's just that he was better known as McLovin. With Superbad storming up the DVD sales charts even as we type, Screenjabber caught up with Chris to discuss just how much a fake ID can change someone's life...
You all did a lot of publicity when the film came out and here you are again.
Yeah, and I'm loving it. It's not tough at all really.
So it's not an endless stream of dumb questions?
I've not done interviews for a while but back in the day I guess the dumbest question was 'what does it mean to be superbad?'
Was there any question you were hoping to be asked that never came up?
I haven't really thought about a question I wanted to be asked. Maybe 'how's your day going?'
How's your day going?
It's going quite well, thank you for asking...
I understand Superbad was your first film?
It was, yes. They were looking to fill the part for about three months and they had auditions and e mailed schools and my two friends heard about it. They thought I would fit the part so I went down with them and auditioned and that was that.
So acting hadn't been the long-term dream?
I've always acted in my High School plays and elementary school, but I never thought that I'd be in a movie. So it was my first time on film.
How did your family feel about the break and this role?
They were so excited for me, they would come to the set every day and talk to Seth Rogen. They loved it.
Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Bill Hader, Michael Cera. That's a talented bunch you were working with
They're on fire right now.
What's public recognition been like since the film?
Well, basically, everywhere I go that's not my house... (laughs). There are worst things than to be known as McLovin. It's been good.
And the ladies...?
I don't go out as much as I should, but when I do, it's pretty easy...
So it is as us non-film folk imagine?
Pretty much. It's living the dream.
What's next for you?
I finished another movie with Paul Rudd about a week ago. And I'm doing the voice to an animated feature.
So acting is looking like the long-term career then?
Yeah, and I'm up for it.
Any plans to write or direct?
I'm writing a script right now with my friend, we're hoping that we can do something with that in a couple of months. But I haven't really thought about directing, I think I'm a little young. I've not really heard of any 18 year old directors.
I guess you can't spend time with Seth Rogen and that crew without at least contemplating writing or directing...
Yeah. He's amazing, so smart.
If you were planning a perfect night in, what, apart from a Superbad DVD obviously, would we need?
You need three friends, a bong on the table, some chips and dip and some soda and I think you've got yourself a party.
A litle pizza perhaps?
Yeah. I'd normally rock the traditional cheese but if I'm feeling crazy I'll throw some pepperoni on there, some mushrooms, some sausage...
Just to clarify, what is the drinking age in the US?
It's 21. I miss Europe...
And now as one of the three most famous underage drinkers in the US, you must be completely screwed.
Yeah. But I'll find a way...
I guess you have people who can do that for you now...
Yeah, exactly.
What is the animated film about?
It's called How To Train A Dragon, it's basically a kids book and it's going to be in 3D when it comes out, I believe. It's about a Viking kid, learning how to train a dragon.
Is it just your voice or are you doing the full Beowulf?
No way. Its just the voice.
Have you ever thought about doing stand-up?
I haven't really thought about it. I might be down for stand-up. I'd be down for TV. You know Arrested Development? That's probably the best TV show I've ever seen, so I'd love to be in a show like that
Yeah but you have to say that in case Michael hears...
Yeah, I do.
And finally, what does the rest of the day involve?
I think I've got an hour of interviews and then I'm going to drive up and visit a friend at college and party. So maybe I'll get lucky with some ladies up there...