In a fun chat with NME on May 29, 2025, Michael Cera got real about the stuff that lights him up—think Jackie Chan’s wild stunts, The Beatles’ timeless tunes, and the quirky magic of working with Wes Anderson. The Superbad and Barbie star, who’s basically the king of awkward charm, spilled the tea on what fuels his creativity and how he found his groove in Anderson’s Asteroid City.
Cera’s been a Jackie Chan fanboy since forever. “I was totally hooked on his movies as a kid,” he told. Chan’s mix of laugh-out-loud comedy and jaw-dropping action was a game-changer for him. “It’s like he’s having a blast while pulling off these insane stunts,” Cera said, and you can totally see that playful energy in his own roles, like the lovably dorky George Michael Bluth in Arrested Development.
Then there’s The Beatles, who Cera can’t stop raving about. “Their music’s always been there for me,” he shared. It’s like his creative lifeline, especially when he’s diving into a role like his musical character in Asteroid City. “They just kept pushing the boundaries, you know? It’s inspiring.” You can feel that vibe in how he brings this quiet, soulful depth to his characters.
Speaking of Asteroid City, Cera had a blast working with Wes Anderson. The movie’s this retro-cool sci-fi comedy set in a desert town, and Cera called Anderson’s set a “total creative playground.” He loved how Anderson’s super detailed style—think pastel colors and perfectly framed shots—still leaves room for actors to mess around and add their own flair. “Wes builds this whole world, but you’re free to play in it,” he said.
Starring alongside big names like Scarlett Johansson and Tom Hanks didn’t faze him much. “You just try to keep up and not overthink it,” he laughed. Fans are already buzzing about his performance, which nails that classic Cera mix of awkward and heartfelt.
The NME chat also gave a peek into Cera’s career, from indie gems like Juno to blockbusters like Barbie. He’s all about projects that feel real and catch you off guard. Whether he’s channeling Jackie Chan’s energy, vibing to The Beatles, or soaking up Wes Anderson’s quirky genius, Cera’s just out here doing his thing—and we’re all here for it.