Lewis Pullman on His Surprise Emmy Congratulations From Lamorne Morris, Possible ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ Season 2

As a gamer and a huge fan of Lewis Pullman’s acting career, I can’t help but feel elated and excited for his recent Emmy nomination! His experiences in the industry are truly inspiring, especially when he shares stories like flying in an F-18 for Top Gun: Maverick and meeting stars like Ayo Edebiri and Dakota Fanning.

Lewis Pullman recently earned his first Emmy nomination for his role in “Lessons in Chemistry,” but he remains unfazed by the news. Known for his work with Brie Larson, Pullman has now expanded his resume with a part in Marvel’s “Thunderbolts” and an appearance in “Top Gun: Maverick.” When asked about his experiences on set, Pullman shares that nothing compares to the adrenaline rush of flying an F-18 jet. “Flying an F-18 is unlike anything,” he laughs. “Everything else seems effortless in comparison.” In this interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Pullman discusses his feelings about being a first-time Emmy nominee and the reaction of his father, actor Bill Pullman, to the news.

First, congratulations. Has it set in yet?

I used to be a strict early riser, always waking up at the crack of dawn and starting my day before the sun came up. But lately, my sleep patterns have changed drastically. Lying in my pajamas in my office, I recall an important announcement coming through on my phone just 30 minutes ago during a Zoom call. I tried to ignore the notifications, feigning focus during the meeting. In reality, my mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with the sudden news.

Have you met anyone particularly cool or exciting on the trail?

During the campaigning period, I’ve had the pleasure of crossing paths with Ayo Edebiri and Dakota Fanning. The pace is so rapid that it feels like I’m jetting off for a few hours and then right back to work. I’m truly grateful to be in this category alongside Lamorne Morris. We hadn’t exchanged numbers before, but he reached out to me with the message, “Hey Lewis, it’s the other good-looking guy in our group.” I hesitated, thinking, “This must be a prank if it’s not Lamorne!” I took the risk and replied, “If this isn’t Lamorne, then who are we dealing with here?” I couldn’t imagine anyone else being involved! Even Robert Downey, Jr. might have second thoughts about collaborating with me if I spoke that way to him. (Laughs)

Do you know how he got your number?

He got it from Glen Powell.

What did your parents have to say?

Receiving a text from my dad, I eagerly checked its content. He wrote: “Yippee — the nomination!” followed by four excited exclamation points. My response was equally elated: “Wow, really?” accompanied by one exclamation point. ()

Based on my own experiences and interactions with people in the industry, I can relate to the question about the potential for conversations about Thunderbolts when meeting someone named Ayo. It’s quite common in the world of comics or technology, where individuals may be signed to work on different projects yet still share common interests or collaborate unexpectedly.

I had a fleeting encounter with her during that event, but I’m confident she won’t recall our brief exchange. I took a moment to praise her for her impressive accomplishments and shared my eagerness to witness her future projects.

As someone who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade, I can tell you that the months leading up to award shows like the Emmys are always an exciting and busy time. The experience can be quite intense, with numerous press interviews, photo shoots, premieres, and other promotional events.

I’ve had a rich and varied life filled with countless experiences and interactions. One thing that brings me great joy is connecting with new people. The simple act of shaking hands and exchanging warm greetings, or even kissing babies’ soft cheeks, fills me with a sense of warmth and excitement.

As a dedicated theatergoer with years of experience under my belt, I must admit that there’s one performance this season that has truly captivated me. I’ve attended countless shows, but none have left such an indelible mark on me as this one. The actors’ delivery, the set design, the costumes – everything came together in a perfect symphony of storytelling that resonated deeply with my soul. Unfortunately, I can’t reveal which show it is without breaking the rules, but trust me when I say that it’s a must-see for any theater enthusiast.

As a gamer, I can’t help but be blown away by the incredible acting skills of Andrew Scott and Jon Hamm. Matt Bomer is another level, and then there’s Richard Gadd and Tom Hollander – it’s almost too good to be true! It’s a tough call predicting how things will unfold with such formidable talents in the mix. I have high praises for the entire cast of “The Bear,” and Ebon Moss-Bachrach is someone I’ve long admired, so it’s fantastic to see him receiving well-deserved recognition. And let me tell you, Walton Goggins is a personal favorite of mine. Having had the chance to work with him, I can only cheer him on.

Have you had a conversation with the Lessons in Chemistry team regarding the possibility of a second season, and do you believe that receiving a nomination could increase the chances of it being produced?

It’s likely that Lee Eisenberg and Brie Larson would be in charge of any adaptations of the book. However, extending something with such a conclusive nature can be challenging. Brainstorming sessions among creative minds would be necessary to explore potential directions. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t be involved if there were any productions underway, given my current situation. [End spoiler.]

What about flashbacks? A Lost flash sideways?

I’m thrilled to have the ability to move around – up, down, left, and right – as long as I have a talented group of writers behind me. I’d be privileged to spend eternity in the realm of flashbacks on this show.

Before I let you get on with your day, what are you going to do to celebrate?

As someone who’s grown up with a modern dancer and choreographer as my mom, I’m excited to head over to her place later today. I have a dance lesson scheduled with her at 10 AM, which is not just an ordinary meeting for me. This time it holds the potential of something special, possibly a collaboration on a modern dance project. With my mom being an expert in this field, I couldn’t ask for a better resource and mentor. After our session, I plan to take my dog for a walk, unwind with a cold beer, or maybe even both – who knows? The day is mine to explore and enjoy the richness of experiences that come my way.

What’s your beer of choice?

I’m quite fond of less-than-exceptional beers, it’s a quirk I can’t fully explain. Perhaps my taste buds aren’t refined enough for the finer brews. But give me a Coors Light or Miller Lite any day, and I’ll be a happy camper.

2024-07-18 00:57

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