Domhnall Gleeson Shares ‘Fountain of Youth’ Co-star John Krasinski’s Guidance on Joining ‘The Office’ Spinoff (Exclusive)

Domhnall Gleeson’s New Adventure and Sage Advice from Friends

I stumbled upon an intriguing piece of news the other day – Domhnall Gleeson, the actor who’s graced many a screen with his versatile talent, was in the midst of filming with John Krasinski when a new opportunity presented itself. The offer was for a leading role in a much-anticipated spinoff, and it came at just the right moment.

Gleeson, who’s now 42, reflected on this crossroads by seeking advice from two trusted friends and co-stars: John Krasinski and Steve Carell. Having worked closely with Steve on FX’s project back in 2022, Gleeson shared that their time together had left a lasting impact. “Even though we’re very different actors, our methods align in such interesting ways,” he mused. It made sense to turn to them when faced with such a decision. “It’s a big thing, you know?”

The project they were discussing was quite different from Gleeson’s previous work – a fun action-adventure as opposed to the intense psychological thrillers he’s been known for. Both Krasinski and Carell echoed similar sentiments. Their advice was straightforward: “You have to do it. It’s a chance to work with Greg Daniels, one of the comedic masterminds of recent times.” They reassured him that working with Greg would be rewarding and filled with joy.

The filming experience on this new adventure, set to debut on Peacock in the fall, lived up to every expectation. “And they were right,” Gleeson confessed with a touch of satisfaction. The collaboration with Daniels and Michael Cohen, another showrunner on the project, proved to be delightful.

In a related scene from an Apple TV+ film featuring Gleeson, there’s a poignant interaction with Thomas, played by the young and talented Benjamin Chivers. Gleeson found himself challenged by Chivers’ knack for memorizing lines swiftly – something Gleeson admitted was becoming harder for him with age. “That’s getting older, I guess,” he chuckled, recalling the day they spontaneously received new lines to perform.

This Apple TV+ project also saw Gleeson embracing an entirely different character – Owen Carver, a financier of sorts funding an adventurous quest for the fabled fountain of youth. Owen isn’t exactly fond of kids but finds himself enjoying the company he’s thrust into. The role took him all the way to Egypt’s pyramids, an experience that required him to feign disinterest despite the awe-inspiring surroundings.

Owen’s journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about adventure. Yet Gleeson reveals how his character remains unfazed by the historical grandeur around him: “My character wouldn’t really care about that sort of stuff. He’s more about the people he’s with than the fun of the chase.” It’s a curious thing – acting indifferent amidst ancient wonders.

The new film is set to premiere on Apple TV+ on Friday, May 23. It’s an intriguing mix of seasoned actors like Gleeson facing fresh challenges alongside emerging talents like Chivers – certainly worth watching out for.

If you’re eager for more updates on this or other stories, check out The Guardian for reliable news coverage.