Jonah Hill has always been known as the funny man.
Getting his big break in the 2007 Judd Apatow comedy, “Superbad,” Hill continued to take comedic roles in films like “Knocked Up” and “How to Train Your Dragon.”
However, hoping to shed his funny image and gain more notoriety as a serious actor, Hill’s last two roles came from more dramatic movies.
In “Moneyball,” Jonah plays Peter Brand, his most dramatic role to date.
“I’m intentionally doing movies that are diversifying who I am,” Hill said. “‘Superbad’ made a big splash when it came out and from there on I’ve been regarded as the character from that film.”
With a star-studded cast that includes Oscar nominees and winners like Brad Pitt, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Aaron Sorkin, Hill jumped at the chance to be on the cast.
“When you get a part like this, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance,” Hill said.
Even though Jonah was not originally thought of for the role, the actor hosted a “Friends & Family” screening of his film “Cyrus.”
Hill carefully included “Moneyball” director Bennett Miller in the audience.
The next day, Jonah was offered the role.
Filming a movie about sports is viewed by Hill as a double edged sword.
Hill’s character’s real name is Paul Depedesto, but his name was changed to Peter Brand, after Depedesto didn’t favor his portrayal in the movie’s book of the same name.
“I thought it was really funny that a lot of sports writers were negative about it (Hill’s casting as Depedesto),” Hill said. “But after seeing the movie the critics ended up liking it.”
On set, Jonah and his co-star Brad Pitt formed what Jonah calls a “big brother, little brother” relationship.
“We ended up really liking each other,” Jonah said. “He’s funny and fun to be around, a true gentleman.”
While Pitt and Hill may have gotten along on-set, Hill was still a victim to Brad’s notorious practical jokes.
One in particular involved Brad painting Hill’s golf-cart pink with a decal that read “#1 Wham Fan” and a radio that played the band’s hit “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” on a continuous loop.
“It (“Moneyball”) was amazing,” Hill said. “I really am humbled by the whole experience.”
