Ben Stiller is making a return to acting after a seven-year break from lead roles. The actor and director, known for his work in films and television, will star in “Nutcrackers,” a dramedy directed by David Gordon Green. The film is set to premiere as the opening feature of the 49th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Thursday, Sept. 5.
Stiller, 58, who has primarily focused on directing in recent years, including his work on the 2019 limited series “Escape at Dannemora” and the Apple TV+ series “Severance,” spoke with Variety about his decision to return to acting. “I never thought I’d take this much time away from acting,” Stiller said. “It wasn’t intentional; it was just how things evolved.”
His last major screen role was in the 2017 film “Brad’s Status.” Since then, Stiller’s focus has shifted largely to behind-the-camera work.
In “Nutcrackers,” Stiller plays Michael, a high-profile real estate developer from Chicago who has been described as someone who “never had time for family.” The film’s synopsis, provided by TIFF, reveals that Michael’s sister once told him he was incapable of love. When his sister and her husband are involved in a severe accident, Michael is unexpectedly thrust into the role of caretaker for their home, farm, and four young boys.
The synopsis continues: “Michael drives out to his sister’s small town in Ohio, expecting that his visit will be a quick paperwork transaction. However, he soon finds that the situation is far more complicated. With his sister and her husband incapacitated, the boys are left almost unsupervised. Their only guardian becomes Uncle Mike, until a family services worker, played by Linda Cardellini, can arrange a suitable home for them.”
The film presents a unique challenge for Michael, who, despite his initial reluctance and desire to avoid the responsibility, finds an unexpected connection with his nephews through their ballet training. The synopsis hints at the comedic and heartwarming elements of the story: “Desperate to escape his newfound role as a guardian, Michael is both surprised and intrigued to discover that his nephews are trained in ballet. Could their dance skills make them appealing enough to potential foster families?”
In his interview with Variety, Stiller noted that the timing of “Nutcrackers” was serendipitous. “The stars aligned for me to do this film,” he said. “It happened at a time when it was literally the only time I could have made it. A few months later, and I wouldn’t have been able to.”
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Stiller also shared insights into his interactions with the young actors who play his on-screen nephews. He expressed his desire to foster a positive relationship with them, noting, “Sometimes, I have to be a jerk in the movie, and it’s important to me that the kids don’t feel hurt by that. Especially with a child actor who hasn’t worked before, you see their reactions and want to make sure they’re not negatively affected. It’s a delicate balance.”
The 49th Toronto International Film Festival runs from Sept. 5 through Sept. 15, showcasing a diverse selection of films from around the world. Stiller’s appearance in “Nutcrackers” marks a significant return to leading roles, highlighting his versatility and continued relevance in the film industry.
