We need to think like Ferrari.
EW also chatted with Bernthal about taking on the role and why it became so personal to him.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What jumped out to you about this opportunity?
Merrick Morton/Fox
I feel like the easy answer is everything.JON BERNTHAL:[Laughs] I think that is the answer.
Im an enormous fan of Jim Mangold and his films.
Hes one of our national treasures and just one of the best filmmakers working hes just a master storyteller.
Merrick Morton/Fox
And then the role.
And for Lee Iacocca himself, it was written beautifully and hes such an extraordinary figure.
He reminded me a lot of my father, and I talked to Jim a lot about that.
I really wanted to play this role kind of for my dad.
I was unbelievably grateful that I got the chance.
How much did you know about this story and Lee before the project came to you?
For me, I knew the name Lee Iacocca but my knowledge was very surface-level.Probably the same as you.
I had an idea of him and I remember him from commercials and his book.
I love the books, I loved all the articles I read.
I watched tons of interviews and TV segments with him.
You mentioned it earlier, but what was it like working with Matt and Christian?
Theyre both heroes of mine.
Hes unbelievably gracious and giving and kind and he loves it.
Im really, really proud to call him a friend.
I was sort of staggered with his acting.
That was refreshing for me.
Hes another hero of mine, and I was so blown away by what he did in the movie.
Another guy, equal parts wonderful human being and artist.
I cant say enough good things about Tracy Letts.
Is that where your mind goes when looking at projects?I think so.
For me, its always about people who inspire me.
Im always looking for the best possible projects with the best possible people.
Ford v Ferrariopens Nov. 15.
