James Marsden is known for his works on X-Men, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Enchanted, but many fans would remember him as Lon Hammond from Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams’ The Notebook.
Marsden had a time in Hollywood films when he always played “the other guy” or the guy who doesn’t get chosen by the girl. Even his wealthy character lost out to Gosling in the famed 2004 romantic film.
James Marsden Reflects On His Role In The Notebook
Speaking with The Guardian, actor James Marsden admitted he initially did not believe in the potential of The Notebook. He thought it was just another sappy story. He stated:
“I remember thinking, ‘Is this just going to be a soap opera?’ Then I stepped on set and realized all the people involved were top, top-level talent. We weren’t doing a sappy romance. Everyone was really raw. That’s why it worked.”
His performance in the movie was loved by everyone, and it even helped him land more movie roles. During one encounter in a New York bar, he was tapped on the shoulder by Julia Roberts who told him she loved The Notebook. Marsden said:
“It was Julia Roberts. I’d never seen her before in my life. She said, ‘I’m sorry, I don’t mean to interrupt but The Notebook is my favourite movie – and you’re so good in it.’ I just leapt out of my chair and gave her a hug.”
Reflecting on his role as Lon Hammond, Marsden admitted that many fans were deeply affected by his character in the film and that they truly believed he was the bad guy. The actor shared via Good Morning America:
“When the movie became such a phenomenon, people would come up to me on the street and be like, ‘Why were you trying to get in their way?! They were supposed to be together.’ It was like, ‘Ahh, I didn’t do anything. It was a job. I don’t know.’”
Still, he acknowledged the popularity and success of The Notebook, mentioning how he never really expected it would become a classic of that decade. Marsden further added:
“Nobody knew that that was going to be such a massive hit. You never know when you’re filming. You hope that it’s gonna happen, but that one I don’t think anyone saw it coming. Pretty special thing to be a part of.”
Marsden also stated in the interview that a lot of men would come up to him and say he was in their favorite movie, and the actor would assume it was X-Men, but it’s actually The Notebook.
James Marsden Prefers To Take Different Kinds Of Roles
In the same interview with The Guardian, James Marsden said he’s okay not always being the lead guy. He admits finding pleasure in portraying different kinds of characters. He explained:
“I like surprising people. I want to be a character actor. I don’t need to take the lead. I wouldn’t have said no to overnight success, but being catapulted into superstardom comes with its own challenges. I’m the guy who’s been in everything.”
Marsden’s other credits include Ally McBeal, Westworld, and Jury Duty. He also appeared in films such as Hairspray, The Box, and 27 Dresses.
