Andrew Garfield’s Hollywood career has been a remarkable journey of talent and versatility. Rising to prominence with his breakout role in The Social Network, Garfield quickly established himself as a formidable actor. He showcased his range in diverse films like Never Let Me Go, Hacksaw Ridge, and Silence, proving his ability to embody complex characters with depth and emotional resonance.
Of course, his portrayal of Spider-Man in the Amazing Spider-Man series solidified his place in pop culture. With a string of critically acclaimed performances and a magnetic screen presence, Garfield continues to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact on the film industry. However, Garfield thought his career was over after his first film with Tom Cruise.
Which Film Did Andrew Garfield Star In Alongside Tom Cruise
Andrew Garfield’s Hollywood journey commenced with the 2007 political thriller Lions for Lambs, a film boasting an impressive ensemble cast including Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, and Michael Pena. Surprisingly, Garfield secured a role alongside these acting powerhouses through an audition tape originally intended for a different project—a movie that ultimately never came to fruition.
“Eventually the tape of my test went to Avy Kaufman, who is a fantastic casting director, and she was casting the Redford movie and brought me in. Things kind of went from there. It was amazing spending time with Redford while we were making Lions for Lambs. Just incredible,” Garfield told Interview magazine.
Looking back, Garfield still found it hard to believe that he had the opportunity to star in Lions for Lambs, considering his relatively modest status in the industry at the time. Reflecting on his involvement in the film, he marveled at the chance to work alongside renowned actors and be part of a project of such caliber. It served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the industry and the unexpected turns that can shape one’s career.
The Film Didn’t Go As Andrew Garfield Had Imagined
Despite the presence of notable stars, Lions for Lambs fell short of expectations in terms of its performance. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 27% based on 185 reviews, the film didn’t resonate strongly with critics. Additionally, it was considered one of Tom Cruise’s less successful projects. However, the movie’s underwhelming reception might have been particularly disappointing for Garfield, as he had anticipated it to be his breakthrough moment in the industry.
“The first film I did was Lions for Lambs with Robert Redford directing and Meryl Streep and Tom Cruise starring. It was a very worthy script, and I thought, ‘This is literally going to define our time.’ And the film didn’t do well at all. People hated it, to be honest,” Garfield once told the LA Times.
However, Garfield would ultimately find triumph in The Social Network, a film that provided him with the validation he had long sought. The critically acclaimed movie propelled Garfield into the spotlight and showcased his exceptional talent. His portrayal of Eduardo Saverin, co-founder of Facebook, earned widespread acclaim and solidified his status as a gifted actor.
Lions for Lambs is available for rent and purchase on Google Play and Amazon Instant Video.
Source: Cheatsheet
