Alexander Skarsård (Extended) | Father James Martin

Summary

Detailed Summary of "The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert" Featuring Alexander Skarsgård and Father James Martin

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
• Host/Author: CBS
• Episode: Alexander Skarsgård (Extended) | Father James Martin
• Release Date: May 14, 2025

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Introduction

In this engaging episode of "The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert," host Stephen Colbert navigates through a blend of sharp humor, current events, and insightful conversations. The episode features extended segments with Father James Martin, a renowned chaplain and author, and Alexander Skarsgård, an Emmy-winning actor known for his roles in notable series like Big Little Lies and Succession. The episode is structured to provide listeners with a rich tapestry of topics, from global politics to personal anecdotes from celebrities.

Stephen Colbert’s Monologue

Breaking News and Political Satire

Stephen Colbert kicks off the episode with his signature blend of humor and current events commentary. He begins by announcing his own unexpected birthday revelation, adding a personal touch that sets a light-hearted tone for the show.

• President Trump's Saudi Arabia Trip: Colbert humorously critiques former President Donald Trump's decision to embark on his first international trip to Saudi Arabia, an unconventional choice compared to traditional destinations like the UK or Canada. He remarks, “A president visiting Saudi Arabia on his first official trip is a bit unusual” [02:54].

• Allegations of Corruption: Delving into controversies, Colbert mocks the scrutiny surrounding Trump's acceptance of a $400 million bribe jet from Qatar. He quotes Trump humorously boasting about the deal: “I like you too much. You're like the son I never had.” [04:26]. Colbert continues to satirize the situation by highlighting responses from Trump’s allies, including Press Secretary Caroline Levitt’s assertion that Trump “only thinks about the American public” [05:25].

Introduction of Pope Leo XIV

Shifting gears, Colbert introduces the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, emphasizing his historic significance as the first American Pope and the first Augustinian friar to ascend to the papacy. He highlights Pope Leo's chosen motto, “in illo uno unum,” meaning “in the one, we are one,” underscoring a message of unity.

Interview with Father James Martin

Insights into Pope Leo XIV

Father James Martin, a bestselling author and chaplain of the Colbert Nation, joins Stephen Colbert to discuss the qualities and implications of the new Pope, Leo XIV.

• Pope Leo’s Character: Father Martin describes Pope Leo XIV as “modest, humble, which is a rarity in the Vatican.” He adds, “He's no pushover. So honestly, I think he's the perfect candidate – tough but gentle” [14:47].

• Overcoming Conventional Wisdom: Addressing skepticism about an American becoming Pope, Martin explains, “His experience was so overwhelming that he was the obvious candidate in the Italian press.” [15:23]. He emphasizes that Pope Leo's global perspective, including his proficiency in Spanish, has garnered wide acceptance.

• Relatability and Language: Martin highlights the significance of Pope Leo speaking in “American English, Midwestern English,” which enhances relatability for the American Catholic community [18:27].

• Legacy Compared to Pope Francis: Discussing the transition from Pope Francis, Martin notes, “We lost a great Pope. But really, I can't underline this enough. We got a really good one.” He commends Pope Francis for his compassion and outreach, setting a high bar for his successor [20:02].

Interview with Alexander Skarsgård

Exploring "Murderbot" and Personal Stories

Emmy-winning actor Alexander Skarsgård returns to the pod show to discuss his latest project, Murderbot, along with personal anecdotes that shed light on his life and family.

• Role in "Murderbot": Skarsgård elaborates on his character, a security unit that gains autonomy and humorously procrastinates by watching space soap operas. He explains, “So I was born to play that role.” [34:14]. The show is described as a blend of science fiction and humor, with Skarsgård’s character balancing epic adventures with relatable laziness.

• Personal Life and Family Dynamics: The conversation shifts to Skarsgård’s relationship with his father, revealing quirky family dynamics. He shares amusing stories about his father's unconventional behavior, such as dancing naked at home, which Colbert jokes about extensively [27:03].

• Swedish Heritage and Early Memories: Skarsgård reminisces about his childhood in Sweden, including his first movie experience watching Return of the Jedi at age seven. He fondly recalls his mother translating Yoda’s lines, enhancing his early connection to storytelling and performance [34:00 - 35:32].

• Cannes Film Festival Experience: Skarsgård recounts attending a lavish Lord of the Rings-themed party at Cannes, highlighting his early exposure to the film industry and international events [29:07 - 32:17].

• Upcoming Projects: Discussing his role in Murderbot, Skarsgård reveals humorous details about the character’s proclivities, including wrestling naked, which adds a layer of comedy to his portrayal [30:45].

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Stephen Colbert on Trump's Trip:

  • “A president visiting Saudi Arabia on his first official trip is a bit unusual.” [02:54]

• Donald Trump on Bribery:

  • “I like you too much. You're like the son I never had.” [04:26]

• Father James Martin on Pope Leo XIV:

  • “He's a really great guy.” [16:15]

• Alexander Skarsgård on "Murderbot":

  • “So I was born to play that role.” [34:14]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a blend of humor and heartfelt moments. Colbert expresses his appreciation for his guests, particularly highlighting the personal stories shared by Alexander Skarsgård and the insightful analysis from Father James Martin. The episode wraps up with promotions for upcoming episodes and a tease about Skarsgård’s new series, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating future content.

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Key Takeaways:

• The episode offers a balanced mix of political satire, religious insights, and personal anecdotes.
• Father James Martin provides a thoughtful perspective on the significance of Pope Leo XIV's election.
• Alexander Skarsgård shares engaging stories from his personal life and delves into his creative process for Murderbot.
• Stephen Colbert’s humor ties the segments together, making complex topics accessible and entertaining.

This comprehensive summary captures all the essential elements of the episode, ensuring that listeners who haven't tuned in can grasp the key discussions, insights, and humorous exchanges that define this installment of "The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert."

Transcript

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[Stephen Colbert]

Welcome, welcome one and all to the Late Show. I'm your host, Stephen Colbert. Ladies and gentlemen, we are we are starting off tonight with some urgent breaking news. According to several texts from my children, today is my birthday. Can we confirm that? Is it possible? Yes, yes we have fact checked it. It is today, May 13th according to my which also gave me my birthday five star tootsies. You will be receiving a thank you note Foot pervs of the world. It's also a big day for the President because Donald Trump is on the first international trip of his new term visiting Saudi Arabia. Yes, yes. Donald Trump left the country today so I got another birthday wish. There you go. Way ahead of me. Way ahead of me. A president visiting Saudi Arabia on his first official trip is a bit unusual. Normally back when we had normal presidents would make their first international trip to the UK or Canada or any close ally. But like everything, Trump's decision seemed to come down to a highest bidder approach. And as he said in March, last.

[Donald Trump]

Time I went to Saudi Arabia, they put up $450 million. Okay, I'm going around the palace with a big bag. Come on, just drop your bribe right in Qatar. Gave me a jet. Can you beat a jet? How about a solid gold ski doo?

[Stephen Colbert]

He landed in Riyadh this morning where he got a lavish welcome. Greeted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on a sumptuous carpet purple made out of hand harvested journalist nurple. The crown prince pulled out all the stops to make Trump feel at home, even providing an actual mobile McDonald's semi truck. Yes, it's true. Yes, of course. One of the most rewarding things about traveling the globe is getting the chance to sample the local nugget truck. Naturally, after a long plane ride and a 100 degree carpet stroll, Trump got a little nappy and dripped it off to sleepy town. Who knows what marvelous things he dreamt of. Okay, yeah, that makes sense. Just a gentle reminder. US Intelligence has determined that Mohammed bin Salman ordered the murder and dismemberment of Washington Post journalist and Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi. So here's how Trump talked about him. I like him a lot.

[Donald Trump]

I like him too much.

[Stephen Colbert]

That's why we give so much, you know. Too much. I like you too much.

[Donald Trump]

I like you too much. You're like the son I never had. Was. What's that? How many? The guy with the gums. God, that's depressing. Bring the nugget truck back.

[Stephen Colbert]

It's been a full 24 hours and yet the anti open corruption spoil. Sports out there are still giving Trump a hard time about accepting a simple 400 million dollar bribe jet from Qatar. Even the Fox and Friends are questioning it. Yesterday, one of the and friends, Brian Kilmeade, asked White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt this surprisingly reasonable question. Do you worry that if they give us something like this, they want something in return? Absolutely not. Because they know President Trump and they know he only works with the interests of the American public in mind.

[Donald Trump]

That's absolutely right. No, no, that's absolutely right. I never think about Donald Trump. All I think about is the American public and how much they'd like to buy this. Donald Trump only thinks about the American public.

[Stephen Colbert]

T shirts available. There you go, folks.

[Donald Trump]

It's available on donaldtrump.com for only 75 Donald Trump coins.

[Stephen Colbert]

Free shipping.

[Donald Trump]

If you give me a jet limit. One shirt per jet.

[Stephen Colbert]

Elected Republicans are also speaking out about Grift Force One, like Florida Senator and Haunted Slim Jim Rick Scott. Senator Scott was asked about Trump taking the plane from Qatar and replied they support Hamas, so I don't know. Not exactly drawing a bright line in the sand. Reminds me of when Abraham Lincoln declared a house divided against itself. I don't know. Oh, hey, hey. Here's something fun this just past weekend, right? This past weekend, RFK Jr. Took his grandkids for a dip in a sewage contaminated creek for Mother's Day. Okay, that's an unusual Mother's Day brunch. And what can I get you folks started on? Um, nothing for me. I'm saving room to eat a bunch of poop in a creek later, thank you very much. The sewage water in question is Washington DC's Rock Creek, where because of high levels of bacteria and other infectious pathogens, swimming is banned. Despite that, Bobby posted Mother's Day hike in Dumbarton Oaks parks with Amaryllis, Bobby Kick and Jackson, and a swim with my grandchildren Bobcat and Cassius in Rock Creek. Why is every word more insane than the last? He also tweeted, in honor of Halloween, I took a Silkwood shower with my nephews Ocelot and Bosch. Washer, dryer. Anyway, I hope they're happy. Of course, my ultimate birthday president is our new American Pope, Leo xiv. There you go. The more we learn about this fellow, the more I like him. He's like a regular Joe six Pope. For example, his brother John revealed that Pope Leo regularly plays Wordle. When it became apparent that then Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost would be elected, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle sat next to Prevost and said that he noticed him taking deep breaths as votes amassed in his favor, adding, I asked him, do you want a candy? And he said, yes. That is a heartwarming human gesture from Cardinal Tagle. And I just want to say to him, do not unwrap candy in church. The Lord can hear you wrestling. You are making the angels cry. Luis. Shh. Stop fidgeting. According to one cardinal, when the votes reached the 2/3 majority needed for Leo to become Pope, the room erupted in a standing ovation, and he remained seated. Somebody had to pull him up. That's actually very relatable, especially to Eastern Christmas Catholics who also don't remember when to stand or sit during Mass. When in doubt, kneel. You'll seem holier than everyone else. Leo is a big fan of Villanova's basketball team and a lot of their former players, a lot of their former players are currently on the Knicks. So the school's chaplain said, I think that Pope Leo will keep an eye on the Nova Knicks. It seems crazy to have a Pope who's a hoops fan, but it's right there in the Bible. And Jesus said unto them, come on, that's a foul. Are you blind, Rep? Because if so, my child, I will heal you. Yeah, it's got a happy end. Yes, Little mud. Little mud. In fact, Knicks fans think that Pope Leo could mean an end to their NBA championship drought. It's true. Even last night's Knicks win was blessed with an angelic presence. Timothee Chalamet. In addition to Villanova, Pope Leo roots for Chicago sports teams. And the holy gambling community has noticed ever since Leo was chosen, betters have been flocking toward the Bears, Cubs, and Villanova. That's a good call, because when God picks his guy, you go big on his team. That's why I always bet on the Dalai Lama's favorite squad, the Tibet Nothingnesses. Yeah, Serene Nothingness. As far as his baseball fandom, there's a little controversy out there. When Leo was first announced as pope, it was reported initially that he was a fan of of the Chicago Cubs, which that team then celebrated by posting on their marquee, hey, Chicago, he's a Cubs fan. But after the Cubs claimed Leo, the Pope's brother clarified, he has always been a Chicago White Sox fan. Okay, are we sure Leo has a direct line to heaven? Because based on the last three seasons, God ain't listening. Chicago is so proud of their homegrown Pope that they're honoring him in the most Chicago way possible. Sandwiches. This week, Portillo's unveiled the Leo, which they describe as a divinely seasoned Italian beef baptized in gravy and finished with the holy trinity of peppers. Sweet, hot, or a combo, it sounds delicious. And it's perfect for devout Catholics. Because you eat at Portillo's often enough. You're going to meet Jesus real soon. We got a great show for you tonight.

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Up next, Father James Martin.

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[Stephen Colbert]

I don't know if you just joined us, but I was just saying right over there in the monologue space, one of the things I like about the new Pope, Leo XIV is that he's a regular guy. And another thing I like about him is that his name is Leo, which seems like a nickname for Leonardo, but it's not. It's just Leo. But I like how casual it sounds. It's like it's like his name is Pope Bob. It's just friendly. And he says he chose the name Pope Leo in part to commemorate Pope Leo XIII for that Pope's commitment to social issues, the poor and workers rights during the Industrial Revolution. Leo XIV is not just the first American Pope, he's also the first Augustinian friar to become Pope. And Pope Leo has chosen a motto based on the writing of Augustine, in illo uno unum, which means in the one, we are one. Which is a lovely thought. Every Pope gets a motto. By the way, Pope Francis is roughly translated as having mercy. He called him. And of course, Pope Benedict's was now young Skywalker, you will die. So what is this new Pope like? Here to tell me is bestselling author, chaplain of the Colbert Nation, and man who has met the Pope, Fr. Jim Martin. Father, thank you so much for being here. Won't you please. Good to see you, Jim. Also the author of Come the Promise of Jesus, Greatest Miracle, which has an introduction by Pope Francis in the paperback edition. That's a nice get.

[Father James Martin]

Very nice.

[Stephen Colbert]

Now, Jim, always good to talk to you. Let's talk about Leo xiv. Previously, Robert Francis Prevost, Rob to his brother, Bob to his friends, has been known to the Church, but not the world. We're all finding out more about him. You've met the man. Father, what's the Pope like?

[Father James Martin]

I think the most important thing to know is that he's a nice guy. He's modest, humble, which is a rarity in the Vatican. He's reserved, he's smart. But as his Augustinian brothers told me the other day, he's no pushover. So honestly, I think he's the perfect Candidate so tough but gentle. Yeah, I would say gentle but tough, but yes.

[Stephen Colbert]

How many angels can dance on the head of a pin, Father? Okay, now, the conventional wisdom was that no American was gonna be Pope, right? And why was that the conventional wisdom? And why do you think that changed?

[Father James Martin]

Because people thought that the United States already had enough power politically and economically, and why give it to them ecclesially? And, you know, there's some anti Americanism even in the Vatican and even among some cardinals. But his experience was so overwhelming that he was the obvious candidate in the Italian press. He was described, this is not an insult, as the least American of the American, which is a compliment in Italy. And so people from Latin America saw him as one of their own because he was in Peru. He speaks perfect Spanish. Interestingly, his knowledge of English was really important for people in the Far east and people in English speaking Africa. So they found someone during the Conclave that they could, you know, literally talk to and understand. He's just a lovely person. And people told me in the Conclave that it wasn't so much what he said, but how he said it. You know, he's just a really great guy.

[Stephen Colbert]

One of the things, he had a press availability the other day, and as he was leaving, a reporter asked him, do you have a message for the. Do you have a message for America? And he said, many. And then Pope out while he left out. You know, that's a miter drop right there. That's right. What do you imagine? I'm not asking you to read the Pope's mind, but reading the papal tea leaves here, what do you imagine based upon what he's taught before and spoken of before, his message might be to those of us in the church in America?

[Father James Martin]

Well, he'll preach the gospel in season and out, and that includes standing up for the poor. As you said earlier, he took Leo as a nod to Leo xiii, who was the Pope who started Catholic social teaching, standing up for workers, the migrants, the poor. He talked specifically about being with people who suffered. But again, you know, remember, he was working with people who were poor in Peru. So I think he's also going to be very strong on migrants and refugees. So I think what's interesting is that, you know, President Trump and Vice President Vance are no longer going to be able to say the Pope doesn't understand America. Right. And so we can ignore him safely. I don't think that's going to be the case any longer.

[Stephen Colbert]

Well, one of the.

[Father James Martin]

That's a prediction.

[Stephen Colbert]

It's a little tough Must be tough to be J.D. vance right now. A little bit tough, you know.

[Father James Martin]

Well, also, I mean, not to get too political, but, you know, J.D. vance was tweeting stuff about St. Augustine. I don't think you want to tweet stuff about St. Augustine with an Augustinian Pope, you know, in the Vatican. So he's not going to be afraid to speak his mind.

[Stephen Colbert]

He'll go Inquisition on you. He'll go Torquemada on you, baby. So one of the. It's really striking to me. I was so moved, A. I didn't think it was going to be an American Pope when I heard it was an American Pope and a Chicago Pope, because I love Chicago so much, having lived there. But when I heard it was an American Pope, I was strangely moved. I didn't expect that be a moving thing, but I was really. I got choked up when I heard. And then when I hear him speak not just English, but American English, Midwestern English, it changes my image of the Pope. What do you think that's going to do for the American church, to hear an American Pope speaking to them in our own vernacular?

[Father James Martin]

Well, just what you said. I think it's going to be hugely significant because we tend to see the Pope as, you know, somewhat. He speaks with a, you know, whatever kind of accent, Spanish or Italian or whatnot.

[Stephen Colbert]

They speak like this. They all speak like this.

[Father James Martin]

And, you know, to hear someone really preach the gospel in your own accent, it's incredible. I heard him talking the other day in English and I thought, is this guy the Pope? You know, and the answer is, yes, he is the Pope. But it's great. It's. You know, it brings the Vatican closer and it brings the church closer, and it'll be fascinating when he goes to Chicago or Villanova or whatever, and, you know, this white cassock and he's the Pope.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah. Can you imagine him cheering in the stands? I love. Have you seen the footage of him at the 2005 White Sox World Series when, you know, it's like a three, two count and they cut to the stands and there's the Pope.

[Father James Martin]

There he is, right?

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah. He's the Pope watching the White Sox game. So he understands suffering, obviously.

[Father James Martin]

Yeah, right.

[Stephen Colbert]

That's right. Yes.

[Father James Martin]

And. And.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yes.

[Father James Martin]

And. And miracles to.

[Stephen Colbert]

So, thanks. Thanks largely to your connection to the de Castre for culture and education and our long friendship. I was one of the comedians who got to meet the Pope this past summer. And thank you for that. And I love Francis, and I loved getting to meet Francis. He was a And a heart changing Pope to actually, to listen to and actually to meet him was a great honor. What do you think? Now that he is gone, Francis legacy is going to be.

[Father James Martin]

I think people will remember him for the kind of person he was, which is a person of mercy and love and care and compassion. I think his outreach to the poor will be remembered, you know, more kind of ecclesially. He'll be remembered for his encyclical on the environment. But really he was someone who tried to bring people in from the margins and reach out to the peripheries. He was always doing that like Jesus did, you know, reached out to people in the margins. So we lost a great Pope. But really, I can't underline this enough. We got a really good one. I mean, the Holy Spirit really did the Holy Spirit's work. I was very moved too to see him walk on the balcony. And it's also nice to have the Pope as someone you know.

[Donald Trump]

Sure.

[Stephen Colbert]

I hear you have his email.

[Father James Martin]

No comment.

[Stephen Colbert]

I'm not going to pry it out of you.

[Father James Martin]

No comment.

[Stephen Colbert]

I'll just steal your phone. Jim, good to see you again. Father James Martin, everybody. His latest book come forth. The Promise of Jesus Greatest Miracle is out now. We'll be right back with Alexander Skarsgard.

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[Stephen Colbert]

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[Alexander Skarsgard]

We're firefighters.

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We're gonna find a way to get.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

You out of here.

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[Alexander Skarsgard]

No matter what.

[Stephen Colbert]

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[Stephen Colbert]

It's still my birthday. It's still my birthday. It's my birthday. Welcome back, folks. You know him, you love him. He's an Emmy award winning actor, you know, from Big Little Lies, Succession and the Northman. He now stars in Murderbot. In that corporation rim, you are considered equipment and you have to do what we say.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Unless it would endanger you. Yes, like if I pulped your head between my hands.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay, well, I am requiring you to make and maintain eye contact.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

There you go.

[Stephen Colbert]

That's not so bad.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

It was so, so bad.

[Stephen Colbert]

Please welcome back to the Late Show, Alexander Skarsgard. Won't you please. Thank you very much.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Thank you.

[Stephen Colbert]

Hey, good to see you again.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

You too.

[Stephen Colbert]

Good to see you. Had your dad on last week, Stellan.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Yeah, yeah, I saw it.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah. He said. He said one thing. He said that we're mispronouncing the name. It's. It's Skarsgurd. Is that how you say it?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Exactly. Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

Is it really?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

That little umlaut is an ooh. So it's. Yeah, it's not an A. Skarsgurd. Skarsgurd.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, very nice. Very nice. He also asked what birthday?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Stephen.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, happy birthday. Thank you. Yeah, you know, it was my birthday.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Did y' all know that it's Steven's birthday?

[Stephen Colbert]

Yes, I've said it a few times. I like to make sure.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Okay.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay. Exactly. Yeah. Thank you very much.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

I have a little gift for you.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, you do?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

Wow.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

It's just a little something. It's not.

[Stephen Colbert]

What is it?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

It's a picture of me. It's a little blow.

[Stephen Colbert]

Blurry. It is a little blurry.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Yeah. I'm sorry about that.

[Stephen Colbert]

You appear. I don't see. You can't see much, but you appear to be naked. No, no, no.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

It's just I was surrounded by non famous people, so I just like.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, thank God.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Well, you can like and I thought it's a good size. You can keep it in your wallet right there on your fridge. If you want to share, share it with your family.

[Stephen Colbert]

Close up of that. Of him.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Happy birthday, my friend. There you go.

[Stephen Colbert]

Keep you right close to my heart. Thank you very much. I have a present actually for your father because when he was here, I Said, you know, Alexander's gonna be on next week and I should ask. And he goes, no, but would you please have him pick up some groceries? And so he said, while he's in New York, can you go down to the Pickle man down on the Lower east side and get me pickles? So we did it as your father requested. I don't entirely understand. Why is your father a big fan of pickles?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

So here's the thing. I. I was watching the show from Stockholm. My dad was in New York City, and he was like, can you tell Alex to get me. He's a few blocks away from. From the store, and he's like, and I'm in Sweden. He's like, can you. I didn't. Do you understand why he did that? Like, it's just like, yeah, tell Alex to get me stuff from the city that I am in. And he's not.

[Stephen Colbert]

I was like, is that unusual behavior for your father?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Slightly. I would say. I was like, go down and get your own damn pickles.

[Donald Trump]

Exactly.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Tell my boy, like, has he exceeded his, like, pickle quota? Like, did he. He didn't want to travel with it.

[Stephen Colbert]

That is more than 3 ounces of pickles. So I imagine that he doesn't want to put the spirit to pack this in his bag.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

He doesn't want to check a bag, so he makes his son check a bag instead.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yes.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

But anyway, being the great son that I am, of course I'll bring these pickles back to Sweden to my dad.

[Stephen Colbert]

Every. Every dad. Every dad embarrasses their children. This embarrasses their children in some ways. When you were growing up, did I assume Stellan Skarsgrd is no different? Did he embarrass you? I'll put this back here for now. Did he embarrass you as a child?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Not as. Not so much as a child. As a teenager. A bit more.

[Stephen Colbert]

Would he, like, show off?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Well, he wasn't a fan of clothes. I noticed that he was wearing clothes when he was on your show.

[Stephen Colbert]

He was. So.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

What do you mean by that? Made me very proud.

[Stephen Colbert]

Was he. What do you mean he wasn't a fan of clothes? He would.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

No, he. He wouldn't wear clothes at home. Really?

[Stephen Colbert]

And so you would bring friends over?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

And dad would be in the living.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Room naked, dancing salsa. Naked, on his own, while I brought friends over. And again, as a kid, it didn't really bother me. It wasn't till I started bringing, like, when I was a teenager, and it was kind of. I wanted to Have a normal family.

[Stephen Colbert]

Is it a common thing? Are Swedes very free with their body?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Definitely not. Very. Very puritanically.

[Stephen Colbert]

Really?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay. No, no, no. Why? Does he ever explain to you why?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Hey, you had him on the show last week. Should have asked.

[Stephen Colbert]

No, I did not know that he danced naked. I promise you it would have just been 12 minutes of that if I knew that he danced naked. Does he?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Well, he'll be back next week because you have a scarscot on every week now, right?

[Stephen Colbert]

That's exactly you. Then Bill, then Stalin. Like that.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

I don't know. Like. Well, I'll ask him when I bring the pickles to him. In Sweden.

[Stephen Colbert]

Do you guys see each other a lot back in. Back in Sweden?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Yeah. A bit too much.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, yes. Do you live near each other?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Yeah. Cause I moved back. I moved back from New York to Stockholm about two years ago, a few blocks away from where I grew up and set them all in South Stockholm.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, that's nice. Yeah. I hear that Stockholm is a great place. Like the islands, like, little archipelago of islands. It's great to get a boat, like, on a trip there. Just sail around those islands. Little islands that might only have just like a sauna on it or something like that. Wow.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

That's what we got. We're actually building a little cabin on one of the islands right now.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, really?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Yeah. Well, I'm not doing anything, but people are.

[Stephen Colbert]

Someone is doing this, someone is doing that.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

For someone who's actually a carpenter is doing it.

[Stephen Colbert]

Do you have skills other than acting?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

No.

[Stephen Colbert]

So there's no fallback position. It was acting or bust.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Well, because I didn't want to be an actor, and I was looking for that one skill that I potentially had and showed up. Yeah. Yeah. My late teenage years, I was, like, desperately trying to figure out if I was good at anything other than acting, because it was like. It just felt so pathetic, like, oh, my dad's an actor. I'm going to be an actor. So I tried everything and I failed at everything.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, that's good.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Yeah. So here we are.

[Stephen Colbert]

The Cannes Film Festival starts. Is it today or tomorrow? It starts today, I think.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Today?

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah, today. You're going to go over there soon for your new film, Pillion.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Pillion?

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah. Pillion. What's it about?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Pillion is a. It's like a very graphic, kinky gay biker film. So. And that's fun for the whole family.

[Stephen Colbert]

That's P, I, L L O, N.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

So Pillion is the backseat of a motorcycle, basically. So it's like a Submissive, dominant story. I play a biker who takes on a pillion. And he's kind of my boyfriend slash sex slave slash butler.

[Stephen Colbert]

Does he salsa naked? I'm just curious.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

We wrestle naked in the film.

[Stephen Colbert]

Fantastic. Fantastic. Have you been to. You've been to Cannes. Obviously you've been to Cannes before. Is it fun?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

I. I've actually only been once.

[Stephen Colbert]

Really?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Yeah. Not with a film like I was. This was 20 years ago, so I was. Yeah, I was. I went for some. I tried to get in some parties. So that's kind of how I.

[Stephen Colbert]

What year are we talking here this would have been?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Well, you would know. I don't remember, but it was like. Cause it was one of the Lord of the Rings.

[Stephen Colbert]

Fellowship of The Ring was 2001. Two Towers was 2002. Return of the King was 2003. So.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

So which one of those years? They threw an incredible party at a castle.

[Stephen Colbert]

2001, they turned it into. They showed the sizzle reel, like the 26 minute sizzle reel before the movies were ever released, just to let everybody know what was coming.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Yeah, I was at that party.

[Stephen Colbert]

What?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Yeah. And I don't know how I got in because I wasn't even an actor at the. I mean, I wasn't even just starting out, but I was down there with a bunch of friends and someone knew someone who knew someone who could get us in. So we went there.

[Stephen Colbert]

Was that fun.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

And it was incredible. It was like they. I don't know how much they spent, but it was like they turned it into Middle Earth, basically. And it was like, we're drinking mead. I was like making out with Viggo Mortensen. Sure, that's a guy who looked like him, at least. Like it was.

[Stephen Colbert]

You know what? After enough mead, every. Everybody looks like Viggo Mortensen.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

It was. Yeah, it was great.

[Stephen Colbert]

Wow.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

It was an incredible party.

[Stephen Colbert]

Wow. Yeah. Wow.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

You missed out.

[Stephen Colbert]

There are many reasons to be jealous of you. I just found the best one.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

That party or Viggo Mortensen. Or the combination.

[Stephen Colbert]

The party. Yeah, the party you're now in your star in a series on Apple TV called Murderbot, based on a series of sci fi books, the Murderbot Diaries. What is it about? What's a Murderbot?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

A Murderbot is a security unit in.

[Stephen Colbert]

A.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Galaxy far, far away. Or it could be our galaxy, but 500 years in the future. And this security unit has hacked its governor module, so it's gained independence, like autonomy, and it's calling itself Murderbot, and it decides to go on these Epic adventures. But it starts to kind of procrastinate and figures out that it can tap on to the log into the entertainment channel so it can download media. So instead of going on these badass adventures and becoming Iridibot, it procrastinates and watches space soap operas.

[Stephen Colbert]

So it becomes a couch potato.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Yeah.

[Donald Trump]

And.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

And kind of is planning to go on these things, but, like, tomorrow I'm just gonna watch a few more episodes of the Rise and Fall of Sanctuary Moon, which is its, like, favorite, favorite show.

[Stephen Colbert]

Sure. And you're the murder bot.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Yeah, but there's very little murder on the show. It's mostly.

[Stephen Colbert]

Mostly bot.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Mostly bot, procrastinating bot.

[Stephen Colbert]

So how do you prepare to play a robot?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Well, it's kind of relatable of it's socially awkward. It loves to watch soap operas, and it's, like, appalled by physical intimacy, so.

[Stephen Colbert]

Not a lot of. It's also dancing naked, I suppose, for the murder bot.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

So I was born to play that role.

[Stephen Colbert]

Are you a big fan of science fiction? Did you?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Sure.

[Stephen Colbert]

Grow up.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

I mean, I know who I'm talking to here. So, like, I'm a bit nervous because if I say I am, then you're gonna go deep somewhere and I'm gonna.

[Stephen Colbert]

I promise you I'm not here to trap you.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Like, I grew up in the 80s, so, like, yeah, the. The first movie I ever went to see in a. In a movie theater was the Return of the Jedi.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, okay. Yeah, sure.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

That's pretty cool as the first movie.

[Stephen Colbert]

Absolutely. Absolutely.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

So, yeah. In Sweden. In Swedish? No, in English, but I didn't speak English at the time. So my mom.

[Stephen Colbert]

How old were you?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

23? No, I was seven. Six or seven.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay, six or seven. Watching Return of the Jedi.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

What's it like with no English?

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Well, I was blown away. But I mean, it was also my first time in a movie theater, so anything probably would have blown me away. I mean, I was just like, the sound, like, everything about it. But yeah, my mom sat next to me, and I remember watching Yoda and she was whispering stuff, and it was pretty cool.

[Stephen Colbert]

So your mom was Live time translating.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Live time translating Yoda with all the different voices and stuff.

[Stephen Colbert]

Wow.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

Translating Swedish.

[Donald Trump]

Yeah, she was.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

And then a year later, we lived in Texas for a bit. And then on our way back to Stockholm from Texas, we passed through New York, we went to FAO Schwartz, and I got to purchase the Ewok Village. Like, this size.

[Stephen Colbert]

Wow.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

And brought it back home to Sweden. And I was the coolest kid for two weeks. Cause you couldn't purchase that in Sweden, but I had that at home. So people lined up to come and hang at my place.

[Stephen Colbert]

Nice. Nice. While you're dancing for a few weeks.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

While my dad was dancing naked. So I had a couple of good weeks. Best weeks of my life there.

[Stephen Colbert]

Alexander, good to see you. Thank you so much for being here.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

Happy birthday.

[Donald Trump]

Thank you.

[Stephen Colbert]

Thank you for my present. I will treasure it. I would treasure it. Murderbot premieres Friday on Apple tv. Plus, everybody, thank you for listening to the Late show pod show with Stephen Colbert. Just one more thing. If you want to see more of me, come to The Late Show YouTube channel for more clips and exclusives.

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[Stephen Colbert]

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[Alexander Skarsgard]

We're firefighters.

[Stephen Colbert]

We're gonna find a way to get.

[Alexander Skarsgard]

You out of here.

[Stephen Colbert]

We take the hitch together. We're on the same team.

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[Alexander Skarsgard]

No matter what.

[Stephen Colbert]

I would never leave you hanging in the deep end.

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[Stephen Colbert]

Plus.