Jake Gyllenhaal | Show Stopper

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert – Episode Featuring Jake Gyllenhaal

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
• Host/Author: CBS
• Description: The #1 late-night show delivered straight to your ears daily, featuring witty writing, hilarious monologues, and insightful conversations with celebrity guests.
• Episode: Jake Gyllenhaal | Show Stopper
• Release Date: March 25, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes acclaimed actor Jake Gyllenhaal for an engaging and in-depth conversation. The episode blends Colbert's signature humor and sharp political commentary with a thoughtful discussion on Shakespearean theater, Gyllenhaal's career, and upcoming projects.

Stephen Colbert’s Monologue

Timestamp: 01:10 – 14:00

Stephen Colbert kicks off the episode with his renowned monologue, delivering a mix of political satire and cultural commentary. The monologue primarily focuses on former President Donald Trump’s recent involvement with the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.

• Trump at the Kennedy Center:

  • Colbert humorously describes Trump’s self-appointment as the chairman of the Kennedy Center. He mocks Trump’s preference for “non-woke musicals,” citing classics like Cats, Fiddler on the Roof, and Phantom of the Opera.
    • “Non woke musicals, also known as Any musical you take your dad to, Is it over? Is it over? Did those kids find a way to pay their rent?” [04:15]
  • Colbert imagines a mashup of these classics, blending iconic elements from each to highlight the absurdity of the situation.

• Trump’s Theatrical Aspirations:

  • The host jests about Trump’s youthful dreams of being a theater producer, suggesting potential disastrous productions like “Raisin in the Trash” and “Nugget in My Mouth.”

• Leaked Recordings:

  • Colbert references leaked recordings where Trump discusses his affection for Cats, adding comedic flair to Trump’s theater critiques.
    • “Does he think every song in Cats is called Cats? Of course.” [05:48]

• Trump’s Impact on the Kennedy Center Honors:

  • Colbert humorously proposes that he could take over hosting duties for the Honors, engaging in a playful banter with an imagined assistant, Jim.
    • “I'll be president. I can't be any worse. Deal. Shake on it.” [06:12]

• Additional Political Jabs:

  • The monologue continues with Colbert’s satirical take on Trump’s failed attempt to have his portrait hung in the Colorado State Capitol, highlighting the distorted image commissioned by Colorado Republicans.
    • “Trump blames Colorado Governor Jared Polis hanging up the portraits, but it was actually commissioned by Colorado Republicans who raised more than $10,000 through a GoFundMe account.” [08:30]

• Canada and Greenland Antics:

  • Colbert mocks Trump’s geopolitical maneuvers, including banning Canadians from a historic library and his ambition to make Greenland the 51st state.
    • “Usha, you're gonna have a great time. It's a lifeless pile of gravel on ice, just like a night of passion with JD now just, we got a great show for you tonight coming up.” [10:06]

Colbert's monologue effectively sets a humorous yet critical tone for the episode, blending current political events with his unique comedic perspective.

Interview with Jake Gyllenhaal

Timestamp: 14:06 – 26:05

Introduction:

Stephen Colbert introduces Jake Gyllenhaal, highlighting his Oscar and Tony nominations and his recent performances in Brokeback Mountain, Zodiac, Far from Home, and his current role in Othello on Broadway.

Opening Remarks:

• Stephen Colbert: “My first guest tonight is an Oscar and Tony nominated actor. ... Please welcome back to the Late Show, Jake Gyllenhaal.” [14:06]
• Jake Gyllenhaal: “Not gonna hug you down there. I'm gonna hug you here.” [14:30]

Discussion on Othello and Playing Iago:

• Opening Night Experience:

  • Gyllenhaal shares his experience of starring alongside Denzel Washington in Othello on Broadway.
    • “So, so well. How are you? ... And that's a milestone in your career, not only to play Iago, to be on stage on Broadway, but to do that with Denzel.” [14:37 - 14:51]
  • He describes the evening as extraordinary and expresses his nervousness about performing Shakespeare.
    • “The idea of doing Shakespeare just generally is just, you know, frightening.” [15:03]

• Performance Highlights:

  • Gyllenhaal mentions President Biden's attendance at the premiere, emphasizing the honor it was to have his family present.
    • “We had, actually, we had. We had President Biden there ... the biggest honor was my family being there.” [15:55 - 16:08]

• Character Analysis – Iago:

  • Delving deep into his portrayal of Iago, Gyllenhaal discusses the complexity of the character and his relationship with Othello.
    • “I think there's a deep love between Othello and Iago. ... Iago probably feels no one else could or has ever do.” [17:00 - 17:35]
  • He emphasizes moving beyond clichés to portray Iago's genuine emotions and motivations.
    • “You know, everyone calls him Honest Iago. He is the most ... the most honest character in the play. At least all the other characters do.” [19:11 - 19:25]

• Pre-Show Rituals:

  • Gyllenhaal shares his personal rituals before going on stage, highlighting the importance of having his shoes tightly tied as a security measure.
    • “I tie my shoes really tight. I have a thing about tying my shoes.” [20:24]

• Upcoming Projects:

  • The conversation shifts to Gyllenhaal’s upcoming film The Bride, directed and written by his sister Maggie Gyllenhaal.
    • Stephen Colbert: “So you got another film coming up, the Bride, directed and written by your sister Maggie.” [24:34]
    • Jake Gyllenhaal: “It was great being corrected by my sister, was it?” [25:13]

• Humorous Banter:

  • The interview is peppered with light-hearted jokes and playful exchanges, showcasing the comfortable rapport between Colbert and Gyllenhaal.
    • “You were at that. Did you?” [15:40]
    • “Maybe you want some shrimp?” [25:57]

• Discussion on Othello’s Relevance:

  • Gyllenhaal articulates the timeless nature of Shakespeare’s work, attributing its enduring presence to its exploration of universal themes.
    • “And I think something about Bill Shakespeare figured out some stuff and figured out how to hold on, I got some thoughts about this whole human stuff.” [23:01]
    • “I think all of the themes, the political themes, the human themes of it are all so relatable.” [23:27]

• Character Motivations and Themes:

  • The discussion delves into the motivations behind Iago’s actions, exploring themes of love, jealousy, and ambition.
    • “There are a number of reasons for that to the jealousy to start.” [18:22]
    • “I think up until a point, I think there comes a point towards the end of the play where he realizes, you know, he's no longer.” [23:40]

• Closing Remarks:

  • As the interview winds down, Colbert continues his humorous approach, teasing Gyllenhaal about potential roles and future projects.
    • “What's that? Did no one say Blackbird?” [19:07]
    • “Othello is at the Ethel Barrymore Theater.” [25:02]

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Stephen Colbert masterfully balances incisive political humor with a substantive and engaging interview. Jake Gyllenhaal provides deep insights into his portrayal of Iago in Othello, discussing the character's complexities and the play's relevance in contemporary society. Their interaction is both enlightening and entertaining, offering listeners a blend of thoughtful analysis and comedic relief.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Colbert on Trump’s Kennedy Center Plans:

  • “Non woke musicals, also known as Any musical you take your dad to, Is it over? Is it over? Did those kids find a way to pay their rent?” [04:15]

• Jake Gyllenhaal on Portraying Iago:

  • “I think there's a deep love between Othello and Iago. ... Iago probably feels no one else could or has ever do.” [17:00 - 17:35]

• Stephen Colbert’s Playful Teasing:

  • “Maybe you want some shrimp?” [25:57]

Key Takeaways:

• Political and Cultural Satire: Colbert’s monologue offers a humorous critique of Donald Trump’s involvement with the Kennedy Center, blending current events with sharp wit.

• In-Depth Character Analysis: Gyllenhaal’s discussion on Iago reveals a nuanced approach to a classic Shakespearean villain, emphasizing emotional depth over stereotypes.

• Upcoming Projects: Insights into Gyllenhaal’s future endeavors, including collaboration with his sister Maggie, highlight the actor’s diverse portfolio and commitment to compelling storytelling.

• Engaging Dialogue: The episode exemplifies the perfect blend of humor and substance, making it enjoyable and informative for listeners.

This episode serves as a testament to the dynamic interplay between host and guest, offering listeners both laughter and thoughtful discourse.

Transcript

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[Stephen Colbert]

Welcome my friends in here, out there, all around the world to the Late Show. I'm your host Stephen Colbert. We are back in.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

We are back.

[Stephen Colbert]

In the friendly confines of the Ed Sullivan after having a little bit of a break and I'm more tired than when I left. Let me explain. Our nation is like a beautiful pastry spread of freedom and opportunity. And yesterday I got a close up look at one of the donuts that Trump has been licking the Kennedy center down in Washington D.C. i was there last night as one of a cavalcade of comedy compadres honoring our dear friend, the hilariously lanky Conan O'Brien who received the Mark Twain Prize for his career as a riverboat gambler. Now all the presenters, all the presenters were amazing. Sarah Silverman, John Mulaney, a haunted sea captain who turned out to be David Letterman. And it was a great night full of life and love and laughs. But I gotta say the mood down there in D.C. pretty grim. Especially at the Kennedy center itself where Trump recently appointed himself the chairman of the Kennedy Center. Last week he held his first official meeting with all of his hand picked flunkies who he pointed to the board so he knows they're all 100% loyal to him and they recorded it and leaked it to the press. Now on the recording we learned Trump wants to make the Kennedy Center's programming slightly more conservative and feature more non woke musicals. Non woke musicals, also known as Any musical you take your dad to, Is it over? Is it over? Did those kids find a way to pay their rent? Talk about 5,600 minutes. Trump gave some examples of the non woke musicals he loves Cats, Fiddler on the Roof and Phantom of the opera. Okay, Mr. President, hear me out. Why not a mashup of all three? Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a cat. Half a face, mask, chandelier, crash. None of this is surprising because as a young man, Trump dreamed of being a theater producer. I would love to see Trump deciding which plays to produce. Let's see here. Raisin in the Sun. How about Raisin in the Trash? Nugget in My Mouth? How about that? Kennedy center is our nation's leading arts institution. So naturally, as its new chair, Trump told the board about a date he took to the premiere of cats 40 years ago. He had gone to see Cats with somebody I should not have been there with. So a dog. Who don't you bring to Cats? Trump continued to describe his love of the theater. I walked in, I saw all these bodies and then I noticed those bodies were gorgeous. They had silk tights on and they were all ballerinas and women from Broadway and men. I didn't those particular bodies as attractive, to be honest. Dude, chill, okay, to be clear, I only like the women dressed as cats, not gay. I'm a red blooded heterosexual. Furry. Meow, meow, meow. Trump did. Trump did. Really? He didn't stop there. New York Times released some more leaked audio and surprise, it's also about Cats.

[Jim]

All of a sudden, the lights go on and you see these people moving so incredibly, like nobody can move except a professional dancer. And anyway, then Betty Buckley gets up and sings Cats.

[Stephen Colbert]

Does he think every song in Cats is called Cats? Of course. The showstopper was that famous ballad about memories. Cats.

[Jim]

Oh boy, oh boy.

[Stephen Colbert]

Trump also wants to change up the Kennedy Center Honors every year and offer an idea of who might host the show himself. Wow, man alive. You could have given me 1,000 guesses and that would have been all of them. I just want to point out I hosted the Kennedy Center Honors. I did it for three years. Yeah, went down there, did it for three years. It was a lot of fun. And I'll tell you what, sir, I'm willing to trade you host the Kennedy Center Honors. I'll be president. I can't be any worse. Deal. Shake on it. Wanna shake on it? No, no, no. Y'all can't afford me. Anyway, here he is floating the idea.

[Jim]

The host was always terrible.

[Stephen Colbert]

Hey, hey, you never hear me calling you. Terrible. Anyway, go ahead, Jim.

[Jim]

And believe me, I don't want to do it. I don't want to do it. And I will agree 40 to be the host. I don't want to do it.

[Stephen Colbert]

Really? Because it sure sounds like you want to do it. You're like a guy who brought his guitar to the bonfire. Oh, oh, oh, this. I mean. I mean, I don't want to play it, but, I mean, if you insist. Does anyone. What's that? Did no one say Blackbird? Trump, of course, is no surprise. Also a very accomplished art critic. Last night, he posted this about a portrait of him that is hanging in the Colorado State Capitol. Nobody likes a bad picture of themselves, but the one in Colorado, in the state Capitol, put up by the governor, along with all other presidents, was purposely distorted to a level that even I, perhaps have never seen before. Jim, can we see the portrait, please? Okay, okay, I can see. No, no, let's be fair. Let's be fair. I can see why he'd be upset, because that looks exactly like him. Trump blames Colorado Governor Jared Polis hanging up the portraits, but it was actually commissioned by Colorado Republicans who raised more than $10,000 through a GoFundMe account to commission the portrait in 2018. Here's a clip from the GoFundMe where the former president of the Colorado Senate is asking the public for their help.

[Colorado Republican]

We figured that as a populist president, that you, the grassroots, the everyday citizens of Colorado should have a part in this. So we're going to ask whether you can do $5, $10, $25, or whatever you can afford that. You chip in and you help make it possible to put up Donald J. Trump's portrait right here in the Colorado State Capitol. Check out our GoFundMe page. Consider a contribution today, in fact, I'm going to donate the first hundred dollars myself.

[Stephen Colbert]

Flawless production. I'm. I'm gonna give the first hundred dollars myself, and I'm gonna spend that on a cameraman who doesn't keep slowly backing away from me. I'm gonna get you. I'm gonna get you. I'm gonna get you. Can't run that fast.

[Jim]

Easy, easy.

[Stephen Colbert]

Hey, y'all remember Canada? Yeah. Well, it's still up there. And Trump, he's still mad. They don't want to be the 51st state. So he dispatched Secretary of Homeland Security and Real Housewife of Guantanamo Bay, Kristi Noem. Noem recently made a visit up north to the historic Haskell Free Library and Opera House. This place is kind of unique. It's really lovely because as a symbol of friendship between our two great nations, the library straddles the border of Quebec and Vermont. So half the books you can check out and the other half you can check out. The main entrance is on the main entrance, Right? The main entrance is on the American side. And what happens is the Canadians just walk around the sidewalk to get in. This system has worked great for over 120 years, so of course we're going to break it. After her visit, Noem's DHS announced it was banning Canadians from the library unless they pass through an official border crossing first. Because the library, she claimed, is being used by drug traffickers and smugglers or as library or as librarians call them drug traffickers and smugglers. It's not just Canada. Trump also wants to make Greenland the 51st state. He talked about it in his speech to Congress. That was either three weeks or 3,000 years ago.

[Jim]

We need Greenland for national security and even international security. And we're working with everybody involved to try and get it. And I think we're going to get it. One way or the other, we're going to get it.

[Stephen Colbert]

That's, that's pretty ominous. When he decides he wants something, he will not let go. I remember, remember what he said about that French fry that fell under the Resolute desk?

[Jim]

One way or the other, we're gonna get it.

[Stephen Colbert]

So this week, this week, Trump is sending second lady Usha Vance to visit Greenland. Usha, you're gonna have a great time. It's a lifeless pile of gravel on ice, just like a night of passion with JD now just, we got a great show for you tonight coming up.

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[Stephen Colbert]

Hey, everybody. My first guest tonight is an Oscar and Tony nominated actor. You know, from Brokeback Mountain, Zodiac, and Far from Home. He's currently starring on Broadway in Othello. Please welcome back to the Late Show, Jake Gyllenhaal. Hey, That's Steve. Nice to meet you, too. It's always lovely to talk to you.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Not gonna hug you down there. I'm gonna hug you here.

[Stephen Colbert]

Listen, man. Listen, man. How are you? How are you doing?

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

So, so well. How are you?

[Stephen Colbert]

I'm doing beautifully. But not as beautifully as you are because you just did this extraordinary thing. Last night was the opening night of Othello on Broadway starring you and Denzel Washington.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

And that's a milestone in your career, not only to play Iago, to be on stage on Broadway, but to do that with Denzel. Denzel. Well, how was the evening?

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Extraordinary. It really was. It was an incredible group of people. It was. I was here last and I spoke about it with you. I don't know if you remember.

[Stephen Colbert]

No, I do remember. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

You were a little nervous. I was a little nervous. I was. You know, the idea of doing Shakespeare just generally is just, you know, frightening. But then think about doing it with one of your, you know, your idols, your acting idols, and going toe to toe in that way was even more imposing. So I. To do it and to have done it in front of the audience that we did it from. I mean, you guys really are the best audience, but they were.

[Stephen Colbert]

We bust them in from your show last night. Oh, did you?

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Yeah. You guys have had a long 24 hours, huh?

[Stephen Colbert]

You were at that.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

No, really, it was, it was a. It was an incredible group of people. And my most, most of all, we had, actually, we had. We had President Biden there, but we also.

[Stephen Colbert]

Biden was there.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Biden was there.

[Stephen Colbert]

Wow. He hasn't been. He hasn't been out and about much.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

It was, it was. It was a true honor. And then, you know, for me, the biggest honor was my family being there to be able to see it. Cause you Know, it's like. Yeah, it was really lovely.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

That didn't get as much of an applause as. But I know.

[Stephen Colbert]

No, no, no, no, no. My fans, they don't know your family. Maggie maybe. Maggie maybe. Yeah, maybe they don't want it more. So I'm curious about, like, about sort of the nervousness about. Was it Shakespeare? Was there something about Iago himself?

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

It's a long line of extraordinary actors have played this role and I have watched all of their performances. And obviously it is a. It is a role that for those of us who know it, or if you know Shakespeare, Iago is an intimidating character to play and to watch, you know, and so you feel yourself in the history of that character. And so it definitely is. It's intimidating.

[Stephen Colbert]

One of the greatest villains, you know, sort of sociopathic, getting exactly what he wants, giving in to like an appetite any of us could have.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Sure, yeah, yeah. You know, I actually like to look at it like there's a deep love between Othello and Iago. And I think that they. The two of them and their relationship is what this production is about. And I think what Iago does. All the kind of cliches that we. That tend to get thrown on Iago hopefully kind of slip away a little bit.

[Stephen Colbert]

Like all the words that I said, all those.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Yeah, all of those things. But he is.

[Stephen Colbert]

Let's edit that part out, please.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

He is known as. He is known as one of Shakespeare's great villains. Yes, that is for sure. And that is intimidating.

[Stephen Colbert]

So you think there is a love there and that he's brokenhearted.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

That's why I think that the two of them have been through battle upon battle. They have. They have done things for each other to save each other's lives, to be there for each other in ways that I think Iago probably feels no one else could or has ever or will ever do. And I think at the beginning of the play, you know, Othello himself says it's been nine months since they have had they've seen any battle. So these are two soldiers who have been at battle for seven years before that, pretty much all the time. And then they have a nine month break. And in that nine month break, Othello falls in love with Desdemona. And so. And also decides that he's gonna appoint someone else as his lieutenant.

[Stephen Colbert]

There you go.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

And in that, you know, there you go. I mean, yeah, there are a number of reasons for that to the jealousy to start.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah. But Evil Counselor is one of the cause. He's an Evil counselor to Othello. He's.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Is that a direct. Is that in the play?

[Stephen Colbert]

No, I just.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Oh. Oh, that's a word. That's a phrase, you know.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah, yeah. It's actually sort of from Dante. It's like the evil counselor. The false counselor.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Yeah, I mean. I mean, we're sort of slipping into cliche, but yeah, sure he is. Yeah, no big deal. No big deal. Throwing out Dante.

[Stephen Colbert]

You know, let's talk about. Let's talk about Spider man again. Who's playing that? You played Bubblehead. You played bubble head in that one. You had a fishbowl on his head.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Slipping in cliche again.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

It's just. He's not really a. It's not a bubble. It's sort of made of glass, and it's a. It's a. But. No, but it is. It is. It is. Really?

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah. We're good.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

I've tried so hard. I think the journey of him is that as much as everybody wants to paint him that way in the play, everyone calls him Honest Iago. He is the most. They consider to be the most honest character in the play. At least all the other characters do.

[Stephen Colbert]

Trish Doyle.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I read it anyway.

[Stephen Colbert]

Never seen your version of it, clearly. I saw Liev Schreiber at bam. He was really good. High bar, buddy. High bar. I guess I was describing Liam's performance. Yeah, I was describing his performance, which is so indelible. It's so indelible. I mean, I'm really gonna be seeing him just the whole time.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Just, my God.

[Stephen Colbert]

The whole time. Yeah.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

God, it's really good. Kimball's a really good place to go.

[Stephen Colbert]

Do you have any pre show. Do you have any pre show rituals that you do? I have things I always have to do backstage, and I'm not doing Iago, but I'm on a Broadway stage, and before I come out here, there are things I absolutely have to do. So I kind of feel. I would say just neutral to enter stage. Ah.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Wow. I like. They're these really great honey lollipops I've been using for my throat. That's a ritual, I guess. No, I tie my shoes really tight. I have a thing about tying my shoes.

[Stephen Colbert]

Always or for Iago?

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

No, always. Always. It's sort of. It's a bit of a tick. It's like, you know, somehow I need that security on my feet, you know? And I know that I'm gonna go out and. Can you think of anything worse than an untied shoe on a stage? Like for if you can't get off, you know.

[Stephen Colbert]

No, it would be bad.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Yeah, but you have to make it a character choice. Then, you know, a very evil character choice to go down and tie your shoes.

[Stephen Colbert]

One would say a sociopathic character choice. We have to take a quick break. We're back with more Jake Gyllenhaal, everybody.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

You don't wake up dreaming of McDonald's fries. You wake up dreaming of McDonald's hash browns. McDonald's breakfast comes first. Ba da ba ba ba.

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[Stephen Colbert]

Hey, everybody, we're back here with Jake Gyllenhaal, one of the stars of the new Othello on Broadway. Shakespeare writes Othello, 1600, something like that. Prox. So 400 plus years later, what is it that the play says that's got people, you know, clamoring? Obviously everyone wants to see you and Denzel, but the play itself, what is it that's so compelling about that now?

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

I think I had an art history teacher in high school who defined art in three different ways. There were three different types. There was historical, trans historical, and metahistorical. Art historical, trans historical, trans historical and metahistorical. And historical art is art that kind of lasts for, you know, a few weeks, months, whatever, that we, you know, enjoy. And it goes away. We don't really remember it then. Trans historical art goes through decades, you know, can last 20, 30 years. Metahistorical art is art that is present the moment it's made and continues to be present throughout time. And whenever you watch it, whenever you see it, it just holds a presence to it. And I think something about Bill Shakespeare figured out some stuff and figured out how to.

[Stephen Colbert]

Billy did that, didn't he?

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Billy did.

[Stephen Colbert]

He goes, hold on, I got some thoughts about this whole human stuff. Existing, existing thing. I mean, like, that's the question, right?

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

I was like, yeah. No, and I think that. I think that it's so clear, it's pressuring today. All of the themes, the political themes, the human themes of it are all so relatable. But I just think when you hear Them, it just. You are in the. There's no time when you listen to those words.

[Stephen Colbert]

What I love about Shakespeare characters, and you're absolutely right, I guess, about Iago, because. But I always thought they all want to be loved. Yes, they all want to be loved, which is a very human thing. What do we most want to be?

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Not alone.

[Stephen Colbert]

And people who don't want to be cut out from the group and that sort of thing.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

And I think, you know, it's funny when you talk about a character, when I'm, you know, the way an audience sees a character. And now me playing it, I'm in the middle of it. I can't walk out on stage every night and be like, oh, this guy's like a sociopath. This guy's like. I think I look at it and I go, he has a lot of desires and things that are going on, things that he wants from. And really ultimately love from Othello.

[Stephen Colbert]

Do you think Iago is the hero of his own story?

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

I think up until a point, I think there comes a point towards the end of the play where he realizes, you know, he's no longer.

[Stephen Colbert]

That without giving too much away, it doesn't end well for him, does it?

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

It's fine. It ends okay. I mean, it actually ends worse for others.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah, yeah.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

I mean, in a way.

[Stephen Colbert]

But didn't they discover at the end that when he had done. Didn't they kind of discover what he did at the end?

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

They do, but then everybody else does.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

So, I mean, it's a choice, you know, do you want to or do you want to? You know what I mean?

[Stephen Colbert]

So you got another film coming up, the Bride, directed and written by your sister Maggie.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

What is.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Maggie Pan over there?

[Stephen Colbert]

Do you enjoy being direct? How is that being directed by your sister?

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

What is like, how's that being a younger sibling?

[Stephen Colbert]

What's that question?

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

You know, I mean, it was.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, bye. I thought you were done.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Can I have your hug?

[Stephen Colbert]

No, no, no, no. That's all right. No, please. No, no. Absolutely not. No, no, no, no. As Hitchcock said. Again, let's do it again.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

It was great being corrected by my sister, was it? No.

[Stephen Colbert]

Now I have to ask you another question. No, Now I have to ask you another.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Okay.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay. There's a. Much anticipated, as nerve wracking as it must be to prepare for Iago and to do that, how nervous are you about having to get back into this shape for the Roadhouse sequel? Right there. There it is.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

It's terrifying.

[Stephen Colbert]

Really?

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Yeah, it's Terrifying.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

Is that just like. You just eat every chicken that's left in America? Yeah. There aren't a lot left, man. There aren't a lot left. How are you gonna get the protein? Just shrimp. Eat a lot of shrimp. Yeah, that's exactly what it is, shrimp.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

When you say it like that, it makes it so unappetizing that I don't want to hear.

[Stephen Colbert]

Maybe you want some. You want some shrimp?

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

Okay. And that was. It was great.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no. Now, you know, we talked about this before. We talked about this before I auditioned for the original Roadhouse back in the 80s.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

No, but Liev Schreiber's waiting to come.

[Stephen Colbert]

On, so he would never. He would never look as good as you in this right there. So what am I going to play in the new roadhouse in the Roadhouse sequel?

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

What are you going to play? You want a baddie or a goodie?

[Stephen Colbert]

I don't think I'm going to get that kind of shape. So what if I'm the accountant for the Roadhouse? Okay. And then, you know those spindles that you put the receipts on? Yeah, I use those like, you know, like the size little green hat, those eye shapes, like that arm band you come through.

[Jake Gyllenhaal]

You just lift your head up.

[Stephen Colbert]

Exactly. They call me green Eye. The green eyed monster. Oh, come on. They're not even on board. Othello is at the Ethel Barrymore Theater. Jake Gyllenhaal, 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, you YouTube channel for more clips and exclusives.