WTF with Marc Maron Podcast
Episode 1658 - Alexander Skarsgård
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 1658 of the WTF with Marc Maron Podcast, Marc Maron engages in a candid and insightful conversation with actor Alexander Skarsgård. The episode delves deep into Skarsgård's illustrious career, his experiences on various film and television projects, and his personal reflections on acting and creativity. The discussion is interspersed with anecdotes, personal stories, and thoughtful insights, providing listeners with a comprehensive look into the life and mind of one of Hollywood's most respected actors.
Backgrounds of the Guests
Alexander Skarsgård is renowned for his versatile roles in projects such as True Blood, Big Little Lies, The Northman, Infinity Pool, and the science fiction series Murderbot. His ability to embody diverse characters has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. In this episode, Skarsgård shares his journey through the acting world, his approach to character development, and the challenges he has faced along the way.
Key Topics Discussed
1. Early Career and Family Influence
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Introduction to Acting: Skarsgård recounts his unexpected entry into acting at the age of eight, influenced by his father’s connections in the Swedish acting community.
"So that's how I kind of ended up doing that. And then like, you know, it wasn't like I was a Hollywood in the Hollywood sense of like a child actor."
[34:07] Adam Pally -
Family Dynamics: Discussing his large family, Skarsgård highlights the artistic environment he grew up in and his siblings' involvement in acting.
"And so, yeah, I'm the oldest than Gus, who's an actor. Sam was a doctor. He followed like, moms, Pat. And then Bill, who's an actor."
[24:15] Adam Pally
2. Transitioning Roles and Industry Challenges
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Typecasting and Role Diversity: Skarsgård talks about the challenges of breaking away from being typecast as a "global sex symbol" and his desire to take on more complex and diverse roles.
"But it's wild, though. You've had. It's like to be somebody who is. You're seen that way, yet still have a career where you're like a character actor in a lot of ways."
[68:22] Marc Maron -
Notable Roles: Reflecting on his roles in True Blood and Murderbot, Skarsgård shares insights into his character development and the creative processes behind these projects.
"Murderbot is funny. Like, it's funny Murderbot is funny."
[52:02] Marc Maron
3. Working with Visionary Directors
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Collaboration with Robert Eggers: Skarsgård discusses his experience working on The Northman with director Robert Eggers, highlighting Eggers' meticulous approach to filmmaking.
"Rob is like a visionary. It's so fucking rare that, like, he's not going to bend to expectation. No, he's gonna make exactly the movie he wants to make."
[30:22] Marc Maron -
Directing Under Strict Protocols: He recounts the challenges of shooting long takes and maintaining authenticity on set.
"They did most scenes as a oner with just one long camera take that he plans six months in advance."
[26:28] Adam Pally
4. Personal Growth and Overcoming Insecurities
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Military Service and Personal Discipline: Skarsgård shares his time in the Swedish military and how it shaped his approach to discipline and teamwork in his acting career.
"I was just like, I gotta do this. So when I, several years later, got to a place where I had options where I could choose to play the jock or boyfriend number four or something weird a bit weirder or psychologically more interesting, then of course I'm gonna gravitate towards that."
[68:22] Adam Pally -
Handling Fame and Recognition: Discussing his experiences with fame, Skarsgård emphasizes the importance of maintaining humility and focusing on his craft.
"I'm not letting myself be kind of put in a box. But I think I was just. When I."
[68:27] Adam Pally
5. Future Projects and Reflections
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Upcoming Work: Skarsgård hints at future projects, including his participation in the science fiction series Murderbot, and a kinky gay biker movie premiering at Cannes.
"It's a Sub Dom story set in the world of gay bikers. So I play a biker who takes on a submissive. So it's like a."
[76:12] Adam Pally -
Creative Aspirations: He expresses his desire to continue taking on challenging roles that allow him to explore different facets of his acting abilities.
"I just want to work. I need to find a job."
[68:36] Marc Maron
Insights and Conclusions
Throughout the episode, Alexander Skarsgård provides a nuanced perspective on the acting industry, highlighting both its challenges and rewards. He emphasizes the importance of versatility, dedication, and staying true to one's artistic vision. Skarsgård’s experiences underscore the value of collaboration with visionary directors and the impact of personal growth on professional success. His reflections serve as an inspiration for aspiring actors and creatives, illustrating the balance between embracing opportunities and maintaining personal integrity.
Notable Quotes
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On Music and Comedy:
"The difference between music and comedy is that music is magic. I'll stand by that."
[12:35] Marc Maron -
On Facing Insecurities:
"Maybe if I keep doing it, I'll let go. I'll let go and I'll ease into it."
[05:22] Marc Maron -
On Collaborating with Directors:
"That guy Eggers, a fucking genius. He's like a visionary."
[30:22] Marc Maron -
On Typecasting and Versatility:
"I didn't want to be lazy, but, Yeah, I guess be lazy through it because I didn't really have to work that hard. It was so well written."
[73:16] Adam Pally -
On Personal Growth Through Acting:
"Has a character that had a lot of love for his sons and a lot of love for his wife as well. There's an incredible deep darkness there, but there's also light and playfulness."
[73:18] Adam Pally
Conclusion
Episode 1658 of WTF with Marc Maron Podcast offers a deep dive into Alexander Skarsgård's career and personal journey as an actor. Through engaging dialogue and thoughtful reflections, listeners gain valuable insights into the complexities of the acting profession, the importance of personal growth, and the relentless pursuit of creative fulfillment. This episode is a must-listen for fans of Skarsgård, aspiring actors, and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes realities of Hollywood.
Note: All timestamps are approximations based on the provided transcript.