Created in the 1930s by members of The Group Theatre, method acting is one of the most relevant —albeit controversial— techniques in Hollywood today and has been for the past 90 years. Despite its popularity, multiple actors have spoken against "The Method" throughout the years, with the latest being Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3's Will Poulter.
Since its development, method acting has found its fair share of adepts in the film industry, including some of Hollywood's biggest names like Robert DeNiro, Christian Bale, Charlize Theron, and Marlon Brando. However, people often criticize the technique's demanding nature and how actors go to great lengths to fully embody their characters, sometimes endangering themselves, as well as the cast and crew in the process.
When speaking to The Independent UK about his preparation for the role of Adam Warlock in the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Poulter shared his thoughts on method acting, which received a new wave of attention following Jared Leto's performance in Morbius. While Poulter said that he has no issue with the approach, he does find it unacceptable when his colleagues use method acting as an excuse to treat others poorly. "When it comes to an actor’s process, whatever that is, so long as it doesn’t infringe on other people’s, and you’re being considerate, then fine. But if your process creates an inhospitable environment, then to me, you’ve lost sight of what’s important." Poulter told the outlet. "Method acting shouldn’t be used as an excuse for inappropriate behavior – and it definitely has."
During the interview, the actor also spoke about the physical transformation he underwent to portray the artificially engineered human in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which included "a lot of gym work and a very, very specific diet." Unfortunately, fans have no choice but to wait to see Poulter's body transformation, as an official first look at his character hasn't been released yet. However, director James Gunn teased a behind-the-scenes photo of Adam Warlock on April Fools' Day.
In addition to introducing Warlock, Vol. 3 will revolve around sisters Nebula and Gamora, played by Karen Gillan and Zoe Saldana, respectively. The forthcoming Marvel Studios film will also be the last from the trilogy, gathering the beloved team for one final adventure. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 recently broke the world record for "the most makeup appliances created for a single production."
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is scheduled to arrive in theaters on May 5, 2023.
Source: The Independent