Actor Miles Teller discusses his new film 'Eternity,' the challenges of his home burning down, his love for the Grateful Dead community, and reflections on family, relationships, and the entertainment industry.
Takeways• Miles Teller's film 'Eternity' explores unique choices in the afterlife, blending comedy with emotional themes of love and loss.
• The traumatic experience of losing his home strengthened his marriage and highlighted the importance of relationships over material possessions.
• Teller prioritizes collaboration and authenticity in his acting career, choosing projects that allow for genuine connection and reflect diverse interests.
Miles Teller shares details about his new movie 'Eternity,' a unique afterlife romantic comedy exploring themes of love and choice. He reflects on the devastating loss of his home in a fire and how the experience, while traumatic, strengthened his relationship with his wife. Teller emphasizes the importance of human connection and authentic relationships over material possessions, both in his personal life and professional career.
Miles Teller's Background
• 00:00:00 Miles Teller, known for roles in 'Whiplash,' 'War Dogs,' and 'Top Gun 2,' introduces his new movie 'Eternity,' releasing November 26th. He shares that his home base is Nashville and recounts a prior meeting with the host in Troutdale, mentioning a mutual friend who owns a triceratops skull that he lent to a Louisiana museum, showcasing a unique regional artifact.
Childhood in Florida
• 00:02:21 Growing up in central Florida, Miles Teller's hometown experienced unusual events, including a 'Cooter Festival' celebrating a type of turtle, which was featured on 'The Daily Show.' Another instance involved Ed Helms visiting when a nearby town banned the devil, illustrating the peculiar and 'backwoods' nature of his childhood environment in the citrus counties.
Love for Grateful Dead
• 00:08:28 Miles Teller expresses his deep affection for the Grateful Dead, revealing he has seen many iterations of the band and considers them the best. He recalls that when his house burned down, the Grateful Dead community, known for its loving and supportive nature, reached out to his wife to send him vintage shirts, highlighting the band's inclusive ethos that predated broader social movements.
Loss of Home and Impact
• 00:24:28 Miles Teller details the traumatic experience of his house in the Palisades burning down, which he and his wife learned about via TMZ. The fire, which forced an evacuation under serious conditions, meant they lost all their possessions, including cherished items like his '75 Bronco and Grateful Dead shirts. This event, while devastating, strengthened their bond as a couple, prompting reflections on the fleeting nature of material attachments.
New Movie 'Eternity'
• 00:33:43 Miles Teller describes his new film 'Eternity' as a highly original afterlife romantic comedy where deceased individuals choose an eternal themed world. His character's wife, Elizabeth Olsen, must choose between him and a first love from the Korean War, prompting deep reflection on how long love lives and what truly matters beyond life. The movie blends humor with emotional depth, avoiding slapstick while maintaining sincerity.
Acting Career & Philosophy
• 01:01:12 Miles Teller emphasizes a team-oriented approach to acting, prioritizing collaboration and connection with cast and crew, rather than being high-maintenance. He leads by example, knowing everyone's name and actively contributing to the script, asserting that he prefers a collaborative director over a 'dictator.' His diverse interests, including music and sports, guide his project choices, aiming for authentic roles that resonate with audiences as they mature.