IN CONVERSATION WITH PIERSON FODÉ

interview by JANA LETONJA

Pierson Fodé is about to charm audiences worldwide as the bachelor in Netflix’s upcoming rom-com ‘The Wrong Paris’, which premiered on 12th September. He’ll follow that with a turn opposite Lily James in ‘Swiped’, debuting on 19th September on Hulu/Disney+, and later this year in Netflix’s holiday romance ‘A Merry Little Ex-Mas’. Known for his role in Netflix and Sony Pictures’ #1 hit ‘The Man From Toronto’, Pierson’s career spans romantic comedies, thrillers, and festival favorites, proving him to be one of Hollywood’s most versatile leading men.

‘The Wrong Paris’ has such a fun premise—a dating show mix-up between Paris, France and Paris, Texas. What made you say yes to this project?

I mean, how do you turn down a role where I get to go back to my roots, ride horses, and get the fantasy of being a bachelor on a reality show? What I really loved about this story was the heart underneath the comedy. This fish-out-of-water story felt like a love letter to small towns, miscommunication, and the beautifully awkward mess of falling in love. And a script that lets me be a cowboy again? Count me in. Also, the very obvious fun opportunity of doing a Netflix rom-com with Miranda. 

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How would you describe your character, and how does he surprise viewers throughout the film?

Trey’s the kind of guy who knows how to fix a fence, saddle a horse, and cook a mean skillet breakfast. He’s a homegrown country boy with no business being on a dating show, which is what makes him so watchable. He doesn’t speak fluent “reality TV”, but he speaks fluent honesty. As the film goes on, you realize he’s not just a rugged bachelor. He’s got a soft center and a wicked sense of humor hiding under that cowboy hat.

You and Miranda Cosgrove share great chemistry on screen. What was it like working together?

Miranda’s the best kind of scene partner. Funny, smart, and always up for a wild take or improv moment. Our chemistry came from genuinely cracking each other up between takes and then trying, and usually failing, not to laugh during them. She’s the kind of person who loves every animal she’s ever met. If we weren’t filming, we were watching classic early 2000s rom-coms, riding fake bulls, or petting the animals.

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In ‘Swiped’, you play opposite Lily James in a story inspired by Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd. How did you prepare for a role in a film loosely based on real events?

My first steps were to research the tech world, listen to podcasts about start ups, and read everything I could. Then, I did every bit of research I could on Michael Herd, who’s practically a ghost online. Funnily enough, my old roommate from my modeling days is now best friends with Michael, so I was able to get to know this character on a more human level. This film is about Whitney’s ambition, love, and building something meaningful from scratch, something I relate to as a kid who sold his cattle to chase a dream in Hollywood. Lily’s brilliance in her performance anchors the film in the emotional reality behind the glossy app world. Now I can say I know what “convertible note” means without having to Google it mid-scene. 

You’ve also got ‘A Merry Little Ex-Mas’ coming this holiday season. How do you approach romantic comedies differently from drama or action?

My approach usually stays the same for all my roles. Find the character and know what movie you’re in, and don’t stop working until the DVD commentary. Rom-coms are all about timing — the beats, the banter, the moment before the kiss. You’re dancing between comedy and vulnerability, which makes it a sweet spot for actors who love both. But many of the best comedies are grounded in the truth, or your character's version of truth. In dramas, you break hearts. In rom-coms, you try not to trip over your own trying to win someone else's. ’A Merry Little Ex-Mas’ was a joy because it let me lean into charm while working with some iconic talent I grew up watching. I mean c’mon, Alicia Silverstone. The whole cast was incredible. Jameela Jamil and I never stopped training in the gym. Ok, fine she trained with me twice and then would send me updates about where we should eat after I was done.

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This is a huge year for you with back-to-back releases. How do you keep your performances distinct across such different projects?

I treat every role like it’s the only one I’ve got. I stick to the script and then build my world inside of the filmmaker's vision. For Trey in ’The Wrong Paris’, it was about grounding him in authenticity. A guy who would rather spend time outdoors than on his phone. For ’Swiped’, I had to flip a tad and become a cowboy that embraced the sharp, fast-talking world of tech. I keep journals, playlists, and character breakdowns that help me switch gears. Also, coffee. A lot of coffee right after a cold plunge. But each character organically becomes different just from the script alone. 

You’ve worked across film festival thrillers, action blockbusters, and rom-coms. What draws you to a project?

I chase what scares me or makes me laugh, or both. I love roles that show me something new or ask me to get uncomfortable in the best way. And if I read a script and can already see the trailer in my head, or picture myself doing the press junket in a cowboy hat, I know it’s a yes.

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‘The Man From Toronto’ was a #1 hit on Netflix. How did that experience change your career momentum?

It opened the door for a lot more yeses. That project introduced me to a massive global audience and showed the industry I could dominate a character in a big action-comedy. While sharing the screen with legends like Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson, it was like getting thrown into the deep end, except instead of drowning, I found myself doing backflips in a tux. From there, I had the chance to pivot into more romantic leads, more action, more risks. And I love a big risk that pays off with hard work.

Looking back at your earliest roles, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about leading a film?

Show up early, know your lines, hit your marks, and it's cool to be kind. You want to set the tone for everyone on set and, hopefully, they pass those qualities on to the next project they lead. Truth is, leadership on set comes down to gratitude, preparation, and knowing when to pass the ball to your teammates. Filmmaking is one of the biggest team sports in the world. The second you think it’s all about one person, you lose sight of what makes film so special.

With such a busy year ahead, how do you keep grounded?

I call my family and spend time with friends. I get outside and reflect on this beautiful creation around us. Embrace my mistakes. I remind myself that I came from a farm where if you forget to feed the animals, they let you know, loudly. That kind of upbringing keeps you honest. I also surround myself with people who care more about who I am than what I’m doing. Also, I watch a lot of movies. Don’t underestimate the spiritual power of watching a really good movie with people you love.

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TEAM CREDITS:

talent PIERSON FODÉ
photography PERAZNA
styling ASHLEY PRUITT at TMG LA
hair and makeup VINCENT PELLETIER at A-Frame Agency
styling assistant KAI TKACHENKO
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA