Andrew Garfield has reflected on his first major film role, revealing that Robert Redford’s habit of arriving late to set unexpectedly helped ease his nerves. Garfield made his feature-film debut in the 2007 political war drama Lions for Lambs, appearing alongside major Hollywood stars including Redford, Tom Cruise, and Meryl Streep.
Speaking with Amy Poehler on the ">Good Hang podcast, Garfield recalled feeling extremely nervous when he first arrived on the set. However, Redford’s relaxed personality quickly changed the atmosphere for the young actor.
Andrew Garfield Says Redford’s Four-Hour Delay Calmed His Nerves
Garfield admitted that he initially felt “terrified and nervous” about working on such a major production. That changed when Redford arrived approximately four hours late, with the actor explaining that his frustration eventually replaced his anxiety.
“By that time, I’m just pissed. I’m just angry,”
Garfield joked during the interview. He clarified that he was not genuinely angry with Redford, but explained that the delay gave him enough time to settle down before filming.
Garfield said Redford was
“so loose, casual and so cool,”
which helped him become more comfortable on the set. He also recalled that Redford was known for operating on his own schedule and described his legendary lateness as part of the actor’s personality.
“He was on his own Redford time,”
Garfield said, adding that Redford even maintained a youthful personal style, including his signature denim outfits.
Redford Made Garfield Feel Like an Equal
The experience was valuable for Garfield beyond simply helping him overcome his initial nerves. He said Redford deliberately treated him like a fellow performer rather than an inexperienced newcomer.
According to Garfield, Redford asked for his thoughts about the veteran actor’s performance and made him feel involved in the creative process.
“He made me feel like it was my set and made me feel like I was an equal,”
Garfield recalled.
That approach had a lasting impact on Garfield, who went on to become one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors. His later credits include The Amazing Spider-Man, Hacksaw Ridge, Tick, Tick… Boom! and Under the Banner of Heaven.
Redford, meanwhile, was widely celebrated for his work as both an actor and filmmaker, with credits including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men.
Garfield’s comments offer a personal look at how one of Hollywood’s most respected figures helped a nervous newcomer find his footing on a major film set.