Lewis Pullman Apologetically Takes Responsibility for Your Tearful Rollercoaster Ride in ‘Lessons in Chemistry’

Lewis Pullman Apologizes for Causing Tears with ‘Lessons in Chemistry’

If you’re here because watching Lessons in Chemistry made you cry into your popcorn and wine, don’t worry, you’re not alone. We understand your pain! And guess what? We managed to catch up with Lewis Pullman, the star who plays Calvin Evans in the series, to talk about his experience working with Brie Larson and constructing a love story that will leave you breathless. Buckle up as we dive into the chemistry behind Lessons in Chemistry!

But before we get into it, a little warning: there are spoilers ahead, so if you haven’t finished the show yet, proceed with caution!

Stepping into the Chemistry Lab of a Lifetime

So, Lewis, spill the beans! How did it feel when your agent told you that your character dies in episode two? We can only imagine the mix of excitement and fear that came with that news!

Lewis chuckles and replies, “Nail on the head! It was a no-brainer to join a beloved story alongside Lee Eisenberg and Brie Larson. But I have to admit, I was a bit worried about playing a scientist. My high school grades in science were less than stellar, let’s just say! Thankfully, we had brilliant scientists on set guiding us through the technical aspects. I had to ask them to explain concepts to me like I was a toddler! Trust me, playing a chemist isn’t as easy as mixing hydrogen and oxygen to make water.”

Chemistry Reads and Game Nights

Now, let’s talk about the incredible chemistry between you and Brie in the first few episodes. Did you have a chemistry read before shooting?

• Fashion Brands from the 2000s: Making a Comeback with a Y2K Twist
• Get Ready to Party: Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish Return to SNL!
• Warrior Shannen Doherty Opens Up About Her Battle as Cancer Takes I...

Lewis laughs, “Surprisingly, there was no formal chemistry read for Lessons in Chemistry. Brie and I took a different approach. We workshopped extensively, fearlessly exploring what made Calvin and Elizabeth irresistible to each other. These characters are like magnets; they found each other in statistically unlikely scenarios. And let me tell you, Brie is a bundle of joy on set! She brought a whole tub of games, like Boggle and Catch Phrase. We’d play between takes, creating a lively and playful atmosphere. It really felt like a family.”

Awkward, Alien, and Absolutely Adorable

Speaking of Calvin and Elizabeth, what was your favorite part about their dynamic?

Lewis grins, “Oh, their romance is a breath of fresh air! They’re awkward, don’t conform to social norms, and are unapologetically themselves. Finding someone they connect with on a deep level is highly improbable, let alone falling in love! Playing characters inexperienced in romantic relationships was a blast. It was like an alien trying to navigate Earthly love. Let’s just say, they make quirkiness look stylish!”

Love Without Cynicism

We loved how earnest Calvin and Elizabeth were about each other. There was no cynicism in their relationship. What are your thoughts on that?

Lewis reflects, “Once they accepted their connection, it meant everything to them. After years of being alone, finding true love must have felt like a distant dream. Every new experience was both exciting and uncomfortable. It’s beautifully real. Love without cynicism is magical, isn’t it?”

Lights, Camera, Tragedy

Now, let’s address the elephant in the chemistry lab: your character’s death. It caught us off guard, and we may or may not have shed a tear or two. What was it like filming that heartbreaking scene?

Lewis sighs, “Oh no! That moment made me question my career choices. Am I just a clown, a fool? We shot that scene in different ways to capture the intensity. A static shot, me pulling a fake dog, and even miming getting hit by a bus. We were in Pasadena with curious onlookers. But when I watched the final series, it hit me how abrupt and realistic it felt. The dog stole the show, though!”

The Emotional Fallout

Have your friends and family reached out to you, blaming you for their emotional breakdowns?

Lewis chuckles, “My mom begged me to stop dying in movies! She’d had enough of the emotional rollercoasters. But hey, that’s the power of storytelling, right? If we can touch people’s hearts, even if it means making them cry, then we’ve done our job!”

The Ghostly Presence

As the series progresses, your character appears in flashbacks. How did you approach playing a character who is no longer alive? Did you adjust your performance in any way?

Lewis explains, “Playing Calvin in the flashbacks was a fascinating challenge. But here’s the twist: I’m not exactly playing Calvin, but rather Elizabeth’s perception of him. When you lose someone, you try to fill in the gaps and imagine how they would support you. Those scenes became a physicalization of Elizabeth’s grief and the ghostly image of what she wishes Calvin would do or say.”

A Dream or Reality?

So, the flashbacks make Calvin almost like a dream to Elizabeth, right?

Lewis nods, “Absolutely! I got so into character that I sometimes surprised myself. I would come around the corner to console her and wonder, ‘Wait, where am I coming from? Was I haunting the halls?’ It wasn’t in the script, but hey, unexpected moments can make a performance unforgettable.”

Dancing Through Christmas

Before we wrap things up, tell us about your favorite scene to film in the series.

Lewis’s face lights up, “Ah, the Christmas scene montage. It was pure joy! Brie and I had so much fun dancing and breathing life into their relationship. We knew these moments would become cherished memories for Elizabeth. So we went all out, making it as rich and vibrant as possible. It was a magical and playful day on set.”

The “Mega Dream Boat”

Last but not least, we have to ask: how do you feel about being called a “mega dream boat” by Decider?

Lewis’s eyes widen, “A ‘mega dream boat’? Wow, that’s a high honor! I had no idea. There are plenty of others who could wear that crown, but I’m flattered to be included, even if it’s just for the afternoon. So, thank you, Decider, for the delightful compliment!”

Now, before we bid farewell, let’s give a shoutout to Emma Baty, Senior Entertainment Editor at HotSamples. Emma shapes the world of TV, movies, and music with her expert coverage and fandom-fueled enthusiasm. As a fellow pop culture aficionado, we’re grateful to have her insights on Lessons in Chemistry. Keep up the fantastic work, Emma!

So there you have it, dear Fashionistas! The behind-the-scenes scoop from Lewis Pullman himself. If you haven’t watched Lessons in Chemistry yet, get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions! Brace yourselves, because the love story of Calvin and Elizabeth will leave you breathless, laughing, and crying into your popcorn all at once. Happy watching!