Robin Williams’ Former Co-Star Revealed the Zany Way He Made the Set of ‘Good Will Hunting’ Fun

When we think back on the magic of Good Will Hunting, it’s not just the stirring narrative or the profound dialogues that capture our hearts. A significant part of that magic came from the effervescent spirit of Robin Williams, whose performance as Sean Maguire remains unforgettable. But what was it like behind the scenes? Stellan Skarsgård, who shared the screen with Williams, recently shed light on how Williams brought joy and laughter to the set, making the filming of this iconic movie an experience like no other.

Released in 1997, Good Will Hunting not only showcased the genius of Matt Damon and Ben Affleck as writers but also highlighted Robin Williams in a role that earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. It was a film that balanced depth with wit, and as Skarsgård reveals, was thanks to Williams’ unparalleled improvisational skills.

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According to Skarsgård, Williams had a unique way of keeping the atmosphere on set light and enjoyable. “He always did that,” Skarsgård remarked, referring to Williams’ spot-on impressions of Robert De Niro and Jack Nicholson, which happened on more than one occasion. It wasn’t just about making people laugh; it was about breaking the monotony and keeping the creative juices flowing. Williams’ antics were not just for amusement; they were integral to his process.

“No. No. He was extremely funny. And we laughed. It was a shoot where it was OK to laugh and do a couple of crazy takes,” Skarsgård continued in his talk for Business Insider’s Role Play. This environment of openness and creativity allowed Williams to explore his character deeply while providing moments of levity for the cast and crew. “The thing with him is he had to get it out of his system. He would have an idea about something funny, and he would have to get it out for him to continue,” Skarsgård elaborated.

Perhaps the most telling aspect of Williams’ dedication to his craft was his insistence on doing just “one more take.” After satisfying the director, Gus Van Sant, with a scene, Williams would often seek permission to explore the scene further, to let his comedic genius take the reins. “We would do 10 takes on something, and it was good, and Gus Van Sant was pleased, and Robin would say, ‘Can I do one more take!’ And then he had to get it out of him. He was fantastic to work with,” Skarsgård shared.

This peek behind the curtain at the making of Good Will Hunting not only cements Williams’ legacy as a brilliant actor but also as a cherished colleague who infused joy into every moment on set. His ability to blend humor with heartfelt performances made the film’s journey memorable for those who worked alongside him. As Skarsgård’s anecdotes reveal, Williams was not just performing; he was bringing his vibrant spirit to life, making the set of Good Will Hunting an unforgettable place to be.

Before you go, click here to see more celebrity kids following in their parents’ acting footsteps.

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