On this week’s show (8th November), Graham welcomes Hollywood stars Dwayne Johnson and Lucy Liu, Oscar-winner Kate Winslet, superstar Jennifer Lopez, American actor Jharrel Jerome, and British singer songwriter Celeste.
Dwayne and Lucy chat about their comedy action adventure Red One.
Dwayne, talking about the film, says, “It’s my first Christmas movie and as an actor I feel it’s a bucket list thing now checked off.”
Talking about his unusually small size compared with the giant characters in the film and asked if he found it odd not being the tallest person for once, he jokes, “I really noticed what it was like to have to look up to others for a change – I noticed that this is what Kevin Hart’s life is!”
Asked if she worked out with Dwayne for the role, Lucy says, “No not at all. If anything, he could deadlift me. For the big fight scene my muscle memory from previous roles in Kill Bill and Charlie’s Angels just seemed to kick in and it all sort of happened.”
Dwayne interjects, “She didn’t have to work out because she is a born bad-ass.”
Talking about the fame that came after her breakout role in Ally McBeal, she says, “I would go to the grocery store and people were so intimidated by the character that they were terrified of me. It made it a little bit difficult to connect with people.”
Asked about the movie Moana 2, Dwayne says, “We were finishing the sequel to the original animation at the same time we were filming the original live action movie. It was like a chess board playing all the pieces. The whole idea is to build the Moana universe. We kept to the integrity of the original one so there is song, dance, performance, and a lot of hair! It’s amazing and a lot of fun.”
Kate, talking about playing WWII photo-journalist Lee Miller in the biopic Lee, and asked why she wanted to produce the film, she says, “I knew who she was, and I knew her work, but she had a courage and determination that made me feel her story needed lifting out of the shadows – it just had to be told.
“She was incredible, powerful, and she redefined femininity 80 years ago. She lived life on her terms at full throttle. She had a courage I had never come across in all the other roles I have ever played.”
Asked about the recreation of the famous shot of Lee Miller in Hitler’s bath, she says, “The photo was taken by Annie Leibovitz. Anna Wintour was hugely supportive of the film and said, ‘If you are recreating the bathtub photo I will have to send Annie.’ I was like, ‘Okay, if you have to!’ It was an extraordinary night, and the scene was mind blowing – I couldn’t believe we were actually there as we had been developing the film for seven years.”
Jennifer and Jharrel chat about their new sports drama Unstoppable, the true story of one-legged wrestler Anthony Robles.
Jharrel says, “He is an incredible human being who has defied unimaginable odds. I love the film so much because of the emphasis it has on his mother and how he overcame so much because of her.”
Talking about training with Anthony he says “I got really lucky to train with him and his coach. For seven months, five days a week, two hours a day I got down on the mat with him.”
Jennifer says, “I read the script and loved it. They are such charismatic and amazing people, and I thought there was something interesting to show – not just their relationship but about being a woman and a mother. It’s a beautiful family story and so inspirational. I am really honoured to play Judy and to be part of Anthony’s story.”
The real Anthony and Judy are in the audience. Asked what she thought when she heard Jennifer was to play her in the movie, Judy says, “I was shocked. I didn’t believe it, and it’s unbelievable still. I keep telling Jennifer she did me better than I do me.”
Anthony adds, “My whole family was in it. It’s our family legacy and it’s an honour to be involved.”
Jennifer, asked if she would ever do a Christmas movie, says, “I have always wanted to do one and I want to do a Christmas album. I’ve started a couple of times, but you have to have it in by June and I am always behind schedule. Maybe one day.”
Talking about having cancelled some of her shows she says, “I took the summer off to be home with the kids, which is the best thing I have ever done. It was not like me to do that, so I always want to apologise to the fans. Actually, something very touching happened when I was coming out of the hotel yesterday. A fan came up to me and said, ‘I had tickets to come and see you.’ When I apologised, he said, ‘Don’t say sorry we love you.’ I started crying straight away.”
Entirely coincidentally the fan is in Graham’s audience. A very surprised and emotional Jennifer says, “Was that you? I don’t believe it.” He is rewarded with a huge hug and another apology.
Celeste performs This is Who I Am live in the studio before joining Graham for a chat.
And finally, Graham pulls the lever on more foolhardy audience members brave enough sit in the world-famous Big Red Chair to tell their funniest stories.
The Graham Norton Show, BBC One, Friday 8th November 10.40pm. Also available on BBC iPlayer.
Next week is Children in Need on BBC One. Graham returns on 22nd November when his guests include Nicole Kidman, Cynthia Erivo, James Norton, Chris McCausland, and Benson Boone performing Beautiful Things from his album Fireworks & Rollerblades.
Graham Norton Picture credit: BBC/So Television/Christopher Baines
