Adam Brody on his first encounter with Kristen Bell

It's only been a few days since Erin Foster's new Netflix series Nobody wants that debuted on the streaming platform and it's pretty safe to say that the response has been the exact opposite of the show's title. Both online and in real life, people everywhere seem to be talking, sharing and posting about the romantic comedy, which stars Kristen Bell as an agnostic podcast host who falls in love with an unconventional rabbi, played by Adam Brody, who is currently starring girlfriend broke up with a long-time boyfriend. The Hollywood Reporter spoke with Brody ahead of the series' release and, in the spoiler-free conversation below, reveals the secret to great on-screen chemistry, how he researched the role of a rabbi, and whether he's really as hard to get as people say.

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I read that Kristen Bell was already interested in the thing when it came to your mind and she told Erin Foster that there was only one man who could play the role and that was you. Who came forward first?

My agent has been my agent and his wife for a long time [Nicole Chavez] is Kristen's long-time stylist and good friend. We have well-traveled back channels, so I found out about it through him. I think Kristen unofficially reached out early on to turn up the heat.

Erin told The New York Times that they wanted you, but to keep the facts straight they auditioned “every hot Jewish guy in town.” Did you know about the competition?

I didn't know they were auditioning people. I wanted it. I only saw the first episode of the script, but I found it charming and an entertaining role that both felt comfortable and was a familiar and fun place to play. At the same time, the character of being a rabbi meant there was a whole other side to it. I had to learn and study a lot so that I could turn it into something acting. I should also be so lucky to work with Kristen. She is a phenomenal actress with an amazing track record. I wanted to do it, but was content to let things take their course.

Tell me about these acting things. I read that you watched documentaries, listened to podcasts, and attended a Shabbat service. Is this a normal deep dive for you?

Mostly I watched and listened to books, podcasts, films and documentaries. I tried my hand at the temple. I usually do something like that, but I don't usually have that much prep time and I don't usually feel that obligated to do that much. Above all, I always read a little to get inspiration. Whatever role I work for, I will read related materials that speak to me and help me think about psychological and performative ideas. This is such a real story, representing a real culture and religion, and I felt more of a responsibility to get it right.

I know some people watching might be sensitive to this, and I wanted to make as many people happy as possible. I had the job before the strikes, and when the strikes happened I had an unusual amount of time on my hands that allowed me to really immerse myself. I really learned so much about the history of Judaism and this mythology that has influenced and shaped so much about our culture for millennia and also so much about the people and their journeys throughout history. I knew as much about the Holocaust as the average American, but now I know a lot more. It helped me see the world from a clearer perspective and context.

As an actor, how did it feel to have a job on the other side of the strike?

It was a very nice consolation. Everything felt so high in the air. I was pretty sure we did [the show]but I don't think anyone was 100 percent sure. Having something to look forward to, even in theory, was a great comfort.

Words often used to describe you and Kristen are “charming” and “lovable.” Is there extra pressure to perform when you're with someone like her? How did you find the rhythm together?

It's very natural. But listen, these things could just as easily cancel each other out. When two people are too similar, sometimes you need slightly different chords, different notes, to harmonize. I didn't quite know how it would work. I know she's a lovely person and really talented, and I knew the writing was really strong. All you can do is go in and do your best. You hope it works, and here too I give great credit to the writing. We've been on different shows together and no one said, “Your chemistry is great.” I mean, we had a great time working together and it definitely worked, but there's a reason the show is focused on that this time receives more response. This has to do with the form of the writing.

These previous projects include House of lies and you were both there Scream 4even though their paths haven't crossed at all on screen. Do you remember your first meeting?

We also did another film called Some girls. I remember when we met, but she doesn't know. It was at one Scream 4 Screening. My agent had a two-seater car and we were going from the screening to the afterparty or something. We basically rode her in the trunk with her crammed into the backseat of the non-backseat portion.

In there too New York Times Profile, I read that you are very demanding about the roles you take on. Erin Foster said you don't like doing something “unless it really appeals to you,” while Kristen said you're “incredibly picky and that's part of your charm.” He's not always available to everyone. “How has this affected your career?

As I've suggested in this article, I certainly have an opinion. I think every actor should be. Every professional should have an opinion about what they do, but I think I'm much more pragmatic about what I do. I don't consider myself particularly picky. I understand the reality of going to work and enjoying the work, and there isn't much of a connection between the quality of a project and the enjoyment I get from it. It has a lot more to do with the personalities involved. This means that going to work is also a pleasure. There was a moment earlier in my career when I think I was more confident. But at the same time, I don't look back at something I didn't do and think, “Wow, I really missed the boat” or “I should have done something else.” I'm so happy to be on the path in my career, that I was on. It's my way. It's so clear to me that there are no regrets.

You've had a great year. You played along Fleischmann is in trouble, Shazam: Fury of the Godswhich maybe didn't quite live up to expectations, but was a great opportunity, and then you had a role in it American fictiona film that was nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. This must all feel pretty good…

It's beautiful. I've gotten to work with some of my favorite actors and get to do things that make me feel very lucky. It wasn't intentional. Things were coming my way and I would have been stupid not to do them. I'm involved in things that are really relevant to the conversations we're having as a culture. Bringing them into the mainstream and getting a decent number of people watching them and getting into the zeitgeist is its own level of satisfaction and reward.

Nobody wants that is now streaming on Netflix.