Actor Andrew Garfield recently opened up about his early days in Hollywood, specifically detailing his experience working alongside Robert Redford. Appearing on the Good Hang with Amy Poehler podcast, released on September 29, 2026, Garfield shared candid memories from the set of their 2007 wartime drama, Lions for Lambs.
At just 23 years old, Garfield landed a prominent role in the political drama, marking a major milestone in his transition from stage acting to film. The movie featured an all-star cast including Meryl Streep and Tom Cruise, with Redford pulling double duty as both co-star and director. Naturally, the young actor felt immense pressure stepping onto a major motion picture set for the first time.
From Initial Anxiety to Frustration
Garfield admitted that he was initially terrified and nervous, constantly pinching himself at the reality of working with cinematic royalty. However, that overwhelming anxiety quickly morphed into a different emotion when production hit an unexpected snag on their very first day together.
According to Garfield, Redford arrived hours behind schedule for their initial scenes. Rather than remaining paralyzed by stage fright, the sudden delay shifted the young newcomer’s mindset entirely. “Then Bob is four hours late, and it’s just like by that time I’m just pissed,” Garfield told host Amy Poehler. “I’m just angry.”
Adjusting to “Redford Time”
That early frustration dissolved once filming began. Garfield noted that Redford’s casual demeanor helped dissipate the remaining tension on set. Dressed comfortably in double denim-a style reminiscent of his younger days-the iconic actor seemed unbothered by the clock.
“He wasn’t aware that he was late. He was just like on his own Redford time,” the Oscar-nominated actor recalled, affectionately describing the star as a beautiful man who was chronically tardy to everything.
Poehler playfully chimed in on the conversation, joking, “Well, God is fair-I mean, he’s so handsome there’s got to be something wrong with him.”
A Collaborative On-Set Dynamic
Despite the generational imbalance between a fresh newcomer and a Hollywood icon, Garfield praised Redford for treating him as an equal. He highlighted how collaborative the directing process was, noting that Redford regularly sought his input after completing takes.
“He would shoot himself, and then he would look at me after his first take, and he’d be like, ‘What do you think?'” Garfield shared. “And I was like, ‘It’s great. Really good, Robert Redford.'”
Looking back, Garfield credits Redford with creating an encouraging environment that validated his presence in the industry. “He made me feel like it was my set and made me feel like I was an equal and like he knew it was my first movie,” Garfield said. “He was so nice. He was so beautiful.”
