Film

Mike Faist’s Role Choices: Big Feelings Over Comfort or Dread

By Rhys Dunbar, Film EditorMarch 18, 20241 note

For Mike Faist, selecting projects hinges on the intensity of emotion—either an overwhelming ‘Hell Yes’ or a profound sense of dread. His method reveals a desire for roles that ignite passion, even if they scare him.

Mike Faist’s approach to choosing roles is rooted in visceral reactions. He admits that feelings of ‘dread’ often accompany his decision-making process, but he sees that as a sign of genuine care. It’s about chasing projects that stir deep emotional responses, whether elation or fear. Since moving to New York at 17 and gaining fame from stage work like ‘Dear Evan Hansen,’ Faist has become notably selective, prioritizing roles that he feels a real connection to, as highlighted in his recent IndieWire interview.

His breakout film role as Riff in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ put him on Hollywood’s radar, but Faist’s choices since then have been deliberately curated. He’s starred in Jeff Nichols’ ‘The Bikeriders’ and Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Challengers,’ both projects that resonated with him emotionally. For Faist, the thrill is in the emotional stakes—seeking roles that make him feel ‘hell yes’ or, conversely, ‘total dread’—as he explains, that’s how he knows he cares deeply about his craft.

One of his latest projects, Zoe Kazan’s adaptation of Steinbeck’s ‘East of Eden,’ exemplifies this approach. Faist plays Charles Trask, a character layered with darkness and complexity. For him, embodying such a troubled figure was an immediate ‘hell yes,’ driven by a desire to explore the darker facets of human nature. Growing up revering James Dean, Faist’s attachment to ‘East of Eden’ is personal, making the role even more significant—a perfect example of his emotional criteria for selection. More context: Film.

His method of role selection isn’t just about the story itself but also about the emotional journey it promises. Faist describes the process as feeling either an instant love or a deep dread—both signals that a project will elicit a genuine response. This intense focus on emotion means he’s willing to take risks, embracing the vulnerability that comes with roles that challenge him or terrify him. It’s a conscious decision, rooted in a desire to grow and to explore the depths of human experience.

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