‘Fantastic Four’ Star Miles Teller Explains Why He Quit Press Tours

Miles Teller has candidly shared the reasons behind his decision to step back from traditional press interviews, revealing that a past magazine profile significantly altered his feelings about engaging with journalists. These remarks were made during the Cannes Film Festival, where he is promoting the film Paper Tiger.

This information emerged from an interview Teller conducted with IndieWire while attending Cannes. He was there to support director James Gray’s competition film, in which he stars alongside Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson.

Teller explained that his discomfort with press interviews traces back to a 2015 Esquire profile that he feels misrepresented him. The article became infamous for labeling him as “kind of a dick” and implying he would “charm the world with his dickishness.” It opened with a line that set a negative tone, stating, “You’re sitting across from Miles Teller at the Luminary restaurant in Atlanta and trying to figure out if he’s a dick.”

Teller remarked that this experience changed his approach to interviews. He told IndieWire, “That was so mishandled. The reason why I have not done profiles is because I said, ‘Wow, if I’m not doing this interview on camera, this person can misquote things or put things out of order or say things that didn’t happen.’ It felt like such a violation of what actually transpired.”

He further explained that after reading the final article, he felt it did not accurately represent who he is. He stated, “I told my team, ‘Guys, I don’t think I’m doing this again, because I’m reading this and this doesn’t sound like me to me. This is not life, so why would I ever want to be a part of something where they can just put that in?’”

Teller added that he believes the media often emphasizes negative narratives because they attract more attention. He remarked, “It’s unfortunate that being a good person, that doesn’t sell. People want to click on the negativity.” He noted that the impact of this experience has lingered, stating that although the interview occurred years ago, it still influences his interactions with the press today.

Despite his reservations, Teller attended Cannes to promote Paper Tiger, a new film directed by James Gray. The movie also stars Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson and follows two brothers whose attempts to improve their lives go awry after they become entangled with dangerous criminals. Teller portrays Irwin Pearl, a family man who inadvertently stirs up trouble after witnessing criminal activity.

Driver’s character, Gary Pearl, is a former police officer who tries to resolve the situation but instead pulls the brothers deeper into danger.

Set in 1986, the film delves into themes of crime, family, and survival amid a tense and violent narrative. It is slated for theatrical release later this year through Neon.

Teller also publicly responded years ago on X after the Esquire profile was published, stating, “Esquire couldn’t be more wrong. I don’t think there’s anything cool or entertaining about being a dick or an asshole. Very misrepresenting.”

Despite the past controversy, Teller expressed that those he collaborates with directly, including directors and crew members, truly understand who he is. He remarked, “The actors, the directors, the crew and the producers all know who I really am because you can’t hide who you are when you’re on set.”

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