Stanley Tucci Opens Up About the Role He Refuses to Revisit, Ever

Stanley Tucci has opened up about a role he says he would never take on again. The acclaimed actor, known for films like The Devil Wears Prada and The Hunger Games, revealed in an interview with ET that his experience playing George Harvey in Peter Jackson’s The Lovely Bones was extremely difficult.

“I would not play George Harvey again in The Lovely Bones, which was horrible,” Tucci said. He explained that, while the role earned him major award nominations, including an Oscar nod, the dark and disturbing nature of the character made it a tough experience.

In the film, adapted from Alice Sebold’s novel, Tucci plays a serial killer who kills several young girls. He admitted he was so unsettled by the role that he tried to back out early on. “I asked Peter Jackson why he cast me in that role. I tried to get out of playing the role, which is crazy because I needed a job,” Tucci recalled. Jackson reassured him, saying it was because Tucci had a natural humor that would prevent him from overplaying the horror of the character.

“That I would throw it away a bit,” Tucci added. “Which is what you have to do when you’re playing somebody who’s that awful, right? You can’t play into it. Then, you know, it’s over. Like, the movie’s over. You just have to play against it.”

Despite the challenge, Tucci delivered a performance that earned praise. Critics highlighted his acting alongside the film’s strong visuals and direction.

The Lovely Bones, which also stars Saoirse Ronan, Rachel Weisz, and Mark Wahlberg, was released internationally between late 2009 and early 2010. It earned over $44 million in North America and received mixed reviews, with Tucci’s performance being one of the highlights.

Tucci’s candid reflections offer insight into the emotional toll that playing a villainous character can take, even for a seasoned actor. He acknowledged the difficulty of fully embodying such a terrifying character while maintaining his own sense of humanity.

Tucci’s honesty shows just how challenging some roles can be, even for talented actors. It’s a reminder of the emotional work behind performances that often impress audiences without revealing the personal impact. What do you think about actors taking on extremely dark roles? Share your thoughts in the comments.