YA Actor Interview – Star of Wimpy Kid | Young Adult Mag


Zachary Gordon plays Greg Heffley in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days, which came out this past Friday, August 3rd. We at Young Adult, had an amazing time talking with Zachary about the film and his future pursuits. Check out what the Wimpy Kid had to say and let us know what questions you’d want us to ask for next time.


Photo by: Angelo Kritikos
How long after you auditioned for the role of Greg did it take to hear back that you got the role?

The process was approximately 9 months of return auditions.  I first heard about it in December of 2008 and auditioned until I finally heard I got the role of Greg in June of 2009.

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Did you have to audition again and again for each individual film, or once cast for the first Diary, you were set?

No, once I got the first movie, I automatically had the role for subsequent movies.


What’s the reasoning why they skipped Diary of a Wimpy Kid: the last straw? Are they going to get back to it?

They didn’t really skip it.  They combined Rodrick Rules and part of The Last Straw for the second movie and part of The Last Straw and Dog Days for this upcoming movie.

 

How do you prepare for the role of Greg, or are you just playing yourself?

I am happy to say that I am definitely not playing myself.  In preparing for Greg, I read the books numerous times and imagined myself in Greg’s shoes.

 

Did you have a dog growing up? What was his/her name?

I have had two dogs.  The first dog was a German Shepherd named Madison who passed away 5 years ago.  I now have a chocolate Lab whose name is Bosco.

 

What was/is your summer break like?

This summer has been a real Dog Days summer.  I broke my leg 3 months ago, so since I had limited choices, I decided to get a head start on high school and take some classes during the summer.

 

Which actor/actress do you most look up to, and why?

Joseph Gordon Levitt is one of my favorite actors.  He is dedicated to his craft and takes on many different kinds of roles.  He is a real professional and I hope to have a career similar to his.

 

If you were to pick any movie role, past or present that you were NOT cast in, which role would that be?

Back to the Future, filming on the back lot of Universal Studios.

 

After Dog Days do we have more Diary to look forward to from you, or is this it? 

If it were up to me, I would be Greg Heffley for the rest of my life, but the decision is not mine and I am also eager to take on new challenging roles.

 

What do you, Zachary have coming up, what should we see coming from you in the future?

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, Norm of the North, The Boxcar Children

 

Last Question:

Do you have a favorite book, or what book are you currently reading?

I am currently reading, “The Scorch Trials”