Disney prepares to grace audiences with another live-action musical thanks to Better Nate Than Ever, which makes its grand debut on April 1 through the Disney+ streaming service. Based on writer-director Tim Federle’s (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series) own novel, the showstopping film follows 13-year-old Nate (played by rising star Rueby Wood), whose dreams of Broadway get a jump start when he hears about auditions for the new Lilo & Stitch musical.
The only problem? He lives in Pittsburgh, and his parents are not about to take him to New York City on a whim. Instead, he and his ever supportive best friend Libby (Aria Brooks, Nickelodeon’s All That) hatch a plan to get there themselves. The Big Apple is no small feat for two young teenagers to manage, but Nate’s aunt Heidi (Lisa Kudrow, Friends) proves to be an unexpected source of help. While she helps her nephew chase his dreams of stardom, she also takes the opportunity to restore the estranged family that her own Broadway dreams once chased away.
Kudrow spoke to Screen Rant about the aspects she loved most about Better Nate Than Ever, the unique connection between Aunt Heidi and her nephew, and her own trick for acing auditions.
Better Nate Than Ever, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. u00a9 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc.””>
Aunt Heidi was so much fun to watch, especially the very unique bond that she has with Nate. When they first meet, she’s actually not very present in his life, but she looms very large in his mind. Can you talk about that unique family bond and how it grows over the course of the film?
Lisa Kudrow: Yeah, she hasn’t seen her sister or her sister’s family for years and years. And then all of a sudden, there’s Nate in New York. She does seem really happy to see him, but then realizes he’s not supposed to be here. So, she’s gonna do the right thing, be responsible and send him back. Then he just keeps showing up, because he’s got a dream, and nothing’s going to keep him from it.
He does need his aunt because he’s got nowhere to stay, and then you see that there is more of a bond between them, and that it works both ways. They both get a lot out of even just this one night that they get to spend together. It ends up having a lot of impact for her, just being around him. This kid that’s like, “Remember when you were optimistic? Remember when everything was exciting and wonderful?”
And that’s important. We have to remember to keep some of that.
What was it that drew you to this story in particular, and to Heidi’s journey?
Lisa Kudrow: I loved that this was a first for Disney plus. This is the first film where the lead is a 13-year-old boy who is gay. And I thought, “Yeah, that is a big deal.” Then I read it, and guess what? It’s a really fun, great movie.
I also love that every time this kid is true to himself, it ends up being a great thing to have happened. I love that message too. To me, there’s nothing more important that you want [for] 12 and 13-year-olds, because it’s the hardest time to like yourself. And that’s just because you’re 12 and 13. It doesn’t even matter what else is going on, no one feels like they fit in. It’s like, “Give yourself a break.”
If anything, let them give themselves a break, even for an hour. And like yourself! It’s okay to like yourself. So, I don’t know, I loved that the whole thing was just fun and uplifting.
Better Nate Than Ever, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. u00a9 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc.””>
That’s a very empowering and heartwarming message, which I love. I also loved the audition tips that Heidi gives Nate before the callback. Do you have any tricks that you would use in the early days?
Lisa Kudrow: I never did that New York stage auditioning, which is just the meanest thing I’ve ever seen.
But the only thing for me was to disappear absolutely everybody in the room. I don’t want to know who’s the casting director, I don’t know who’s the head of the studio – I don’t want to know. They’re just faceless audience members.
That’s very smart advice. Throughout the film, we learn about the backstory of Heidi and her sister. How much did you discuss that with Tim, or what headcanon did you have about their relationship beforehand?
Lisa Kudrow: Well, it was in the script. You know that she had a callback and didn’t go to the wedding. And she was the maid of honor – that’s a big deal. I think she did see them, but I think she just let her career [get in the way].
I imagine for Heidi, it was like, “My family’s not supportive, so forget it!” and she just stayed in New York.
I know you’ve said that if there was going to be a Friends reboot, you’d want to see a new generation take it on. Is there anyone you’ve seen that has Phoebe Buffay energy?
Lisa Kudrow: No, sorry. I didn’t think it through that much. I silo everything so much that it’s like, “What? No!” That’s not for me to ever cast or decide either.
While we do not necessarily get stage numbers from you in this film, it is filled with a love of Broadway. Do you have your own personal favorite musicals, or any that this film inspires you to love more?
Lisa Kudrow: Well, now I’d like there to be a Lilo & Stitch musical.
Better Nate Than Ever will begin streaming April 1 exclusively on Disney.
