In the heartfelt film A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey, two strangers, David (Colin Farrell) and Sarah (Margot Robbie), are linked by a fantastical adventure that forces them to revisit key moments from their past. As they journey back in time, they are confronted with the choices and experiences that shaped their lives, leading them to a deeper understanding of themselves and one another. As they travel in the past, they come face to face with their younger selves and realize how things would have been different if they hadn’t let themselves be trapped in societal expectations.
While Farrell plays the adult David, the younger version of the character is brought to life by Yuvi Hecht, who has previously appeared in Disney shows. For Hecht, this role marked a turning point – it challenged him to dig deeper as an actor and explore a more layered, emotional character than he had ever played before. It became a defining experience in his journey, allowing him to grow both personally and professionally. We had the opportunity to sit down with Yuvi Hecht to discuss his role in this emotional story. We chatted about his acting journey, what it was like working alongside Hollywood veterans like Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie, and how he connected with his character’s profound sense of being trapped.
The Interview with actor Yuvi Hecht on A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey
[Editor’s Note: This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.]
Aayush Sharma: Congratulations on the movie, A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey. But before we talk about the film, I would love to know how your journey has been in Hollywood and the entertainment industry.
Yuvi Hecht: Wow. I started back in fifth grade, so I was pretty young. It’s been a long journey with lots of auditions and plenty of no’s, and the hardest part is just keeping at it. That’s the most important thing. But every project has been amazing—the cast and crew always feel like family. It’s been a great journey, and I couldn’t be happier to be here.
Aayush Sharma: Having worked in television before and now being cast alongside acclaimed actors like Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie, how was the audition process for this project different from your past experiences, and what stood out to you most about it?
Yuvi Hecht: Well, previously, I did a couple of Disney shows, and like you said, that was television. Honestly, the process is pretty similar, but the main difference is the material. The script is completely different from what I’ve done before; it’s beautiful, magical, funny, and emotional. There are so many other aspects to it. For the audition process, I auditioned and waited to hear back. Eventually, they pinned me, and before I knew it, I was booked and ready to go.
Aayush Sharma: Both David and Sarah seem stuck in cycles of apathy and frustration, unsure of how to move forward. As you play the young version of David, how did you approach portraying his sense of being trapped, and what drew you to a story that’s ultimately about finding a way out?
Yuvi Hecht: I think what’s most important, especially with my character in this movie, is to really bring it to life and make it personal. You have to connect with the character truly. I brought some of my own experiences into the role to make it real, because audiences can tell if you’re just acting or if it feels authentic. Bringing my personal experiences into the character really helped me. David’s journey is filled with emotional struggles, apathy, and a sense of being stuck in routine.
Aayush Sharma: When you look at this character and everything he goes through, how did you approach developing him? Were there particular aspects of his personality that you found especially compelling or relatable while preparing for the role?
Yuvi Hecht: Yeah. So, preparing for the role, I studied Colin a lot. I watched his mannerisms, his performances in previous movies, and even in real-life face-to-face moments when we were just having conversations; I was still learning and studying. Especially when you’re playing a younger version of someone, I think the most important thing is to learn from them, to see how they act and how they react in different situations. So yeah, learning from him was definitely the most important part for me.
Aayush Sharma: You’ve been working with an incredible director and co-stars. What was your experience like collaborating with Kogonada, and did you get the chance to spend time with Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell?
Yuvi Hecht: Kogonada, I mean, he’s an incredible director. His movies are so visual, beautiful, and emotional, and they’re films you can truly connect with. On set, he created an environment where every detail mattered. He had a clear blueprint for what he wanted, but at the same time, he let me explore my character and just do my thing. As an actor, I couldn’t ask for more; it was amazing. And Colin was incredible, both on and off set. I learned so much from him; he gave me great advice, and we had wonderful conversations. With Margo, I didn’t get the chance to work directly with her, so I don’t have too much to share. But I’m very inspired by her; she’s an amazing actress, and I love her work.
Aayush Sharma: The story takes David and Sarah on a funny yet fantastical adventure, letting them revisit key moments from their past and reflect on how those experiences shaped who they are. As an actor, how did you connect with the idea of confronting the past to reshape the future, and what do you think makes this journey so resonant for audiences?
Yuvi Hecht: I think everyone has a moment in life where they wish they could go back and do something differently. That’s why I feel people can really connect to this story. It’s very emotional, and at its core, it’s a love story. There’s so much people can take away from it, and a lot they can learn. The movie carries many messages, and I hope audiences leave feeling inspired and hopeful.
Aayush Sharma: Time for rapid fire questions. Your favorite films of all time?
Yuvi Hecht: Oh, great question. I love The Truman Show. That is one I can rewatch all the time. I would say, oh, I would say Gone Girl, David Fincher. Amazing, and A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.
Aayush Sharma: Three filmmakers you would want To work with?
Yuvi Hecht: I would love to work with David Fincher. I would love to work with Quentin Tarantino. And I mean, who doesn’t love Spielberg? That would be incredible as well.
Aayush Sharma: Three actors you would want to share the screen with?
Yuvi Hecht: Oh, Timothee Chalamet, I’d say, is my number one, and someone I really look up to. I’d have to say Jason Bateman. I love his work. And I’d say Brad Pitt. He’s my favorite.
Aayush Sharma: If you weren’t an actor, what profession would you have chosen?
Yuvi Hecht: I’d have to be a Basketball player. That’s my thing. Either a hooper or a surfer.
Aayush Sharma: This movie is about going into the past and reliving certain moments of life. If you had the chance to go back, is there a moment you’d want to relive or witness?
Yuvi Hecht: I love that question. I wouldn’t change anything, but I would love to revisit, honestly, this (A Big Bold Beautiful Journey) shoot. This shoot was a very memorable experience in my life. It was one of the best. So I would love to go back and relive those moments.
Aayush Sharma: After playing such an intense role as David, how do you see this experience shaping your future acting choices? Are there specific themes or characters you’d like to explore next?
Yuvi Hecht: You know, I’m very open to whatever comes. I’m, you know, not picky per se, but I love drama. I feel like I’m very strong. So I loved playing this character, but hey, whatever comes, I’m open to it.
A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey is now in theaters.
Learn more about the film at the IMDB site for the title.
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