Jesse Plemons Robert De Niro’s on-screen partnership nearly took an awkward turn during filming, but Plemons’ journey to becoming a highly sought-after actor in Hollywood is defined by steady success and striking performances. Over the past decade, Plemons has transitioned from supporting parts in television sports dramas to award-nominated roles in critically acclaimed films and series. His increasing prominence in the industry is marked by a wide range of roles that have earned him Emmy nods for Fargo and Black Mirror’s USS Callister episodes, along with an Academy Award nomination for Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog.
Collaborations with Esteemed Directors and Award-Winning Performances
Jesse Plemons’ creative partnership with Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos has strengthened his reputation as a favorite with critics. Their collaboration began with Kinds of Kindness and continued most recently with Bugonia, a film that has further confirmed Plemons’ position in contemporary cinema. Looking ahead, Plemons is set to star alongside Tom Cruise in the 2026 black comedy Digger, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, an acclaimed director known for producing Oscar-worthy projects.
Facing Hollywood Legends in “The Irishman”
Despite his rising star, Plemons was still in supporting roles when he auditioned for Martin Scorsese’s Netflix gangster epic The Irishman in 2019. The film’s cast included some of the greatest actors of modern cinema, such as Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel, and Robert De Niro. Plemons played Chuckie, the son of Al Pacino’s Jimmy Hoffa, and his first scene was opposite Pacino himself. The situation became even more daunting when Plemons shared a car with both Pacino and De Niro, actors famously known for their face-offs in Michael Mann’s Heat.
The Moment That Almost Upset Robert De Niro on Set
In an interview with Backstage, Plemons recalled a moment during filming when he attempted a joke that did not go over well with De Niro.
I think I made a terrible joke at one point, asking, ‘Do you trust me?’ in a smart-aleck way, and Bob (De Niro) was not pleased.
Despite this awkward slip, Plemons embraced the experience as an incredible learning opportunity.
The weight of what a crazy opportunity this was started sinking in, and the main objective became just trying to get as comfortable and relaxed as possible in that environment…It’s something I’ll never forget. I could retire and be OK with that.
Plemons’ Enduring Presence in Award-Contending Films
The Irishman went on to receive ten Oscar nominations and four Golden Globe nominations, though it did not win in major categories. That same year, Plemons also featured in the Breaking Bad sequel film El Camino. Four years later, Martin Scorsese cast him again, this time in Killers of the Flower Moon, a Robert De Niro-led project that matched the previous film’s count with ten Oscar nominations but similarly did not secure wins.
Significance of Plemons’ Career Trajectory and What’s Next
Jesse Plemons has proven himself capable of holding his own among Hollywood’s legendary figures such as De Niro, Pacino, and Pesci, showing a versatility that draws critical acclaim and award buzz alike. His collaborations with visionary directors like Lanthimos and González Iñárritu position him well for continuing to ascend in the industry. The tension he experienced alongside De Niro early on highlights the pressure and respect involved in working with cinematic giants, yet it also marks a pivotal growth moment for Plemons. As he prepares for upcoming high-profile roles, industry observers remain keen to see how Jesse Plemons Robert De Niro collaborations evolve and what accolades lie ahead.
