John Cusack opens up about leaving big-screen roles behind

John Cusack revealed why he has shifted his focus from starring in films to writing, saying graphic novels give him the creative freedom that modern filmmaking often lacks. The actor shared his thoughts while promoting his debut graphic novel, Momo, at San Diego Comic-Con 2026.

Cusack says writing offers complete creative freedom

Speaking to Variety, the 60-year-old said graphic novels felt like the closest medium to filmmaking because of their visual storytelling.

"I always thought they were the closest things to film, really," Cusack said. "You're picking out shots, they're so cinematic."

He explained that he wanted to tell a story without having to negotiate with studios or investors.

"When you ask somebody to put $20 or $30 million into a bank account [for a film], they wanna have an opinion," he said.

'No committee' behind Momo

Cusack said Momo allowed him and illustrator Ignacio Noé to complete the project without outside interference.

He praised the creative process, saying nobody edited his writing or Noé's artwork.

"There's no bull, and there's no committee," Cusack said, describing the project as "an anti-algorithm thing."

He added that the graphic novel represents the work of two creators telling a story entirely on their own terms.

Actor would return if Momo became a film

Although he has stepped back from leading film roles, Cusack said he would happily appear in a movie adaptation if Momo were picked up by a studio.

The graphic novel follows two fugitives on a genre-blending adventure in 1972 as they search for an ancient artefact linked to television icon Jackie Gleason.

Momo arrives in September

Momo marks Cusack's first graphic novel after previously co-authoring the 2016 essay collection Things That Can and Cannot Be Said.

The actor also recently reiterated that he has little interest in sequels, though he joked he would consider revisiting his 2007 thriller 1408.

Momo is scheduled for release on September 29.