Adam Scott reflects on 'freaking out' during The Aviator filming

Adam Scott has opened up about his early career nerves while working on the 2004 epic The Aviator alongside some of the industry’s most formidable names.

In a recent interview with The Guardian published on Thursday, the Severance star admitted he was initially "pretty freaked out" to find himself sharing the screen with Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, and Jude Law.

However, Scott noted that the intimidation faded once filming began. "But once you're there, you realise these are just regular people who happen to be actors figuring out a scene," he explained, adding that the cast was "extremely kind and generous" and made him feel comfortable immediately.

Scott, who portrayed Johnny Meyer—the real-life press agent to Howard Hughes—recalled the unique atmosphere created by director Martin Scorsese.

He described the legendary filmmaker as "incredibly collaborative," frequently encouraging the cast to bring their own ideas and improvisation to the proceedings.

One particular highlight for Scott was filming on the massive Cocoanut Grove nightclub set. He remarked on the profound silence that would fall over the high-energy environment between takes.

"You really get a sense of the respect people have for Scorsese, because... " You could hear a pin drop," the actor noted, describing a collective focus on excellence.

The film, which remains a cornerstone of 21st-century cinema, received 11 nominations at the 77th Academy Awards and won five, including a Best Supporting Actress win for Blanchett’s portrayal of Katharine Hepburn.

Scott has since become a household name himself, recently returning to the spotlight with his role in the supernatural horror Hokum, which is scheduled for release on 1 May 2026.