Conan O’Brien is known for bringing comedic and chaotic energy as a talk show host. However, he was called upon to flex some other creative muscles for the A24 film If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. Mary Bronsten’s latest feature is a cerebral (and harrowing) look at parenthood (specifically from the perspective of a struggling mother). On paper, this dramatic piece of work may not seem like the kind of project fans would imagine for O’Brien. Yet he’s phenomenal in it, and Bronstein told CinemaBlend how O’Brien surprised her.
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You – one of the most intriguing titles on the 2025 movie schedule – stars Rose Byrne as Linda, a therapist who’s contending with her ill daughter as well as other domestic duties. Conan O’Brien plays Linda’s therapist (who also just happens to be her colleague). When I spoke to Byrne and Mary Bronstein, I asked what it was like working with O’Brien, and Bronstein had nothing but praise for the iconic talk show host’s on-set preparedness:
He and I worked very closely together on that performance, but I can take no credit for it. It’s all him, and it’s him taking the role very seriously and bringing things to it that — yeah, the best thing that a filmmaker can experience is being on a set and an actor making a choice that surprises you, right? Because you prepare so much, and that’s all you can ask for.
O’Brien gives a restrained performance, and he essentially serves as a straight man to Byrne. O’Brien’s casting is honestly a stroke of genius on Bronstein’s part, as the funnyman imbues his character with the necessary level of dry wit and serves as a grounding presence amid Linda’s tribulation. While O’Brien’s role may not be incredibly large, he makes the most of his screen time, and there was one particular scene he performed that left Bronstein impressed:
he was cast in Toy Story 5). And, of course, O’Brien is one of the all-time great hosts, as he was stellar at the Oscars earlier this year and has been tapped by the Academy to host again in 2026.
Speaking of the Oscars, it would be lovely to see O’Brien receive a bit of love during awards season this year. He’s certainly deserving of praise and, even if he doesn’t receive any major accolades, I’m still excited by the prospect of him continuing to spread his wings as a dramatic actor. O’Brien is responsible for some unforgettable late-night TV moments and, now, I’d love to see him expand his footprint within the history of cinema.
Check out Conan O’Brien’s work in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, which is now playing in select theaters ahead of its nationwide release on October 24. Also, be sure to read up on upcoming A24 movies.