Goudey tells PEOPLE that watching Driver on set instilled into me the importance of preparation — and the confidence that comes from your preparation
Gavin Goudey and Adam Driver at the New York Film Festival premiere of Paper Tiger’ in N.Y.C. on Sept. 25, 2026
NEED TO KNOW
- Gavin Goudey revealed that he admired Adam Driver long before they met while filming the crime drama Paper Tiger.
- The 20-year-old actor also reflected on the lessons he picked up from working alongside Driver, 42.
- Also featuring Scarlett Johansson and Miles Teller, Paper Tiger centers on two brothers whose ambitions for a better life draw them into a dangerous conflict with the Russian mafia.
Gavin Goudey’s admiration for Adam Driver helped him connect with his first feature-film role in Paper Tiger.
Speaking with PEOPLE at the film’s New York Film Festival premiere at Lincoln Center, the 20-year-old discussed playing Driver’s nephew in the crime drama.
Goudey explained that portraying a character who looks up to Driver felt natural because he already respected his costar before they met. That existing admiration made their onscreen relationship easier for him to bring to life
Goudey said meeting Driver felt particularly surreal because he knew him as Kylo Ren from the Star Wars sequel trilogy. As a fan of the character, he was thrilled to find himself working alongside the actor who brought him to life.
Adam Driver as Kylo Ren in ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ (2017).
Watching Driver on set gave Goudey a valuable lesson in the importance of preparing thoroughly for a role. Speaking to PEOPLE, he highlighted a scene in which Driver plays the piano, praising his costar’s musical ability.
Goudey recalled that Driver brought a fresh approach to every take of the piano scene, varying the rhythm, timing and even the song while consistently delivering a beautiful performance. He noticed the same versatility in Driver’s acting, with each take featuring a different, confident choice.
Seeing that process helped Goudey understand how thorough preparation allows an actor to experiment and trust their decisions.
He also learned from his other castmates, including Scarlett Johansson, who portrays his mother in the film.
From left: Roman Engel, Miles Teller, James Gray, Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver and Gavin Goudey at the ‘Paper Tiger’ premiere in N.Y.C. on Sept. 25, 2026.
Speaking to E! News, Goudey explained that watching Scarlett Johansson helped him understand how physical movement can support an emotional performance. Before demanding scenes, she used her body to prepare, then employed physical techniques afterward to settle herself and reset for another take.
He also credited Miles Teller, who portrays his father in the film, with teaching him valuable lessons during production
Goudey credited Miles Teller with helping him understand the practical side of working on a major film production. As a newcomer to a set of that scale, he learned by observing Teller’s professional approach, his responsibilities as the lead actor and the way he treated colleagues.
Written and directed by James Gray, Paper Tiger centers on brothers Gary, played by Adam Driver, and Irwin, portrayed by Teller, as they seek success in 1980s New York. Their ambitions bring them into conflict with the Russian mafia, endangering their family, including Irwin’s wife, Hester, played by Scarlett Johansson.