John Magaro on How Being an Extra in Steven Spielberg’s ‘Munich’ Helped Him Prepare for ‘September 5’: ‘It’s About the Responsibility of Journalists’
John Magaro went from an extra on a Steven Spielberg film to leading his own movie about the same tragic events 20 years later.
Magaro has steadily built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors, seamlessly transitioning between indie gems and major studio films such as “Not Fade Away” and “Past Lives.” But despite his steady rise in the industry, he remains grounded and deeply connected to the craft of acting, driven by a passion for storytelling and a dedication to exploring the complexities of each role.
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In this episode of the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast, Magaro discusses his latest project, Paramount Pictures’ “September 5” — a dramatic thriller about the 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis. He also reflects on his early days in the business, which included an unexpected start as an extra in Steven Spielberg’s 2005 film “Munich,” a full-circle moment for him. Listen below.
“What makes this story so unique is that it’s a journalism film at its core,” Magaro says, comparing “September 5” to classic investigative dramas like “All the President’s Men” and “Spotlight.” “It’s about the responsibility of journalists and how, in many ways, that event changed the way tragedies were covered in real-time.”
While Spielberg’s “Munich” focused on the Israeli government’s response to the tragedy, “September 5” presents the crisis from the perspective of the ABC Sports team that reported on the unfolding horror. Magaro plays Geoffrey Mason, a young network producer tasked with covering one of the darkest moments in Olympic history.
To prepare for the role, Magaro immersed himself in broadcast journalism, shadowing professionals in real control rooms, including those at Madison Square Garden. He also was able to consult with Mason himself. “I wanted to understand the headspace of someone who is both trying to do their job and processing the horrors unfolding in front of them,” Magaro explains. “It’s not just about reporting; it’s about maintaining integrity while the world is watching.”
This meticulous preparation paid off, particularly during one of the film’s most harrowing sequences — when the broadcast team receives false information that the hostages have survived, only to later learn the grim truth. “I wanted to capture that mix of shock, regret, and professionalism,” Magaro says, recalling the emotional weight of the pivotal moment. His performance offers a powerful reflection on journalists’ ethical dilemmas in moments of tragedy, underscoring the personal toll such events take on those tasked with telling the story. The performance has put him firmly in the mix for a supporting actor nomination.
Magaro’s journey to becoming a leading man in “September 5” is a testament to his love for acting, which started early on. His first brush with Hollywood came as an extra in Spielberg’s “Munich.” “I was just a kid in New York, trying to make it as an actor. I remember walking across the street from Eric Bana, thinking, ‘I made it!’” he laughs. Though he didn’t meet Spielberg on set, the experience left a lasting impression on him. “I always joke that being an extra in ‘Munich’ was my ‘method acting’ for ‘September 5.’”
Directed by Tim Fehlbaum, “September 5” is already gaining critical momentum after premiering at the Venice and Telluride film festivals. The film recently shared the Audience Award at the Middleburg Film Festival with Edward Berger’s “Conclave.”
As “September 5,” which also stars Peter Sarsgaard and Leonie Benesch, gears up for its theatrical release on Dec. 13, Magaro has no shortage of projects on the horizon. One of the most anticipated is Warner Bros’ “The Bride,” directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, which features an ensemble cast including Christian Bale, Jessie Buckley, and Annette Bening. “It’s a dream cast,” Magaro says. “One day, I found myself on set surrounded by Oscar nominees, and I was like, ‘How did I get here?’”
Magaro is also set to star in the Paramount+ espionage series “The Agency,” produced by George Clooney, with an impressive cast led by Michael Fassbender, Jeffrey Wright, and Richard Gere. The series, which premieres Nov. 29, delves into the psychological and emotional toll of working in intelligence. “It’s not just about the action,” Magaro explains. “It’s about the psychological toll this kind of work takes on a person.”
With a career that spans indie features, major films, and television, Magaro has proven that he’s a versatile actor and a storyteller who brings depth and humanity to every role.
This episode also features four-time Oscar-nominated actress Saoirse Ronan, who discusses her roles in the addiction drama “The Outrun” and the World War II epic “Blitz.”
Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast, hosted by Clayton Davis, Jazz Tangcay, Emily Longeretta, Jenelle Riley and Michael Schneider, who also produces, is your one-stop source for lively conversations about the best in film and television. Each episode, “Awards Circuit” features interviews with top film and TV talent and creatives, discussions and debates about awards races and industry headlines, and much more. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or anywhere you download podcasts.
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