Ed Helms on the Challenges of Being the Lead in a Film

Ed Helms has been one of the top go-to supporting actors for the past couple years now. After delivering hilarious performances in The Hangover, The Goods and TV’s The Office, someone wisely decided to give him his first lead role in a film.

In Cedar Rapids, which just premiered at Sundance, he stars as a timid insurance agent who’s sent to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to represent his company at an annual insurance convention. He soon finds himself under the “guidance” of three convention veterans.

He talked to the Hollywood Reporter about the challenges of being a lead in a film.

THR: This is your first lead role. How does it feel to be in an Ed Helms movie?

HELMS: It’s incredibly exciting and daunting. The insecurity kicks in. “Well, how’s the movie gonna do? How’s the gonna affect me in terms of the work I can get later? Will people give me a chance to carry movies?” All of these bullshit career questions star swirling around. But I’m just really proud of the movie. The people that I care about and whose opinions mean a lot to me, are liking it, and that’s all I can hope for.