Matthew Gray Gubler Talks About New Film ‘Band of Robbers’ and His Fascination With Horror

Jordan Bailey

Matthew Gray Gubler got his start in film over 10 years ago when an internship with Wes Anderson’s production company led to his being cast in a memorable role in “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.” He has since gone on to have roles in films such as “500 Days of Summer” and “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” and his wildly popular character  Dr. Spencer Reid has kept him busy for the past 11 seasons on the hit CBS drama “Criminal Minds.”

Gubler recently spoke with EV about his most recent film “Band of Robbers,” working with Wes Anderson, his favorite horror films and what the future has in store.

How did you meet Adam and Aaron Nee and become involved with “Band of Robbers”?

I met them years ago. We worked on a “Funny Or Die” sketch together. We share the same sensibilities, and I just think the world of them, and I’m so pleased to be a part of this. Adam had been writing it for years, and they kind of approached me a long, long time ago with the first draft of it and I’ve just been kind of following the project for two or three years. I’m just so excited to finally make it.

In “Band of Robbers” you play a daft criminal while in “Criminal Minds” you play a genius special agent. Which side of the law do you prefer to be on onscreen?

I prefer to be on the comedic side of the law!

Do you think one type of character fits your acting style more than the other?

I like it all, but I’m happiest when I’m doing comedy.

Have you ever had a crazy group of friends like the ones in “Band of Robbers”?

Yeah, the people I made (this movie) with, Adam and Aaron and Noah and John and I are the real life band of robbers. We rob from producers and give great entertainment to the public.

What kind of preparation did you do for this role? Did you reread “Tom Sawyer”?

I love Mark Twain. He’s one of my favorite writers. I’ve read it in the last five years.

Is there any part of the film that stands out to you as a favorite moment?

I love the whole film but the pawn shop robbery gone wrong is really one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen in a movie.

Did you have any part in creating the movie?

I’m a producer, and I helped cast it.

Was there any improvisation?

There is improv on the set but not as much as you think.

Any improvisational line in the movie that sticks out to you?

It’s weird, I know there is, (but) it all starts to meld together as you’re making it.

You’ve directed multiple shorts as well as several episodes of “Criminal Minds.” Any plans to direct a feature?

Absolutely, yeah. I’m working on a feature. I’ve been writing it for about a year and a half. I’m going to make some movies when I have some free time.

What type of films are you most interested in making? Comedy?

Actually, yeah comedy. But also, I love horror movies so I’ll make some of those.

What are some of your favorite horror movies?

I love “The Shining.” I love “Rosemary’s Baby.” I love “Psycho.” I love the greats. Recently, I thought that “It Follows” was really special. Have you seen that? I loved that movie.

“It Follows” has probably been my favorite of the past couple years.

Oh me too, man! I think it’s the best horror film of the last five years. I wish I’d made that. I like the original “Changeling” quite a bit. That’s one of my favorites.

What’s next for you? I know you talked about directing in the future but are there any roles coming up that you’re looking forward to?

Yeah, dude! I just did a cameo in this movie called “Trash Fire” with Ricky Bates Jr. If you like horror you’ll love “Trash Fire.” I’m shooting a movie called “68 Kill” in April, which is from Snowfort Pictures. . . . It’s sort of a cult-thriller scary movie I’m really jazzed about. I’m doing a comedy called “Merrily, Nebraska” in I think May or something.

Just today I watched your mini-documentary on shooting “The Life Aquatic.”

Oh, yeah! I’m really proud of that. Not many people have seen that. I love that.

I’ve always wanted to see a documentary on the making of a movie of that caliber. So it was really interesting to see and especially to hear Wes Anderson actually direct in that setting.

Thanks, man! I love Wes. He’s one of my favorite filmmakers and the fact that I got to work with him and act with him and make a documentary about him was a real highlight of my life.

How’d that documentary come about? I know you were his actual intern before playing one in “The Life Aquatic.”

I was in film school studying directing, and I found where his production office was and applied for an internship. I was probably the world’s worst intern in real life, but he was very kind and had me audition to play an intern in his movie. He cast me in that and we were there shooting for six months in Italy and he was like “Hey, man, you make little short films for film school. Why don’t you make a documentary and see how it turns out?” So I just had all access to kind of hang out and make a documentary.

So it was actually his idea for you to make this documentary?

Uh huh! I was really honored.

Is Bill Murray really as “on” as he seems like he always is?

He’s the coolest. Bill’s one of the loveliest guys I’ve ever worked with and it was just so fun. Every second is memorable when you’re working with him. He’s the best, just so great.

Any plans to make more documentaries? Did you enjoy participating in that style of filmmaking?

It’s funny, I love making movies. That to me was probably my only documentary. I captured an experience that I had such a great time with. It was great to be a fly on the wall there, but I love crafting alternate realities so I’m more excited about creating spooky worlds in horror movies or funny worlds in comedies; just places you’ve never been before. That was such a surreal experience that it felt like it’ll be my only documentary.

“Band of Robbers” opens Jan. 15 in select theaters and VOD.