Julianne Moore is nervous about 'Dear Evan Hansen': 'I hope I don't stink'

By Megan Armstrong | Last updated 6/15/21

Dear Evan Hansen is familiar territory for Ben Platt, who was the original Evan Hansen when the play opened at D.C.'s Arena Stage before moving to Broadway in 2016.

For Julianne Moore, though, the forthcoming film adaptation was well outside her comfort zone.

"I was such a fan of the musical," the Oscar-winning actress said last week on Watch What Happens Live. "I remember the first time I saw Ben Platt in that, I was floored by that performance and couldn't believe I had the opportunity to do this film. I haven't seen it yet. I have no doubt that Ben is brilliant—again."

Moore continued: "I really just felt lucky to be there, honestly, so I'm excited to see it and terrified also. I hope I don't stink."

Moore couldn't get the last sentence out with laughing, and when host Andy Cohen asked the over/under for her actually stinking in the movie, she elaborated: "I don't know, but this is a new thing for me! Singing a song."

In Stephen Chbosky's film adaptation—due to hit theaters Sept. 24—Moore plays Heidi Hansen, Evan's mom.

The musical earned nine nominations at the 71st Tony Awards, winning five. Platt won for best leading actor, Rachel Bay for best featured actress, and the production claimed best musical.

Platt's final Broadway performance as Evan Hansen came in November 2017, and there was criticism after Universal Pictures dropped the first official trailer last month that Platt is too old to still be portraying a high schooler. The 27-year-old clapped back to "the randos being jerks about age."

Watch the trailer below.