John Cusack makes surprising career shift with new project

John Cusack has revealed why he’s stepping away from traditional filmmaking, admitting he no longer wants to battle studio interference when bringing his ideas to life.

The 60-year-old Serendipity star opened up at San Diego Comic-Con, where he discussed his upcoming graphic novel Momo and explained how the project offered a level of creative freedom he rarely experienced in Hollywood.

Cusack said graphic novels felt like the closest thing to making films because the storytelling is highly visual, allowing him to think in cinematic "shots" while writing. 

But unlike big-budget movies, he didn’t have to answer to producers or executives.

The Say Anything actor admitted that once studios invest millions into a film, everyone wants to have their say, making it difficult for creators to stick to their original vision. 

With Momo, however, he simply wrote the story he wanted to tell before teaming up with illustrator Ignacio Noé to bring it to life.

Cusack proudly revealed that neither his script nor Noé’s artwork was altered.

He described that the finished novel was the work of just two people without committees, corporate influence or what he jokingly called "algorithm-driven" decision-making.

Set in 1972, Momo follows two fugitives who join forces on a bizarre mission to recover an ancient artefact for television legend Jackie Gleason. 

Despite embracing publishing, the High Fidelity star hasn’t ruled out returning to the screen. 

He admitted he would happily play a role if Momo were ever adapted into a film, provided audiences embraced it.

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