Seth Rogen Knew Jake Gyllenhaal Would Be Famous After Their First Movie Together

Most people would think of Freaks and Geeks when trying to conjure a young Seth Rogen in their minds. Their next step after that would likely be The 40-Year-Old Virgin. I’m sure a few people, myself included, might have images of Undeclared dancing in their heads. Some folks may have not only an image but a line pop up in their brain. “Didn’t your dad like… stab your mom,” a young Rogen once asked Jena Malone. That was in the 2001 film Donnie Darko.

If you search for Seth Rogen in Richard Kelly’s first film, you will find plenty of results that are people saying some variation of, “Today, I learned Seth Rogen is in Donnie Darko.” It’s true! The then-fresh-faced actor plays a high school bully, complete with chin-only facial hair. It’s pretty wild to see Rogen in the film now, as it’s nothing like any role he’s played since. Hell, it’s not like any role he played then! It’s a unique moment in Rogen’s career that he shared with Jake Gyllenhaal.

Rogen recently sat down with Drew Barrymore and a cute little dog on Drew’s show. They reflected on Darko, as Barrymore also appeared in that film and was a producer (good on ya, Drew). She was already well into her career at that point, Rogen, not so much. “Eighteen years old where we made that movie,” Rogen noted to Barrymore as he petted the adorable pooch. He then offers a cool, time-capsuled memory, saying, “Yeah, yeah, it was so cool. Patrick Swayze was in that movie. I remember meeting Patrick Swayze on a razor scooter, and it was amazing. It blew my mind.” I miss Swayze. Seeing that smile approach majestically on a flimsy metal scooter must have been rad.

But Patrick Swayze wasn’t the only superstar Rogen interacted with on set. The Funny People star also got to chat with Jake Gyllenhaal. Donnie Darko was Jake Gyllenhaal’s second lead role in a film. Rogen claims he knew then and there that the actor was destined for greatness. “The whole cast, Noah Wyle was in the movie. Jake Gyllenhaal, it was one of Jake Gyllenhaal’s first movies,” Rogen explained. “It really was, yeah, and I remember thinking, yeah, I remember like this guy’s going to be famous. I remember thinking that.”

Seth Rogen wasn’t wrong about Jake Gyllenhaal. He has achieved plenty of fame and success. What’s funny is I doubt anyone thought the same about Rogen at the time, but here he is! The man is a multi-hyphenated talent who has made countless waves in Hollywood. That’s what happens when you underestimate the shlubby guy! We will prove you wrong! Eventually! Maybe.