‘The Pitt’ Star Noah Wyle Jokes He Still Doesn’t Understand ‘Donnie Darko’, but It Gave Him Serious Street Cred

Few cult classics have inspired as much late-night debate as ‘Donnie Darko’. Richard Kelly’s 2001 debut follows a troubled teenager, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, who is visited by a menacing figure in a rabbit suit named Frank and warned that the world is about to end. Its blend of time travel, alternate universes, and suburban angst has kept audiences theorizing for decades.

The film’s anniversary arrives on October 26, and the celebration has already been underway. Fathom Entertainment and Saga Arts brought a new 4K restoration back to U.S. theaters from October 2 to 4 for “Donnie Darko Day,” complete with an exclusive introduction from Kelly.

Among the film’s stacked ensemble was Noah Wyle, who played science teacher Dr. Kenneth Monnitoff, the man Donnie turns to with questions about time travel. Now the Emmy-winning ‘The Pitt’ star has opened up about the role in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, and his reflections are refreshingly honest.

Wyle said that despite spending less than a week on set, the film continues to give him street cred, possibly more than anything else he has ever done. He added that its lasting impact on cinephiles of all ages has been extremely gratifying. Then came the punchline. Wyle joked that people shouldn’t ask him what the movie is actually about, admitting he still doesn’t fully understand it.

Noah Wyle as Professor Kenneth Monnitof in Donnie Darko (2001) https://t.co/8gcy9VFYhD

— Madman Films (@MadmanFilms) April 15, 2025

The actor revealed that the script originally came to him from Drew Barrymore, who was producing the film. He recalled his first impression of the screenplay as confusing but super cool, which may be the most accurate summary of ‘Donnie Darko’ ever offered.

Wyle wrapped his scenes in about 3 days and said he doesn’t remember anything being particularly challenging about the shoot. Instead, he holds only fond memories of the experience.

Barrymore also spoke with PEOPLE, saying she was surprised that nobody had backed Kelly before her, since his full vision felt so vital. Barrymore’s involvement was crucial. Kelly has said that a film like this needed a star with enough value to raise its budget, and Barrymore was that essential element, with her production company helping bring the film to life.

Jason Schwartzman was originally attached but had to drop out due to a scheduling conflict, though he helped bring Barrymore into the project’s orbit. Kelly has also said it was in Barrymore’s office that he first met Gyllenhaal, knowing within 30 seconds that he’d found his Donnie.

The ensemble now reads like a who’s who of Hollywood. Alongside Gyllenhaal and Barrymore, the film starred Jena Malone, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Patrick Swayze, Mary McDonnell, Katharine Ross and a young Seth Rogen.

McDonnell has also been reflecting ahead of the anniversary, praising Kelly for not shying away from the difficult realities of being a teenager. She called the film more relevant than ever.

Wyle’s admission is likely to resonate with plenty of fans who have spent years trying to untangle the film’s mysteries. Its willingness to leave questions unanswered is a big part of why it has endured.

For Wyle, whose career spans ‘ER’ to his Emmy-winning work on ‘The Pitt’, it’s a fun reminder that even a brief role can leave a lasting mark. Sometimes the projects actors understand least become the ones fans love most.

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