Will Poulter Reveals Why His Kiss With Jennifer Aniston and Emma Roberts Felt So Uncomfortable on Set

A scene that became one of the most talked-about comedy moments of the 2010s still follows Will Poulter to this day—but not for the reasons audiences might assume.

The actor has reflected on filming an unexpected three-way kiss with Jennifer Aniston and Emma Roberts in the hit comedy We’re the Millers, describing it as far more awkward in real life than it appeared on screen.

A Scene Designed for Comedy—That Didn’t Feel So Funny Behind the Camera

The moment in question comes from the 2013 film We’re the Millers, where Poulter plays Kenny, a socially awkward teenager caught in an absurd drug-smuggling plan.

In one of the film’s most memorable sequences, his character experiences a nervous first kiss scenario that escalates into a comedic and uncomfortable group kiss involving Aniston and Roberts’ characters.

On screen, the scene plays as exaggerated comedy. Off screen, Poulter says it came with a very different emotional reality—especially given he was just 19 at the time of filming.

Poulter Reflects on the Experience Years Later

Speaking in an interview with The Independent, Poulter—now in his thirties—explained that the situation felt “very awkward,” not least because of the dynamic between a young, inexperienced actor and two established Hollywood stars.

He also admitted that much of his concern during filming was directed toward Aniston and Roberts, saying he felt conscious of how unusual the setup was for everyone involved.

Despite the discomfort, the scene ended up becoming one of the film’s most iconic moments—and even went on to win the MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss in 2014.

“Blokes shout things about that scene at me…”

Poulter has said the moment has followed him long after the film’s release, often resurfacing in public interactions.

“Blokes shout things about that scene at me or ask weird questions I’ve been asked a million times before,”he told the publication.

The reaction highlights how a single comedic scene can define public perception of an actor for years, regardless of how it felt to film.

Jennifer Aniston’s Support on Set

Despite the awkwardness, Poulter has consistently spoken positively about working with Jennifer Aniston.

He described her as supportive and aware of his nerves during filming, particularly given the age gap and the unusual nature of the scene.

“Jennifer was an amazing sport,” he explained, describing how Aniston helped support him through a moment that could have felt even more uncomfortable.

A Look Back From the Co-Stars

Jennifer Aniston later revisited the scene during a conversation on Conan, joking that it felt “kind of illegal” given Poulter’s age at the time, though she quickly clarified that nothing inappropriate actually occurred on set.

“It’s so disturbing. He’s very young. He was underage,” the Friends star said. “I thought, this is kind of illegal. But then, no, we didn’t. It was just a kiss. That’s not illegal.”

She later revealed that the scene itself came from a deliberately exaggerated creative idea meant to amplify the film’s chaotic, dysfunctional tone.

How Film Sets Have Changed Since Then

Poulter has also noted that a similar scene today would likely be handled very differently due to the introduction of intimacy coordinators on modern productions—roles designed to ensure comfort and clarity during physical scenes.

He suggested that such support would likely have made the experience easier for everyone involved at the time.

Why the Scene Still Sticks in People’s Minds

Looking back, the moment remains memorable not just because of who was involved, but because of how effectively it captured the film’s awkward, offbeat humor.

For audiences, it plays as a bold comedic beat. For Poulter, it’s also become one of those career-defining moments that refuses to fade—often resurfacing in interviews, fan interactions, and online discussions more than a decade later.

What was intended as a chaotic joke in a fictional setting has, ironically, become one of the most persistent real-life talking points of his early career.