How Adrian Grenier and His Childhood Pal Reunited for 'Miles From Tomorrowland'

— -- Growing up in New York City, Adrian Grenier and Sascha Paladino bonded over their love of the arts.

Now, they're living out their collective childhood dream, collaborating on the series Paladino created for Disney Junior, "Miles From Tomorrowland."

"It's amazing," Paladino told ABC News. "We spent a lot of time as kids making movies together and in a way this experience is bringing back the fun of making stuff for the fun of it -- taking away the trappings of professionalism and making a living. It's just fun."

As kids, both Grenier and Paladino liked making home movies, and the former "Entourage" star admitted that his other passion was science.

"I used to skip recess because I used to get to stay in the science lab and do little experiments," he said.

However, both pursued jobs in Hollywood, and while the two had long hoped to work together, neither wanted the other to feel obligated to create that opportunity. All of that changed over dinner one night when Grenier half-jokingly asked Paladino what part he could play in "Miles." After thinking it over for a moment, Paladino suggested that he take on the part of Miles's uncle, Captain Joe. After Grenier was officially on board, Paladino made a few changes to the character -- including his five o'clock shadow -- to tailor it more to his friend.

"Adrian has always had a certain swagger, so Capt. Joe quickly took on a bit of that," Paladino said. "It made perfect sense."

"It's awesome," added Grenier of playing his character, whom he describes as the "best uncle" and a "kid at heart." "I had such a great time."

Casting Grenier in the part had sentimental significance for Paladino too, who named Capt. Joe for his late father.

"It was meaningful because Adrien knew my dad and the character is someone that Miles looks up to [similar to how] I looked up to my dad," he said. "It was meaningful."

"He was a great guy," added Grenier. "It's an honor."

Now, they're enjoying spending more time together -- though their mothers, who are sure to be tuning in for Capt. Joe's big episode on Friday at 9 a.m., are perhaps more excited about the collaboration than anybody.

"My mom's stoked," Grenier said with a laugh.

Paladino agreed: "I sent a picture to my mom of Adrian and I at the premiere the other night and she was like, 'My heart couldn't grow any larger.'"

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