Dylan O’Brien reflects on his enduring connection with fans of ‘Teen Wolf’ and discusses his new film ‘Twinless,’ highlighting the importance of original storytelling in the industry.
Dylan O’Brien Reflects on ‘Twinless’ and His Journey Beyond ‘Teen Wolf’
Some former teen show stars prefer to leave their time on those series behind as they transition to more adult roles. However, Dylan O’Brien embraces the ongoing connection with fans of Teen Wolf, even eight years after the MTV adaptation of the 1985 Michael J. Fox film concluded.
A Lasting Legacy
“I would never speak negatively about Teen Wolf,” the now-34-year-old actor shared with Gold Derby, highlighting the personal significance of his first major on-screen role. “It means more to me than people could even understand. That show was my school, and I was acutely aware of that when I was younger. I was genuinely excited about the opportunity; I knew it was something to be grateful for, and I wanted to soak up every moment.”
Growing Up with Fans
As O’Brien matured on camera throughout Teen Wolf’s six seasons, its first generation of viewers has also transitioned into adulthood, carrying their affection for the series and its star with them. “I’m still amazed by the staying power that Teen Wolf has,” O’Brien admitted, noting that he is now encountering younger audiences discovering the show for the first time on streaming platforms.
New Generations of Fans
“Just yesterday, I met some high school students who wanted to take a picture with me,” he recounted. “I asked one how old she was when the show first aired, and she said, ‘I was one.’ It’s incredible to witness the show gaining new fans even as I enter my 30s. Having people grow with you is something to be grateful for. Surviving in this industry is a blessing!”
Thriving with ‘Twinless’
O’Brien is not just surviving; he’s thriving. His new film, Twinless, is set to release on Sept. 5, following a successful debut at the Sundance Film Festival in January. Written and directed by James Sweeney, the film features O’Brien in dual roles as twin siblings Roman and Rocky. When Rocky unexpectedly dies, Roman finds himself lost and joins a support group where he meets Dennis (Sweeney), who has a personal connection to Rocky that he is hesitant to reveal.
A Unique Tone
The tone of Twinless is intentionally complex, oscillating between absurdist comedy and raw emotion. (At one point, the film was removed from Sundance’s virtual screening room after intimate scenes featuring O’Brien’s character were leaked.) O’Brien expressed that these tonal shifts were precisely what attracted him to the project. “That was something that really excited me when I read James’ script,” he reflected. “Those are the kinds of films I enjoy, and I was eager to portray such a human character amidst this darkly comedic world.”
Supporting New Voices
O’Brien was also drawn to the opportunity to work with a director of his own generation, recognizing that his involvement in Twinless could help introduce it to a broader audience. “It’s thrilling for me to help bring a new voice to light,” he stated about Sweeney, whose first film, Straight Up, had a limited release in 2020. “I was so impressed with James and his previous work, so I decided to take a chance.”
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Creative Collaboration
During filming, both actors adeptly navigated each other’s performances, culminating in a final scene that required them to fully integrate the film’s various tones. “James was fine-tuning that scene throughout production,” O’Brien revealed, noting that it was saved for the end of the shoot. “It was a guessing game — you hope you understand the world and these characters enough to make these challenging decisions. We received feedback during screenings where some moments felt abrupt, but we’re pleased with the final result.”
Envisioning the Future of Film
When asked about their aspirations for the evolution of the film industry, O’Brien emphasized the importance of prioritizing original stories over familiar intellectual properties. “We’re in a time when sequels and reboots dominate,” he acknowledged. “However, the more films like Twinless that emerge, the more we can amplify diverse voices like James’.”
Reflecting on Franchises
O’Brien has his own experiences with sequels and reboots through The Maze Runner trilogy, which he led from 2014 to 2018. (O’Brien suffered a severe injury during the production of the final installment, requiring facial reconstructive surgery.) Revisiting franchises is not something he is particularly eager to do at this moment.
Looking Ahead
“I wouldn’t rule it out,” he cautioned. “I don’t know how I’ll feel in ten years — I might feel completely differently. But right now, that’s not on my agenda, and those projects aren’t necessarily coming my way either. For now, I want to support original voices as much as possible.”
Faith in Original Stories
“We all grew up on films that were original at one time, even the ones we’re rebooting now,” O’Brien added. “Yet, I still see unique, powerful films from new voices every year that have bright futures ahead. So, I have faith in original storytelling.”
