Dylan O’Brien is thriving on the set of Send Help in the sunny heat of Thailand. He’s formed a strong connection with Rachel McAdams, and he feels in sync with director Sam Raimi. But one day, Raimi jokingly tells O’Brien that he must eat a beetle on camera. O’Brien chuckles about it now but admits he was ready to try it. Ultimately, the bug was fake, but it shows his dedication to the role.
In a recent interview, O’Brien shared his whirlwind experience since his film Twinless premiered at Sundance. He’s faced ups and downs: glowing reviews but less buzz during promotions. His transition back to studio films with Send Help marks a change after stepping away from blockbusters like Maze Runner.
Raimi hasn’t made a film in 17 years, making this project special. O’Brien has been a fan of Raimi since childhood, often praising the original Spider-Man trilogy. That admiration fueled his excitement for the role of Bradley Preston, a man suddenly thrust into leadership after his father’s death. He clashes with McAdams’ character, Linda, right from the start.
The script drew O’Brien in; it felt bold and fresh. During their first meeting, Raimi’s quirky greeting—a paper bag over his head—disarmed O’Brien and set a playful tone for their collaboration. Feeling nervous about making his character too safe, O’Brien pushed for a more complex portrayal. “I think the strongest choices lead to the best outcomes,” he said, highlighting a desire for authenticity in today’s film landscape.
McAdams admired O’Brien’s vision for his character. “He had this strong belief in the story,” she said, noting the depth their discussions brought to their performances. O’Brien’s Bradley is arrogant, yet relatable, representing a familiar type in society. Both actors worked hard to create tension and chemistry, resulting in intense scenes.
As they filmed, the sweltering conditions in Thailand led to moments of light-heartedness and fatigue. O’Brien reflected on how much he respected McAdams, not just as a talent but as a kind person. Their mutual trust shone through, especially in their physical scenes.
O’Brien also discussed his press tour for Twinless, which has garnered attention despite its struggles finding an audience. He expressed frustration over feeling pressured to have an active social media presence: “It’s like they decide your value based on Instagram followers,” he mused.
Despite its limited budget, Twinless is a showcase of O’Brien’s versatility, especially as he plays a dual role of twins, dealing with grief. The film received praise at Sundance, but leaks of explicit scenes impacted its promotion. “Any awareness is good, but it might have hurt us,” he said, noting the challenge of independent films in a crowded marketplace.
Looking ahead, O’Brien feels hopeful about Send Help. It’s a film driven by creativity and unique voices, a rarity today. O’Brien is excited about the marketing push, noting he sees the trailer everywhere. While he recognizes the uphill battle for unique studio films, he sees potential for more projects like Send Help.
“Every year, we still love those bold characters,” he said, celebrating the enticing risks that come with them. O’Brien may be returning to the studio scene, but he remains grounded in his artistic vision, seeking roles that challenge him.
Send Help releases this Friday, and Twinless is available for streaming on Hulu.
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