Dylan O’Brien recently addressed the prominent question of whether straight actors should portray gay characters in film and television. During his interview with El-Balad, he expressed his thoughts on the impact this topic has on the industry.
Dylan O’Brien’s Perspective on Straight Actors Playing Gay Roles
In his role as a twin character in the upcoming film “Twinless,” one of whom is gay, O’Brien discussed the dynamics of authenticity in performance. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with a queer director, James Sweeney. O’Brien noted, “Permission goes a long way,” highlighting the trust he placed in Sweeney’s guidance.
The Role of Permission in Acting
- O’Brien reflected on the trend of straight actors portraying queer roles.
- He indicated that some performances feel inauthentic when actors don’t fully embrace the character’s complexity.
- Through support from Sweeney, he felt empowered to explore the character’s depth, balancing masculinity and femininity.
Sweeney, an openly gay filmmaker, shared his views, stating that O’Brien brought significant emotional depth to his character. He noted, “These are larger-than-life characters that feel so real because he brings so much pathos.” Sweeney also addressed the fear some straight actors have of being criticized for not portraying gay roles authentically.
Developing Authentic Characters
During the filming of “Twinless,” the pair created a “gay scale” to guide O’Brien’s performance. Sweeney would provide feedback, informing O’Brien when he leaned too much into a straight portrayal. O’Brien acknowledged the constructive criticism, recalling how Sweeney would say, “You were too straight on that.”
Such collaborative efforts underscore a holistic approach to filmmaking, where openness and guidance from diverse perspectives can enhance authenticity in storytelling. O’Brien’s experience reflects a broader conversation on representation in the film industry, inviting further dialogue on the nuances of casting and character portrayal.
