“Community Makes The Difference” – Brandon Flynn opens up about outgrowing 13 Reasons Why, rallying for equality and why the future is togetherness
BRANDON Flynn shot to fame with his breakthrough role in Netflix’s most popular show to date 13 Reasons Why. Now, the 27-year-old actor is coming into his own after four years of being at the centre of one of the most poignant shows that made light of severe mental health issues in young adults.
Reminiscing of his time with his castmates, Flynn shows nothing but gratitude for the spirit of community that they all nurtured. Despite the heavy narrative, the core of the show was its people. “The first season was powerful in terms of the ensemble of younger actors. This was our first job for most of us,” says the young performer.
“We had a ‘do it together’ type of mentality, and it was so strong. I loved the night shoots. We shot up Bryce’s house in the first season a few times, and even though we were shooting material that was super heavy and weighted by the narrative, we still had fun and bonded. I just remember so many moments that initiated this bond that I think most of us share till today,” reminisces Flynn.
Brandon Flynn. Photograph: Ssam Kim
As projects flow in and inevitable growth starts to happen, Flynn is focused on kinship while leaving 13 Reasons Why in his past.” The effort that we put into getting to know one another we also put into making sure that the essence is alive in the characters as well. Whatever it needed to be – whether it was dislike, jealousy, rage – we had comfort amongst each other. And I think that those growth elements that you’re speaking of would be something I would try to instil in projects going forward. Community makes the difference,” the 26-year-old reflects.
This summer, he’s started a new chapter. Starring in Ryan Murphy’s highly anticipated new series Ratched, his evolution as a performer becomes more evident with each passing scene. Anchored by an all-star cast, the show explores the multifaceted aspects of humanity in otherworldly scenarios.
Speaking of Murphy’s work, Flynn is quick to observe his meticulousness: “Ryan Murphy has such a specific eye. And I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the show. It’s his specificity and signature style that works so well. It’s very detail-oriented; every shot feels like something specific. And for the viewer, that’s such a magical and unique experience. It was the same for the actors. It was unique, and it felt elevated. I remember the makeup trailer was just Sarah Paulson and Cynthia Nixon and Sharon Stone – what the hell? I think Ryan Murphy has done something extraordinary.”
Brandon Flynn. Photograph: Ssam Kim
In June this year, Flynn also starred in Looks That Kill – a dark comedy exploring the complexities of a teenager who’s attractiveness was lethal. He plays Max, a young man so handsome that he caused deadly serotonin surges in anyone that laid eyes on him.
Throughout the film, Flynn has his face covered up and thus – he lost his primordial way of conveying emotion. Without his facial features to play with, the 26-year-old relied on physicality instead. “I was fascinated by the idea of not being able to use my face. I knew from the start that there were going to be some challenges there. And I think the biggest challenge was just constantly keeping an eye on what my body was communicating. One of the first things we discussed with that character was his mental well-being.
“However, the movie takes on a light, sort of comedic tone. I wanted to make sure that the character, Max, was truthful and authentic to his dilemma. I mean, yes, he’s so beautiful that he makes people overdose on serotonin and they die. But, what the audience is getting is this kid who has to hide who he is. It was crucial to me to convey that in the storytelling.
“The core limiting beliefs that this kid had transferred into his body. I tend to walk with my back straight, and I wanted to make sure that he wasn’t because that’s not him. We had to have the physicality to his mental well being” says the 26-year-old actor.
Brandon Flynn. Photograph: Ssam Kim
As the world stood still, Flynn left his film career behind while productions closed down across the globe. Drawing on prior experience and pushing for newer narratives, the actor now has his eyes set on screenwriting. “I started developing a couple of different ideas. I’m cautious because I’m doing it solo right now until things feel a little bit more fleshed out. But while in quarantine, I’ve also managed to write my things, direct things and produce things. Not professionally, but now that I’m in the professional landscape with more of a name, I figured it’s probably time to pull out the multiple hats I know I’m capable of,” Flynn says.
Screenwriting wasn’t the only thing that kept the young performer occupied during the lockdown. If you scroll through his social media, his feed is flooded by a plethora of posts advocating for Black Lives Matter and equal representation for LGBTQ+ people in Hollywood. “There’s a huge issue of mine with the way Hollywood and the film industry demonstrates stories around marginalised communities. It often reflects these communities as victims. And I just feel like there’s so much more opportunity to express joy,” says Flynn.
Brandon Flynn. Photograph: Ssam Kim
The actor is keen on breaking narratives. In his writing and activism, Flynn wants to open doors and stop perpetuating existing thought patterns. “We can’t ignore that these circumstances are directed by white straight men and then being performed for queer people like me by non-gay people. And I do think that it’s fine in some ways, but it’s also like, ‘Okay, well, why is this straight person telling a story about my journey?’”
With his newly acquired status in the industry, the actor wants to push things forward and create opportunities for the marginalised. It’s all in the spirit of community, as he continuously points out throughout our conversation. “I think we can all make recommendations towards hiring BIPOC, queer, transgender people into the rooms more often. If we are going to operate in mainstream society, then they need to find their way and be invited into mainstream society. Otherwise, what will happen is that we will come in and take over,” says the young performer with undeniable adamance.
While rallying for the BLM movement, Flynn insisted on being in direct contact with families of Black victims killed by police. Along with fellow activists, he took to the streets to express his outrage. “I’ve been learning a lot about organising. I think that the narrative that we have in our heads of activists and organisations is that they’re just these freeform entities that show up in the middle of the street and start screaming. The reality is very different. With Black Lives Matter, especially, I realised there is a lot of organisation that goes into it and by focusing on that I’d found my way to specific protests that happen every Wednesday here in LA.
“The main goal is showing up at the Hall of Justice downtown and demanding that Jackie Lacey the DA, leaves her position. Essentially, what she has done is excuse a bunch of killer cops in murderous crimes, and she has let a lot of families down. Part of the organising is inviting families that have lost their loved ones due to police brutality and police murder, and I think that has been the most impactful for me to hear – to be directly connected to the empathy line.”
Brandon Flynn. Photograph: Ssam Kim
Activism is clearly at the forefront of Flynn’s attention. It’s his outward focus that makes him so appealing to audiences worldwide, aside from the charm and undeniable talent.
After a period of intense stillness where everyone’s focus went inward as opposed to outward, Flynn finds comfort in our new togetherness.” I live alone in LA, and when lockdown happened, I felt it very hard,” the actor confesses. “But I was inspired by this time to focus on growth and focus on quote-unquote self. And naturally where that led to is ‘Fuck, I want to be a part of a community and want to be a part of the whole.’ Imagine how beautiful that togetherness will be because we’ve all had a chance to reset.”
by Adina Ilie
Photographer – Ssam Kim
Stylist – Avo Yermagyan
Hair – John D @ Forward Artist using Tresemmé
Photography Assistant – Alyssa Fioravanti
Styling Assistant – Mary Yermagyan
Location – Eventors
LOOK 1
Suit – Givenchy
LOOK 2
All clothing – Alexander McQueen
LOOK 3
All clothing – Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccallero
LOOK 4
All clothing – Maison Margiela
LOOK 5
All clothing – Balmain
Ring – David Yurman