Dylan O’Brien Talks ‘Twinless’ and Using a ‘Gay Scale’ for His Role

dylan o'brien twins james sweeney
Photo Credit: @dylanobrienis

Remember when twins were the ultimate cultural phenomenon in the ’90s? From the Olsen twins to Lindsay Lohan in The Parent Trap and Tia and Tamera Mowry in Sister, Sister, twins represented an iconic, unbreakable bond. That nostalgic energy is exactly what Dylan O’Brien and director James Sweeney are channeling in their latest film, Twinless, premiering January 23 at the Sundance Film Festival.

RELATED: Dylan O’Brien flexes thighs in short shorts for ‘Saturday Night’

Advertisement

Director James Sweeney, who also co-stars alongside O’Brien, reflected on the twin craze of his childhood in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. “I grew up in a generation that idolized twins. It was a manifestation of the perfect best friend—somebody you could share everything with.”

RELATED: Red Suits Dylan O’Brien So Well As He Struts in Nothing but Lingerie

Advertisement

So when Sweeney told his stepmom about the film, this is what she had to say:

“Oh, you used to beg me for a twin, and I had to explain to you that I can’t make that happen.”

Advertisement

RELATED: The Internet Is Going Crazy over Dylan O’Brien in Raunchy Red Lingerie

Inspired by real-life twin bereavement support groups, Twinless tells the poignant story of two individuals, Roman (O’Brien) and Dennis (Sweeney), who grapple with the loss of their respective twins. Through a support group for twin loss, the two find solace in each other and form a unique bond.

“Roman (O’Brien} and Dennis (Sweeney) get along so well because they’re both bringing their respective baggage and grief and traumas to the table. They bond and complement each other.” 

Advertisement

RELATED: Dylan O’Brien Shares the Significance of Having a Trans Non-binary Sibling

Dylan O’Brien has been attached to the project since 2020, after falling in love with the script and its deeply emotional core. Despite delays caused by the Hollywood Actors’ and Writers’ Strikes, the film is finally making its debut.

“I’m fascinated by the concept of twins,” O’Brien told Entertainment Weekly. “It’s something so unique on this earth. Twinless support groups exist because losing a twin is a very specific kind of loss—a connectivity that most of us can’t ever quite understand. That deeply resonated with me, even though I don’t have a twin. This tragically poignant tale of this kid losing his other half felt compelling and heart-wrenching.”

Advertisement

 

RELATED: Dylan O’Brien Pulls a Lindsay Lohan in New Movie

While Roman is straight, his twin brother Rocky is gay, adding another layer of depth to the story. O’Brien, who is straight, worked closely with Sweeney to develop what they jokingly referred to as a “gay scale” on set.

Advertisement

How did that work?

Speaking to Variety, O’Brien explained that Sweeney, who is gay, guided him through his performance by offering feedback on each take.

“Most of the time, he’d be like, ‘You were too straight on that,’” O’Brien shared. “I was happy for that permission. A sign of a great filmmaker is to always give you the freedom to explore a direction or rein it in.”

With its deeply emotional premise, a strong focus on personal connection, and a touch of humor, Twinless promises to be a standout at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Fans of O’Brien and heartfelt dramas alike won’t want to miss this one.

 

Leave a Comment