The planned biopic focusing on James Dean‘s personal life has landed its lead actor.
Actor Brandon Flynn, recognized for his roles in “True Detective” and “13 Reasons Why”, has been chosen to portray the late, iconic actor in the upcoming film titled “Willie and Jimmy Dean”. This selection was obtained exclusively by The Hollywood Reporter. Guy Guido, who is both writing and directing the project, is currently developing it. The movie is inspired by William Bast’s 2006 memoir, “Surviving James Dean”.
At the UCLA theater program, Bast encountered Dean when they were both 19 years old. In his book, he recounted that they moved in together, formed a close bond, and eventually became lovers. Bast asserted that they hid their relationship to shield Dean from potential harm to his career while he was involved with popular actresses. Although Bast held onto the hope that one day they would live together again, five years after their first meeting, Dean tragically passed away in a car accident in 1955 at the age of 24. Two of Dean’s most famous films, “Rebel Without a Cause” and “Giant,” were released following his death.
Guido’s script spans from the initial encounter between Bill Bast and Dean, up until the actor’s passing on September 30, 1955 (Bast himself passed away in 2015 at the age of 84). The movie will primarily revolve around Bast and Dean as they grapple with their changing bond, and Bast’s struggle to accept and express his sexuality as a gay man during the 1950s.
Guido expressed that this isn’t your typical biographical film. Instead, it’s a heartfelt narrative about two young individuals who met in circumstances where showing oneself genuinely carried a price. Brandon Flynn captures both the intensity and sensitivity needed for this role exceptionally well. I can’t think of anyone more suitable to delve into and portray the intricacies of James Dean.
Flynn notes, “James Dean can be seen as an enigma, known for what we don’t know about him. He only made three films during his brief life, yet there are countless photos and a persistent cultural legend that we continue to unravel. This script aims to offer a genuine portrayal of who he truly was – not just the icon, but the man himself.
Flynn has made a name for himself in television shows like “Ratched” and “Manhunt,” as well as movies such as “The Parenting” and “Hellraiser.
The actor commends the “Willie and Jimmy Dean” script for portraying Dean in a relatable manner instead of sensationalizing him. Flynn adds, “It underscores how Hollywood has often made LGBTQ individuals perform even in their private lives. This tale bravely shows James Dean as a person with genuine, multifaceted relationships, and I believe there’s strength in that authenticity.
Guido, who was previously at the helm of the Hulu production titled “Madonna and the Breakfast Club,” has been holding discussions with prospective producers. Kerry Barden and Paul Schnee, heads of the Barden/Schnee Casting Agency, are spearheading the casting phase as the project continues its hunt for actors to portray the complex and intelligent character Bast, as well as his glamorous, single mother Bernice.
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2025-06-24 19:56