Drop: Brandon Sklenar’s Dark Date with Domestic Abuse & His Quest to Play DC’s Batman

by

Viewers who tuned in to the first episode of 1923 in December 2022 were quick to recognize that Brandon Sklenar’s career was destined for the silver screen. His compelling portrayal of Spencer Dutton, a war hero and big-game hunter, immediately catapulted him as a top contender among fans for leading roles in action and superhero movie series (more on this later). The Western drama series penned by Taylor Sheridan also provided the actor with ample dramatic and romantic scenes, potentially setting the stage for a trilogy of films sharing common themes.

In the previous year, Sklenar portrayed Atlas Corrigan in the blockbuster movie “It Ends with Us“. The film’s intense portrayal of an abusive relationship sparked a great deal of debate, as it was surrounded by real-life legal disputes between its lead actress and producer, Blake Lively, and director-actor Justin Baldoni. Sklenar’s character became aware that his childhood friend and first love, Lily Bloom (played by Lively), was suffering from domestic violence, and consequently, he stepped in to help her when she was at her most vulnerable.

Tonight, I’m back on the silver screen in Christopher Landon’s thriller, “Drop.” In this film, I take on the role of Henry, a photographer who finds myself on a dinner date with Meghann Fahy’s character, Violet – a widowed single mother who’s just stepping out for the first time in ages after escaping an abusive marriage.

However, our evening takes an unexpected turn when Violet becomes the target of an unknown tormentor. This villain uses “DigiDrops” to instruct her to take my life, all in the name of saving her young child. I’m left grappling with the danger that threatens not just me, but also this vulnerable woman and her family.

The theme of domestic violence carries over not just in “Drop” and “It Ends with Us,” but also in Sklenar’s upcoming film, “The Housemaid.” (This film, directed by Paul Feig and set to be released at Christmas, shares the lead roles between Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried.) Although the connection between these three works is largely coincidental, Sklenar feels that this type of material is somehow seeking him out.

For quite some time, this topic has been present in my personal experiences,” Sklenar shares with The Hollywood Reporter for the promotion of Drop’s upcoming release on April 11. “A person very dear to me has battled with it for years, and I’ve been offering assistance as much as possible in their journey. It seems that maybe by some divine intervention, this topic persistently resurfaces in my world as a theme, because it’s also a part of my own story.

The final episode of the 1923 series aired over the weekend, and it appeared that the lineage of Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone patriarch, John Dutton III, was resolved through the premature birth of Spencer and Alexandra Dutton’s (Julia Schlaepfer) son, who was named John Dutton II. However, Sklenar is now explaining to The Hollywood Reporter that he may not be playing the grandfather to Costner’s character as previously believed.

Sklenar mentions, ‘One might guess what it’s all about at the finale’s conclusion, but it hasn’t been officially confirmed yet.’ So, it seems we must be patient until the show 1944. I hope they disclose the identity of John Dutton III’s grandfather in the first episode itself, sparing us the wait for an entire series to find out.

At present, nothing’s been confirmed, but Sklenar expresses interest in maturing his character by around 20 years to portray 50-something Spencer in the film 1944. Sklenar admires Christian Bale greatly, and having worked alongside him on Adam McKay’s Vice, he had the opportunity to observe up close one of the actor’s numerous transformations, this time as Dick Cheney.

Sklenar affirms, “I’d appreciate some gout, a touch of hunch and some seasoning – salt and pepper. I’ll adjust my voice a bit. If the opportunity arises, I’d be thrilled to perform it. Honestly, I don’t want to let go of Spencer; he’s someone I adore.

As a dedicated fan, I wholeheartedly share Sklenar’s admiration for Bale’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne/Batman. His performance is one of the key factors fueling my aspiration to embody this iconic character in James Gunn’s DC Universe, distinct from Matt Reeves’ “The Batman Crime Saga Epic,” starring Robert Pattinson. Currently, I stand among the top contenders suggested by fans, and I’ve already started brainstorming unique ways to set my interpretation of the character apart from other on-screen Dark Knights.

Sklenar expresses his personal views on the character’s portrayal: ‘If given the chance, I believe there’s untapped potential for this character. He was my beloved comic book hero from childhood, and I think what makes him unique is that he embodies a genuine man.’ Sklenar implies there’s room for further development and suggests a realistic approach if the opportunity arises. In such an event, he would be honored to continue the role and promises to respect its significance.

In a recent chat with THR, Sklenar delves into the character relationships within Drop and how they relate to his personal experiences. He also shares thoughts on the authenticity behind Hugh Jackman’s joking suggestion that Sklenar could be the next Wolverine.

***

Are we revisiting the character of Henry for another difficult dating scenario? Do you recall our previous encounter with this gentleman?

Was that in Westworld?

That’s the one.

I forgot I did that until you just said it.

Have you ever used the AirDrop function on your device, since you typically avoid activating Siri or iCloud and haven’t utilized these features? By any chance, is DigiDrop one of the tools in your digital toolkit that you have employed?

I’ve shared some images or a group of documents via AirDrop without a doubt. It can be faster than sending texts in certain situations, but I don’t casually send AirDrop transfers to just anyone. That’s not how I operate.

Where did Drop fall on your timeline of conquests? What was your headspace at the time?

Following the conclusion of “It Ends with Us” and the second season of “1923”, I found myself eagerly looking for more work when the opportunity presented itself in the form of “Drop”. It seemed like an excellent acting challenge, and I was excited to take it on. Additionally, working with Chris [Landon] was a significant draw, as I admire his films such as “Freaky”, “Happy Death Day”, and the upcoming “We Have a Ghost”. This project turned out to be a fun one. Being a fan of horror-thrillers, I enjoy various types, from campy to art house productions. Meghann [Fahy] was also exceptional in “White Lotus”, and I had heard good things about her personally, so I was pleased to dedicate my time to this project.

In a different wording, I’d say: “When I started reading this book, it reminded me of ‘It Ends with Us’, as both deal with the topic of domestic abuse. At first, having them so close together made me wonder if there might be some overlap, but…

Indeed, while the topic does arise in our movie “Drop,” considering Violet’s background by Fahy, it doesn’t receive as much emphasis as it does in “It Ends with Us.” The latter film explicitly focuses on domestic violence, and its storyline is deeply intertwined with this theme. It was just a coincidence that the subject matter appears in this movie as well.

Funny enough, this topic appears again in “The Housemaid“, a project I recently completed. It’s quite serendipitous, but it seems to be recurring frequently. This subject has been a part of my personal journey for some time now. Someone very dear to me has been battling it for years, and I’ve been offering as much support as possible in navigating this challenging terrain. So, it might be divine intervention, but maybe it keeps resurfacing in my work because it’s a significant part of my own story.

I’m relieved the plot exposed your character as the victim instead of the perpetrator (The DigiDropper asks Violet to kill Henry). If they had tried to trick us into thinking you were the villain, I wouldn’t have gone along with it. Not for a moment would I have accepted that someone who just experienced such trauma in ‘The End of Us’ would become a tormentor so quickly. That would have been a deal-breaker, wouldn’t it?

Indeed, at that juncture, it’s indisputable. This narrative can be expressed, and “Housemaid” offers a unique approach to this. It belongs to the genre of suspense thrillers, yet it strays somewhat from the realm of stark reality as compared to “It Ends with Us.” The protagonist grapples with profoundly realistic traumas, but the manner in which the tale unfolds provides a slight respite. This, ideally, softens the impact and offers an alternative perspective for the audience to absorb the story. Similarly, “Drop” adopts a similar technique, elevating its narrative to tackle the subject matter without being entirely overwhelmed by it.

Did you decipher who the tormentor was on your first read? 

Honestly, I didn’t.

Is it your perception that your character remains patient with Violet? If I may ask, would you have given up on Henry prior to his initial attempt?

In some cases, I lack the patience, especially in certain situations. However, when it comes to human-to-human interactions, I tend to be quite patient. I might not be as patient as Henry, but I’d certainly give some time and try to understand what was happening. I believe I would have spoken much like he did: “I can see you’re dealing with a lot right now, and it’s okay for you to take care of that. We can resume this later.” He truly cares about her. And if I were in a situation where I enjoyed spending time with a woman and saw potential for continuing our relationship, I would also want to give her space when needed. After all, you never really know what someone is going through at the end of the day.

Given your experience working with numerous talented actors, what was particularly intriguing about collaborating with Meghann Fahy during scenes?

She’s truly remarkable as a person, radiating a wonderful warmth and vitality. When we work together on stage, she’s incredibly attentive, making us both feel fully engaged with each other – something essential in any partnership. She genuinely appreciates acting, relishing the pauses between action and scene cut. In fact, she turned out to be an exceptional companion, simplifying my job immensely. To put it frankly, working with her was effortless, and that ease might not have been there if she hadn’t possessed her unique qualities.

Have both characters experienced significant betrayal from those close to them? Generally, do you maintain a defensive posture or are you relatively open and trusting unless there’s a clear indication otherwise?

Reflecting on your insightful question, I’ve definitely noticed shifts in the dynamics over time within this fascinating field. Maintaining a certain level of personal boundary becomes crucial, ensuring your personal space is respected. Being somewhat private has always been my preference, not out of suspicion but due to the limited capacity for profound connections and relationships one can accommodate. It’s not about proving oneself, more so about selecting those who earn access to the deeper aspects of oneself.

However, this doesn’t mean I shy away from connecting with people or being kind-hearted; those qualities should always be nurtured. But when it comes to forging closer relationships, I believe it takes time and effort for someone to gain that level of trust and intimacy.

[The next six questions and answers contain spoilers for 1923.]

Indeed, following his carefree days splashing around in Zanzibar during season one, Spencer Dutton experienced a tremendous ordeal to get back to Montana. The reunion with Alex (Julia Schlaepfer) and their heart-wrenching farewell was quite an emotional journey for the viewers, wasn’t it?

Indeed, there were numerous instances where I felt overwhelmed on set, particularly during the final episode. It was incredibly emotional for me. That series had a profound impact on my life, both professionally and personally. I can’t express enough how much I grew as an individual and an actor due to that experience. I will always be thankful for this opportunity, especially to Taylor [Sheridan], Ben Richardson, 101 [Studios] and Paramount for making it possible.

In Taylor’s characteristic fashion, everything was performed authentically. You perform your own stunts, visit the actual locations, and experience the same conditions as your character. If your character is in Africa under the scorching sun, you are too, basking in the African sun. If the scene takes place on a beach in Zanzibar, so do you, enjoying the tropical sands of Zanzibar. If riding a horse through Texas is part of the story, that’s what you do. If there’s a car chase with flips involved, you experience the thrill too. Even underwater scenes, like saving someone, are real for you. Essentially, we embodied these characters fully, and my memories of these experiences are intertwined with those of Taylor’s. I have a profound emotional connection to them as a result.

The experience was intensely moving for several reasons. I was concluding a significant phase in my life, reflecting on the past three years and their impact on me. It wasn’t necessarily a sad emotion, but rather a powerful one. A lot of energy surges through you when you bring closure to something so meaningful in your life. Add to that Spencer’s struggles in the narrative, his feelings of loss and regret, it’s heart-wrenching to think he won’t be able to express the full extent of his love.

Is Taylor Sheridan comparable to the Wizard of Oz, juggling multiple productions simultaneously, or does he occasionally make appearances on set?

He rarely makes scheduled visits, but he’s constantly observing your actions. He has a keen eye for detail and is always aware of everyone’s activities. If something doesn’t seem right to him, he’ll reach out to offer suggestions. His strong suit is trusting his intuition and gut feelings. He selects actors who he believes are capable of the role and share his creative vision. Once cast, he gives you freedom to perform, but it can be nerve-wracking at first because many directors don’t provide as much independence. However, he encourages self-belief and trust in one’s abilities. This empowers actors to improve their skills, which is a rare and valuable gift. Working with him was a unique and rewarding experience that I truly enjoy. I really appreciate working with that man.

People have been wondering online why Spencer holds Whitfield (Timothy Dalton) accountable for his wife’s death, and it’s due to the fact that Whitfield’s land grab attempt was what compelled Spencer and Alex to embark on the perilous journey to Montana. Had they not done so, they would have been enjoying their time in Zanzibar instead.

Correct. In that particular scene, there was a conversation involving Spencer, but we decided to omit it. Spencer’s emotional performance during this conversation was quite intense, and we had already portrayed a strong emotional moment with Alex in the narrative. Adding another emotional exchange might have disrupted the balance, so it seemed more appropriate to move directly to the key interaction with Whitfield. The creative team felt that the audience would perceive the underlying reasons without needing explicit explanation.

First off, Spencer had a conversation that essentially conveyed the same message: “Whitfield pursued my family, which brought me back home.” He walked through the sequence of events to explain why he believes Whitfield is accountable for these series of events. Thus, viewers of the show can comprehend why it’s Whitfield, without needing a detailed explanation from us. In other words, if Whitfield hadn’t targeted the Dutton family, this entire situation wouldn’t have unfolded. Alex wouldn’t have followed Spencer home, and she wouldn’t have been stranded in the snow. Additionally, Spencer’s family wouldn’t be in their current predicament, and he wouldn’t be on this crusade against Whitfield, now holding a gun to him. Therefore, the blame lies with Whitfield.

Imagine how astonishing it would have been to meet Timothy Dalton alongside Harrison Ford! I’m guessing that surprise was beyond your 13-year-old comprehension.

Even at 34 years old, I didn’t anticipate it as I don’t usually consult shooting schedules. (Laughs.) Instead, I spend my time preparing the entire season and committing everything to memory. Then, on the day itself, I simply arrive and find out what scenes I’ll be working on that particular day. That’s just how I operate. It helps me avoid getting worked up by trying to predict what I’ll be doing, so I prefer over-preparing and then tackling the task at hand when it comes. As a result, I was completely unaware of which scenes we were shooting that day.

Later, I found myself on set, and I exclaimed, “Wow, unexpected! Here’s the scene with Harrison and Dalton. I believed we were filming this in Montana. I hadn’t realized it was Austin instead. I thought we had two more months before shooting.” It’s fortunate that I didn’t know what we were filming. I likely would have been nervous and worked myself up a bit. I might have spent the time thinking, “I have this scene in a week. I have this scene in three days. I have this scene tomorrow.

This moment marked the culmination of Spencer’s character development. Before our initial filming of Spencer pointing the gun at Whitfield, displaying intense emotions, I vividly recall exchanging glances with Harrison and Timothy, and remarking, “Wow, this is quite an exhilarating predicament we’re in.

Did the cast have any wagers about how the Dutton family tree would shake out?

(Laughs.) I’ve had a hunch about where this was heading all along, but it hasn’t been definitively confirmed by anyone in the know yet. Although one might guess based on the finale, confirmation is still pending. Over the years, there have been many discussions among fans trying to figure out who’s who and what’s what, but we’re still left in the dark. It remains unclear, so it looks like we’ll just have to wait until 1944 for answers. I hope they’ll clear up John Dutton III’s [Kevin Costner] grandfather’s identity in the first episode itself, sparing us the entire series-long wait for confirmation. (Laughs.)

Are you ready to slap on some older-age prosthetics for 1944?

Absolutely! I’d appreciate if you could provide me with a touch of gout, a slight hunch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let’s add some gravel to my voice for the performance. If it happens, I’d be thrilled to participate. Honestly, I don’t want to part ways with Spencer. He’s a fantastic individual.

[The 1923 spoiler section has now concluded.]

In this city, it’s clear that success comes when fans regularly choose you for various superhero roles. Yet, the idea of stepping into the DCU’s Batman role intrigues you. With so many talented actors who have portrayed him before, including your former sparring partner Bale, do you believe there are still unexplored aspects to delve into?

Indeed, each actor who has portrayed Bruce Wayne/Batman has brought their unique interpretation to the character. For instance, Christian Bale’s Batman is significantly distinct from Robert Pattinson’s portrayal. As a child, Batman was my favorite comic book hero due to his humanity. He’s not just a superhero; he’s a man grappling with the loss of his parents, and Batman serves as his means of healing. I believe there is much more to explore about this character, and I envision a portrayal that feels authentic. I’ve appreciated every version of Batman, but Christian Bale’s performance was my favorite. That being said, I admire the boldness in Robert Pattinson’s take on the character, and he is truly an exceptional actor. If given the opportunity, I would be honored to carry on the legacy of Batman, and I would not take that responsibility lightly.

Did Hugh Jackman’s jest about you becoming the next Wolverine during a skit lead to any serious discussions between you two off-camera?

I find it nerve-wracking to even contemplate asking Hugh about that topic, as he’s one of the kindest, most genuine male actors I’ve ever encountered. He’s incredibly warm and friendly, and he has a charming demeanor that makes him truly endearing. Despite our pleasant interactions, though, I wouldn’t dare to imagine inquiring about that from him. Ryan frequently teases about the possibility of Hugh dying while playing Wolverine someday, and I can’t fathom anyone else ever embodying the character as well as he does. In fact, I hope he continues to portray Wolverine for as long as his body allows it.

In that same sketch, you mentioned to Ryan Reynolds’ mom that you don’t particularly enjoy giving interviews. Does this mean that you truly dislike doing interviews as a part of your job?

Actors’ feelings towards promotion can vary, but many share similar sentiments. While acting is something they genuinely cherish and doesn’t feel like work to them, promoting movies is a different story. It’s an essential part of their job, and they understand that everyone needs to put in effort and do tasks they may not always enjoy. Interviews are not something I dislike per se; it’s just that discussing myself isn’t as comfortable as stepping into a character. Being on camera as myself triggers a unique level of anxiety compared to acting as a character, but I can manage it quite well. However, I believe many actors share this perspective.

“Catch now showing in cinemas across the country.

Read More

2025-04-10 23:26