As a kid growing up in the heart of Texas, I’ve always been in awe of the power and unpredictability of tornadoes. The fear they instill in people is both terrifying and exhilarating. So when I got the opportunity to be part of Twisters, a movie that brings the raw emotions and danger of tornado chasing to life, I couldn’t contain my excitement.
Two years ago, Brandon Perea gave a standout debut in Jordan Peele’s movie “Nope,” and currently, he stars in Universal’s new July release titled “Twisters.” In this film helmed by Lee Isaac Chung, Perea portrays Boone, who bears little resemblance to his Angel Torres character from “Nope.” Boone serves as the second-in-command to Glen Powell’s Tyler Owens. Their team of “Tornado Wranglers” is a band of storm chasers that closely resembles Bill (Bill Paxton) and Jo Harding’s (Helen Hunt) team in Jan de Bont’s original film “Twister” (1996).
Perea’s character shares many similarities with Philip Seymour Hoffman‘s Dusty from the initial film. Although Dusty had a scientific background unlike Boone’s role as a videographer, they both exhibit strong bonds of friendship, a love for tie-dye, and serve as the life of every party. Consequently, the responsibility of living up to Hoffman’s legacy presented a significant challenge for Perea.
“During my audition for another role, I came across a character named Boone who reminded me of Philip Seymour Hoffman. I jokingly mentioned to my partner how challenging it would be for the actor portraying him. Little did I know, I would end up getting cast as that very actor. Consequently, I felt quite apprehensive about taking on this role.” Perea shares with The Hollywood Reporter.
Prior to his acting career, Perea held the title of youngest professional jamskater, a fusion of breakdancing and roller skating. When he learned that Boone executed a backflip following a successful storm chase in the script, he believed the role was perfect for him until the stunt was cut. Determined to bring the trick to life, Perea drew inspiration from Tom Cruise’s spontaneous backflip in “The Outsiders” (1983) and executed it approximately twenty times on set.
“Perea shared, ‘I’d think, “I’ll try a backflip. People can get away with things once.” I managed to pull it off twenty times, ending up in the film. Anthony Ramos was far off and watched me, expressing concern, “Why does he keep doing backflips!? He’s going to injure himself!” But I replied confidently, “No, I could do this countless times.”‘”
As a passionate fan of “The OA,” I’m thrilled to share that my favorite actor, Perea, made it big through the captivating character Alfonso “French” Sosa on Netflix’s thought-provoking series. The show amassed an avid fanbase, leaving many of us eagerly anticipating a comeback even after its cancellation in 2019 following season two. Intriguingly, creators Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij recently sat down with The Hollywood Reporter and expressed their strong belief in the series’ potential return. Hearing about their optimism has kept Perea on his toes, preparing himself for any possibilities that may come his way.
“I’m among the believers who think the story of ‘The OA’ isn’t finished yet. Though I’m unsure how it will continue, I’m ready to rejoin the show whenever that may be. It seems there are some unresolved chapters, and with Zal being so confident, I share his belief that we’ll complete this journey.”
In a recent chat with THR, Perea talked about how his personal iPhone recordings wound up in Twisters. He then shared some fond memories of working on Peele’s Nope set.
Based on my own experiences and observations, I would assume that your connection with Universal didn’t instantly transition from “Nope” to “Twisters.” In the entertainment industry, things aren’t always as fast-tracked or straightforward as they may seem from an outsider’s perspective. It takes time and effort to build relationships, especially in a professional setting. So, I imagine that there were likely some conversations, negotiations, and perhaps even setbacks in between “Nope” and “Twisters.” After all, the industry is known for its unpredictability and constant change. But of course, this is just my take on it. Only you can truly speak to the specifics of your experience.
After the wrap of “Nope,” I found myself in search of my next project, and boy, did it take longer than anticipated. It felt like an eternity before I stumbled upon “Twisters.” In my agent’s office following the release of “Nope,” they assured me they had some potential opportunities in the pipeline. They presented me with “Twisters,” and I couldn’t help but feel intimidated. The director of the intriguing project was none other than Lee Isaac Chung, fresh off the success of “Minari.” I remember thinking there was no chance I’d be a part of that production – it seemed like an unattainable dream. Yet, somehow, I managed to secure a meeting with Isaac, and the rest is history. The project found its home at Universal, and although the greenlight came relatively quickly, getting everything moving took some time given the numerous key players involved.
In my experience, I mainly think of you as the well-groomed Alfonso “French” Sosa from The OA. Therefore, it took me by surprise when I saw you as the scruffy and energetic Boone. Did you find it challenging to keep up that high level of energy every day?
In all honesty, I’d assert that portraying Alfonso “French” Sosa in “The OA” proved to be more challenging than Boone for me. The reason being, with Alfonso there is an abundance of unexpressed emotion which makes it harder to convey authentically. Acting out Boone, on the other hand, was a piece of cake since everything was out in the open, allowing me to dive into the role effortlessly and experiment with various approaches. Thus, I consider Boone as the simplest acting assignment I’ve ever had. The ease and excitement of running around and letting loose made it an enjoyable experience that I was deeply grateful for. A big round of applause to the cast and crew who dealt with my antics and provided me with ample freedom. (Laughs.) However, I wasn’t particularly fatigued during the shoot. Everyone was having a great time. But there was one instance when it became quite chilly, and we were attempting to create a summer movie scene at that point. So, that part felt draining as it was 3:00 AM, I was wearing a tank top, and I was freezing. That’s the only time I recall feeling tired during the shoot. The rest of the experience was a true breeze for me.
In your past as an ace skater and biker, were you allowed to perform a Boone’s backflip during his triumphant tornado interception celebration?
I practiced doing backflips around twenty times. Anthony Ramos watched from a distance, concerned about my safety. He kept questioning why I was doing this to myself. I, however, was confident in my abilities and assured him that I could do countless backflips. Interestingly enough, the initial script had Boone performing a backflip after intercepting a tornado. I assumed this part was written for me, but then the backflip was removed from the script in a later draft. I became anxious, thinking that I might not get the role anymore. But eventually, I decided to include it again, even though it wasn’t present in the final version. So, I managed to perform it twenty times and ultimately landed the backflip in the movie.
You’d literally been training your entire life for that moment, so I’m glad you got to do it.
Tom Cruise’s backflip off a car in “The Outsiders” is often mentioned as a notable feat that helped establish his fame. Someone reminded me of this and I replied, “Really? I was just practicing my backflips.” So while I can’t claim to be like Tom Cruise, there’s an interesting connection between us.
That sounds like a story Glen Powell might’ve told during your long hours in the truck.
It was actually one of our co-producers who brought it up, but I have heard a lot of great stories about Tom. He sent Glen a [white chocolate] coconut bundt cake to our set, and it’s super famous. So I want to be on that list so bad because that slice of cake is in my mind to this day.
In simpler terms, how much of Boone’s motivation for pursuing storms stems from adrenaline rush compared to the desire for recognition or influence?
In my opinion, the experience was driven primarily by adrenaline, as observed from genuine storm chasers and their footage. The sensation is electrifying, yet there’s a fine line to maintain because viewers need to stay captivated even during lulls. There’s a sweet spot. Chasing remains exhilarating, but for those not directly involved, maintaining engagement is crucial. Thus, I’d hype it up with phrases like “It’s about to arrive! It’s on its way! Trust me, it’s coming! Stay tuned!” So there’s a delicate balance and a waiting game, but when the moment arrives, it’s an irresistible, primal response.
I can’t help but see some similarities between myself and the Philip Seymour Hoffman character in this film. We may not be identical, but like him, I play the role of the loyal and comically-relieving friend. Did acknowledging this comparison make me feel even more connected to the part? Absolutely!
I’ve been there before, receiving a script from my agency without even knowing which character I was supposed to audition for. I just wanted to give it a read and see if it sparked any interest in me. But as I delved deeper into the script, I found myself getting lost between the different roles. My agent would tell me to read for one part, but as I turned the pages, I kept coming across another character named Boone. He seemed like quite an intriguing and complex role, reminiscent of the brilliant Philip Seymour Hoffman. Midway through my reading, I shared my thoughts with my partner, jokingly acknowledging that whoever got cast for Boone would have a heavy burden on their shoulders. Little did I know that the joke was on me – I ended up being that person, carrying the weight of the character’s emotional depth and nuance. The experience taught me to always double-check which role I was auditioning for, but it also reminded me of the excitement and unpredictability that comes with being an actor.
In spite of being fearful, I felt fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute a memorable performance, just like how Phil Hoffman excelled in his remarkable supporting roles throughout his career. He brought joy and excitement to the first film, and I aimed to add a tiny speck of that same charm. The most challenging aspect was living up to Philip Seymour Hoffman’s legacy, as he is one of my all-time favorite actors and we even shared the same number on the call sheet – an uncanny coincidence that left me in awe.
Boone wore some tie-dye clothing like his character did, so it’s all there.
Yeah, exactly!
He’s the videographer of Tyler’s (Powell) crew. Did any of your footage made it in the final cut?
Dude, a shit ton of it made it in, which is cool. I was surprised — especially the stuff in the truck. We never got coverage with the real cameras. It was only my iPhone camera that got some of those scenes; that was the only coverage we got. So it felt like a lot of weight on my shoulders, actually. I was like, “Oh, shit. We’re not covering this with the Panavisions at all? Nothing?” And they were like, “No, no. We’re using your iPhone footage.” And I was like, “Okay.”
As a filmmaker with years of experience under my belt, I can tell you that every project comes with its own set of surprises and challenges. In one particular production, we had no less than 20 cameras rolling at once: GoPros, professional A and B cameras, and even my trusty iPhone in the truck. I must admit, I didn’t anticipate just how many of those shots would end up making it into the final cut.
According to the footage taken during the making of it, the tornado special effect appeared to be quite powerful. Do you happen to know which specific day’s filming best captured the experience of working inside a simulated tornado?
I’ve had the wildest experience of my life while working on a movie set. Every time we stepped outside to shoot on location, we were hitched to another truck that served as our mobile propellant. The crew on that truck would rain down ice, dirt, and water on us relentlessly. It felt like being caught in the most intense storm imaginable – a tempest of rain, hail, wind, and grime.
Six and a half years ago, before I shifted careers, I ran a marketing business. In the first year of this new venture, unfortunately, my work laptop which contained confidential client data suddenly stopped functioning. I took it to the store where I had purchased it for repairs. Shortly after leaving the store, I received a call that my laptop had been stolen from the counter where I had left it. The employee failed to secure it in time. Despite efforts from the authorities, the issue was not fully resolved to my satisfaction. That electronics store was none other than Fry’s.
(Laughs.)
When I encountered your Fry’s Electronics character in “Nope” by Jordan Peele, it brought back unsettling memories for me. It felt like reliving a personal horror story within the larger context of the movie. Rest assured, your creations have the power to evoke unexpected emotions.
(Laughs.) You had PTSD from this man who carelessly handled his job duties. I tried to convey that idea as, “This guy was such a slacker at work, he’d even forget your laptop on the table.” Angel Torres is definitely the type of person who would leave your laptop unattended on the desk and walk away without a second thought.
Exactly. You took me right back there. It was like time travel.
That’s so good. I’m glad I was able to play it in the most real sense that I could.
In Nope, who served as the tech and digital camera expert, did DP Hoyte van Hoytema provide you with any instruction or guidance on using such equipment?
I’ve been there a few times when I had some days off, mainly to observe Jordan and the film crew at work. Since Angel was involved with Antlers Holst, Michael Wincott’s fictional DP, they showed me the ropes of loading a film camera. So I got to learn how to handle 35mm and 65mm films, which is quite an interesting skill to have. When I was with Hoyte’s team in their camera truck, they shared fascinating tales from their past projects like Tenet. At that point, they were already gearing up for Oppenheimer, so they were deep into preparations for that film as well.
I joined Daniel (played by Kaluuya) on set for our day-for-night shooting scenes on the horse, which was an exhilarating experience given it was a bright, summer afternoon around 1 PM with scorching heat. Many crew members were affected by heat exhaustion. However, Hoyte introduced me to a black light in place of sunlight, leaving me puzzled. He led me to the coloring tent where they worked their magic. Hearing Hoyte explain that we were conducting scientific experiments by filming day for night and requiring the black light as an alternative light source, I was blown away. This encounter with Hoyte, a true maestro in his field, left a profound impact on me. Intrigued by his innovative approach, I learned valuable lessons from him. Hoyte’s garage filled with customized camera pieces and his constant exploration fueled my curiosity and admiration for his artistry. I feel fortunate to have been part of this experience under his guidance.
Were you all pretty bowled over by Michael Wincott’s “Purple People Eater” monologue?
It’s amazing how he filmed that scene numerous times with various approaches, which was truly remarkable. In one particular take, he unexpectedly broke down after, leaving us in a dilemma about how to proceed. Although we had rehearsed, we were taken aback and uncertain of our next move. Should we leave him alone? Console him? Or was it awkward to do either? Keke and I exchanged glances, unsure who should go first. Eventually, we decided to switch places. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience to witness Michael Wincott’s exceptional performance. I admire that man.
Did you witness the amusing handshake between the siblings when your off-screen DP character appeared with a non-electric camera? If so, you got a front-row view to the action. Otherwise, you missed out on this entertaining moment from behind the scenes.
Certainly, I was present at the set as well. One of the commendable aspects of Jordan and his crew is their dedication to having all actors physically present during filming, even if I wasn’t scheduled to work that day or it was Keke’s turn for coverage. Consequently, I attended the set nonetheless and would recite my lines off-camera, ensuring authentic interactions between cast members. The preference was for actual actors speaking to one another rather than having a script supervisor read lines. We were essentially involved in almost every scene, including phone call sequences. I also witnessed the iconic handshake and its various renditions. The final version is brilliantly executed – you’ll love it!
I’m still mourning the end of The OA. I find myself revisiting scenes with Prairie’s violin melody, and you’re a part of two of them. Yet, I recently chatted with Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij, and they continue to discuss the series as if they’ll complete it eventually. Doesn’t it astonish you that they cling to this hope?
I completely understand where you’re coming from. It doesn’t shock me in the least that there may be more to come with “The OA.” I’m one of those people who has a gut feeling that there are unfinished stories to tell. I don’t know what it is, but I’m ready and eager to rejoin the show whenever it’s ready to resume. There seems to be an unspoken sense of unfulfilled chapters, and Zal is quite optimistic about it. He doesn’t just hope – he’s certain. And that confidence rubs off on me as well. I believe we will complete this journey together. Those two are true warriors, and the challenges we faced during production only strengthened my admiration for them.
Lastly, how was your time with Kogonada on a Big Bold Beautiful Journey?
It was an exciting experience for me to join the set unexpectedly and work alongside A-list actors Colin Farrell and Margo Robbie. I had some apprehension as I don’t typically join sets midway through production. However, I was pleasantly surprised by their kindness and approachability. Despite their fame and talent, they made me feel welcome and included in regular set conversations. This encounter reinforced why they have successful careers and lives. Meeting and collaborating with them, along with Kogonada, was a pleasure, and the upcoming film is sure to be exceptional. I’m thrilled to be a small part of such a promising project.
***
Twisters is now playing in movie theaters.
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2024-07-19 02:56