Dylan O’Brien Embraces Challenges in New Film ‘Send Help’

Dylan O’Brien is reveling in his latest role in the upcoming film Send Help, directed by Sam Raimi. The movie, set to release in theaters on January 26, 2024, showcases O’Brien’s versatility and willingness to embrace unique challenges. During filming on the beaches of Thailand, O’Brien found himself bonding with his co-star Rachel McAdams and feeling creatively aligned with Raimi, known for his work on the Spider-Man trilogy.

In a humorous moment, O’Brien recalls a conversation with Raimi about a scene that would require him to eat a beetle. “He was like, ‘There’s however many species that you can actually ingest, and it’s totally fine,’” O’Brien reminisced, chuckling at the absurdity. While it turned out to be a joke and the bug was fake, O’Brien’s readiness to embrace the bizarre reflects his commitment to his craft.

The actor, now 34, has experienced a whirlwind of emotions in the film industry, particularly with the reception of his recent independent film, Twinless. Nominated for the prestigious Spirit Awards, the film has garnered critical acclaim but faced challenges in promotional efforts. O’Brien admits to feeling a sense of industry whiplash, transitioning from accolades for Twinless to the excitement of returning to a studio project with Send Help.

O’Brien’s Evolution and Creative Freedom

O’Brien, whose breakout roles included leading parts in Teen Wolf and the Maze Runner series, sought a project that would allow him to explore more complex characters. “It’s certainly not lost on me that it was definitely the best job that’s come my way in a really long time,” he stated. With Send Help, O’Brien found a script that felt bold and exciting, complemented by his admiration for both Raimi and McAdams.

The film follows O’Brien’s character, Bradley Preston, who inherits a company and becomes embroiled in a survival situation with McAdams’ character, Linda Liddle. The pair’s chemistry and contrasting personalities fuel the narrative, as Bradley initially dismisses Linda’s expertise but soon finds himself relying on her skills when their plane crashes in a violent storm.

Raimi, who was unfamiliar with O’Brien’s work before casting, has praised the actor’s performance, stating, “He’s brilliant in Send Help and he truly made it his own.” O’Brien’s approach to his character involved pushing against the typical expectations of likability, a concern that Raimi and McAdams shared. “There was certainly a nervousness in the room some days where it was like, ‘How much will the audience take?’” McAdams noted.

Industry Reflections and Future Projects

As O’Brien navigates the complexities of Hollywood, he reflects on the pressures actors face regarding public perception. With a notable absence from social media, he has encountered skepticism about his visibility. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been complained to about not having an Instagram,” he remarked, highlighting the challenges of marketing in today’s digital landscape.

Despite the hurdles, O’Brien remains optimistic about the future of independent films like Twinless. He expressed frustration over the difficulties smaller films face in gaining traction, stating, “It’s hard to not look back and be like, ‘Wow, what would it have been like if it was really put out there?’” The film, which features O’Brien in a dual role, premiered at Sundance to positive reviews but struggled with distribution challenges.

As O’Brien prepares for the release of Send Help, he recognizes its potential to rekindle interest in mid-budget studio films. “I can’t watch a single playoff game without seeing the damn trailer 19 times,” he joked, appreciating the marketing efforts behind the film.

Although he acknowledges the shifting landscape of Hollywood, O’Brien is determined to maintain a thoughtful approach to his career. He describes Send Help as a “unicorn of a job,” emphasizing the importance of creative freedom and character depth in his projects. As the film prepares to hit theaters, O’Brien’s journey reflects not only his evolution as an actor but also the broader challenges faced by artists in a rapidly changing industry.