The highly anticipated biopic centered around the personal life of James Dean has secured its leading man. Brandon Flynn, a name synonymous with acclaimed series such as "True Detective" and "13 Reasons Why," has been selected to portray the late, iconic actor in the upcoming feature "Willie and Jimmy Dean," as exclusively revealed by The Hollywood Reporter. Currently in development, the film penned and helmed by Guy Guido draws inspiration from William Bast's 2006 memoir, "Surviving James Dean."
Bast's narrative recounts his fateful encounter with Dean at UCLA's theater program when he was just 19, detailing how the duo evolved from roommates to close friends and, ultimately, lovers. To shield Dean's burgeoning career from controversy, their romance remained concealed amidst his public relationships with female celebrities. Bast harbored dreams of rekindling their life together, but tragedy struck five years later when Dean perished in a car accident at the age of 24, leaving behind a cinematic legacy immortalized in posthumous releases like "Rebel Without a Cause" and "Giant."
Guido's screenplay spans from Bast and Dean's initial meeting to the actor's untimely demise on September 30, 1955 (Bast himself passed away in 2015, aged 84). It delves into their evolving bond and Bast's coming-to-terms with his sexuality against the backdrop of the 1950s.
"This is no conventional biography," remarks Guido, who interviewed Bast in 2011. "It's a tender, sometimes heart-wrenching tale of two young souls who found solace in each other's embrace in an era where authenticity came at a steep price. Brandon Flynn brings the fiery intensity and raw vulnerability that this character demands. He's the perfect embodiment to unravel the multifaceted nature of James Dean."
Echoing Guido's sentiments, Flynn shares, "James Dean is a figure shrouded in mystery. His truncated life left behind just three films, a treasure trove of photographs, and an enduring cultural legend we strive to unravel. This script offers a poignant quest for authenticity, shedding light on the man behind the icon."
Renowned for his roles in series like "Ratched" and "Manhunt," and films such as "The Parenting" and "Hellraiser," Flynn lauds "Willie and Jimmy Dean" for its humanizing portrayal of Dean, steering clear of sensationalism. "It underscores how Hollywood historically compelled LGBTQ+ individuals to perform, even in their private lives," Flynn continues. "This narrative dares to depict James Dean as a man with genuine, intricate relationships, and in that truth lies its power."
Guido, whose credits include directing the Hulu feature "Madonna and the Breakfast Club," is actively engaging with potential producers. Kerry Barden and Paul Schnee of Barden/Schnee Casting Agency spearhead the casting search, seeking actors to breathe life into the sensitive, intellectual Bast and his glamorous, single mother Bernice, as the film continues to take shape.
