Dylan O’Brien Embraces His Inner Maverick In 'Send Help'

Dylan O'Brien: The Unlikely Rule-Breaker

Deep in the heart of Thailand's steamy beaches, Dylan O'Brien found his groove filming the thriller 'Send Help.' Bonding instantly with co-star Rachel McAdams and director Sam Raimi, O'Brien was all in—even when Raimi suggested an outrageous scene involving a beetle. O'Brien was game, but luckily for him, it was all a prank by Raimi.

“There’s however many species that you can actually ingest, and it’s totally fine, they’ve been tested and proven,” O’Brien recalls through chuckles.

Raimi, known for his quirky filmmaking style, wanted to see how far O'Brien would go, and he did not disappoint. It’s clear to see that O'Brien was ready to dive headfirst into the madness, bringing to life a character that wasn’t afraid to stir the pot.

A Role That Defies Expectations

While sitting poolside in Hollywood, O'Brien reflects on his evolving career. From his breakout in 'The Maze Runner' to his latest indie film 'Twinless,' he has faced both highs and lows. The role in 'Send Help' marks his return to big-budget filmmaking, a deliberate choice after stepping back from mainstream blockbusters.

The film reunites him with his childhood hero Raimi, whose Spider-Man trilogy O'Brien adored. O'Brien's admiration for Raimi's work, from 'Drag Me to Hell' to 'The Evil Dead,' shines through in his performance. McAdams praises O'Brien's vision, adding that his portrayal of Bradley Preston was both bold and risky.

Going Rogue with 'Send Help'

'Bradley Preston, the character O'Brien portrays, is a CEO with little patience for agendas that don't align with his own. McAdams plays Linda Liddle, an employee challenging Bradley's authority, sparking a rivalry that plays out amid a survival scenario on a deserted beach.

Sam Raimi, despite being unfamiliar with O’Brien’s earlier work, was won over by his compelling performance. O’Brien’s versatility shines, bringing depth to a film rooted in dark comedy and thrilling action.

"I really believe that the stronger the choices, the better the payoff," McAdams says, highlighting O’Brien’s courage.

O'Brien's Take on the Industry

O'Brien’s journey through the industry has taught him about the challenges of modern filmmaking, from studio politics to social media’s overwhelming presence. Reflecting on his time with 'Twinless,' he acknowledges the struggles of independent films to reach audiences without a strong marketing push.

Despite the hurdles, 'Send Help' has been well-promoted, signaling a shift in O'Brien's career, yet he remains wary of the studio system. "This was a unicorn of a job," O'Brien states about the film, recognizing its rare blend of creativity and opportunity.

'"Send Help' releases Friday, with 'Twinless' available for streaming on Hulu.