Dylan O’Brien: From YA Star to Intriguing Adult Actor

When Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson rose to fame, they proved that stars from young adult franchises could flourish beyond their initial roles. Stewart, in particular, seems to have channeled her Twilight roots into something more profound, refining her craft as her career evolved. Yet, it’s intriguing to see how others from the Twilight circle fared, particularly those less known for their vampire personas.

Dylan O’Brien, initially part of the Maze Runner trilogy, has made quite a transformation. You know, he started off as just another face in the YA crowd of the 2010s but has now become one of the more captivating actors in his 30s. He has upcoming projects like Submit Help and recently starred in Twinless, which is available on Hulu.

Honestly, I didn’t think the Maze Runner films were that bad—well, at least, I think so. It’s a bit fuzzy since I watched the sequels long after the first film. But I recall having fun with them. Most notably, I remember actors like Rosa Salazar and Kaya Scodelario, along with seasoned performers like Giancarlo Esposito. However, I wasn’t overly impressed with O’Brien in films like American Assassin or Deepwater Horizon, though his role in Taylor Swift’s music video for “All Too Well” certainly boosted his image as a charming young actor.

Now, with Love and Monsters, the landscape has shifted slightly. Released in 2020, it still carries some YA vibes, but O’Brien portrays a genuinely nice character navigating a post-apocalyptic world instead of your typical action hero. The real change, though, comes with Twinless, where he takes on dual roles of twin brothers—one being a suave gay man while the other is a lovable but dim-witted jock. The film largely revolves around Roman and how he copes with Rocky’s death, exploring deep emotional themes through their bond.

I would categorize Twinless as a mix of screwball comedy and psychological depth. O’Brien’s ability to portray such different characters simultaneously is quite commendable; it’s a role that deserved more recognition. He also shines in Anniversary as a troubled son, expressing his issues with a right-wing girlfriend in a way that paints a chilling picture of his upbringing.

And in Submit Help, he switches gears to become Bradley, a somewhat despicable office employee. Stranded with Rachel McAdams’ character, they face off in a tale that combines humor and horror. O’Brien initially portrays Bradley as arrogant, but there’s a surprising depth that emerges as he interacts with others, even making viewers empathize with him at moments.

Throughout these roles, O’Brien avoids leaning too heavily on his youthful charm. He has developed a knack for capturing adolescent traits in adult characters. Whether it’s the rage he displays in Anniversary or the comical entitlement in Submit Help, his performances evoke a relatable blend of youthful confusion and adulthood. Maybe he’s not quite at the level of a star like Leonardo DiCaprio, but there’s a notable similarity in how they navigate their characters’ struggles with masculinity.

You can catch Twinless on Hulu.