Brandon Sklenar: Rising Star in the Spotlight

Brandon Sklenar’s ascent in the entertainment industry became undeniable with the premiere of Taylor Sheridan’s 1923 in December 2022. Sklenar’s portrayal of Spencer Dutton—a war hero turned big-game hunter—quickly captured audience hearts, positioning him as a frontrunner for future action and superhero roles. The Western drama not only showcased his acting skills but also provided ample opportunities for dramatic depth and romantic engagement, setting the stage for multiple thematic projects.

Last year saw Sklenar take on the role of Atlas Corrigan in the hit movie It Ends with Us. The film, which tackles the complexities of an abusive relationship, sparked considerable controversy due to the real-life legal tensions between Blake Lively, who starred and produced, and director Justin Baldoni. In a compelling twist, Sklenar’s character steps in to support Lily Bloom—played by Lively—during her tumultuous times.

Tonight, Sklenar makes his return to theaters in Drop, directed by Christopher Landon. In this psychological thriller, he plays Henry, a photographer who embarks on a dinner date with Violet, portrayed by Meghann Fahy, a widowed mother reeling from her own abusive marriage. The outing quickly escalates when an anonymous aggressor uses a digital device, dubbed “DigiDrops,” to coerce Violet into a harrowing ultimatum: kill Henry to save her child.

The themes of domestic violence resonate not just in Drop and It Ends with Us, but also in Sklenar’s forthcoming film The Housemaid, directed by Paul Feig and featuring stars like Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. Despite the coincidence of these projects sharing thematic elements, Sklenar believes there’s a deeper connection to his own life experiences.

“It’s a theme that’s been around me and in my life for a long time,” Sklenar explains. “Someone very close to me has been dealing with it for many years, and I’ve been helping her navigate that space as much as I can. So, perhaps, by the grace of God, it keeps finding its way into my sphere as a theme, because it’s a theme in my own life.”

Following the series finale of 1923, which aired recently, Sklenar reflected on the resolution of Spencer and Alexandra Dutton’s storyline. The birth of their son, John Dutton II, prompts curiosity about the lineage of Kevin Costner’s character, John Dutton III.

“One would assume what it is at the end of the finale, but it still hasn’t been confirmed,” Sklenar noted. “So I guess we’ll have to wait for 1944. Hopefully, they’ll reveal that in the first episode, and we won’t have to wait an entire series for confirmation of who John Dutton III’s grandfather is.”

While still unconfirmed, Sklenar expressed interest in potentially reprising his role, aging Spencer into a character reflecting over fifty. Citing Christian Bale as his favorite actor, he admires Bale’s transformative roles, particularly in Vice, and is eager about the prospects of stepping into Spencer’s shoes for future installments.

“Give me some gout, a little hunch, and some salt and pepper. I’ll gravel the voice up a bit. If it comes around, I’d love to do it. I really would. I definitely don’t want to say goodbye to Spencer. I love that guy,” Sklenar affirmed.

Sklenar has also captured the attention of fancasters speculating about his potential as the next Batman in the DC Universe. Describing his childhood love for the character, he envisions a fresh take that contrasts sharply with past portrayals.

“I have my own ideas on the character, if that ever comes to fruition,” he shared. “He was my favorite comic book character as a child, and he’s superior because he is a real man. I think there’s a lot more to explore there that makes it very real. If it ever comes around, I would gladly take that torch, and I would not take it lightly.”

In a candid discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, Sklenar elaborated on his character dynamics in Drop while addressing Hugh Jackman’s lighthearted suggestion that he could be the next Wolverine.

Exploring Challenges in ‘Drop’

Reflecting on his role in Drop, Sklenar reminded audiences of his previous portrayal of a character named Henry in Westworld. “That’s the one. I forgot I did that until you just said it,” he remarked humorously.

On the topic of digital features like “DigiDrop,” Sklenar admitted, “I’ve AirDropped some photos or a batch of files, for sure. It’s quicker than sending a text sometimes, but I’m not shooting off AirDrops to anybody on a whim. That’s not my style.”

As for his mindset while working on Drop, Sklenar noted, “After It Ends with Us, I was eager to keep working. This film just seemed like a great opportunity and acting exercise. I’m a big horror-thriller fan, and working with Chris [Landon] was a major draw.”

Discussing the overlapping themes of domestic abuse in both Drop and It Ends with Us, Sklenar clarified, “It’s something that we touch upon in Drop, but it’s not necessarily in the forefront as much as it is with It Ends with Us. It’s purely coincidental.”

Despite the thematic similarities, Sklenar values how each project approaches sensitive topics. He remarked, “Both films handle such themes in ways that elevate the story, allowing audiences to digest these difficult subjects without being overwhelmed.”

Speaking about his scene partner, Meghann Fahy, Sklenar expressed admiration for her professional and personal qualities, stating, “She is just an exceptional human being, hyper-present in scenes, and makes acting feel incredibly natural.”

Sklenar’s personal philosophy regarding trust and vulnerability reflects a gradual evolution shaped by his experiences in the entertainment industry. “I believe in keeping some guard up,” he remarked, “but I try to connect with people warmly while also protecting myself.”

Looking Forward to Future Roles

As the conversation returned to his thrilling days on 1923, he vividly recalled the emotional challenges of portraying Spencer Dutton. “I was a wreck many times on that set, especially during the finale. It was so emotional—this show changed my life,” he reflected.

Sklenar discussed the authenticity of the production under Taylor Sheridan, stating, “We really lived those characters, and my memories are Spencer’s memories. It was incredibly emotional for a number of reasons, and I am grateful for the opportunity.”

He also addressed unanswered questions surrounding Spencer’s motivations and the impact of Whitfield’s actions, making it clear that even subtle dialogues had been crafted with care to echo the emotional undertones of the narrative.

Confronting Timothy Dalton in a pivotal scene alongside Harrison Ford was an unexpected twist Sklenar recalls with awe. “I just prepare the entire season and memorize everything. I had no idea what I was walking into that day,” he confessed, highlighting the thrill of unexpectedly intense moments in storytelling.

As the conversation winded down, Sklenar found humor in how fans speculate about the future of the Dutton family tree and hinted at an eagerness for the mysteries yet to unfold in 1944—”We’ll have to wait for the next series!”

Wrapping up, Sklenar noted, “I don’t look at shooting schedules. I just prepare and show up. It’s easier to just over-prepare and step into the moment.”

With his career on a promising trajectory, and roles that carry personal significance, Brandon Sklenar is indeed a talent to watch in the evolving landscape of film and television.

For more insights and details on Brandon Sklenar, check out the full interview here.