The Journey of Pilot Bunch: From The Righteous Gemstones to The Unbreakable Boy
As The Unbreakable Boy receives accolades for its heartfelt yet genuine narrative, rising star Pilot Bunch is solidifying his reputation as a formidable presence in the acting world.
Many viewers may recognize Bunch as Johnny B from HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones, a dark comedy that delves into the lives of a dysfunctional televangelist family. Additionally, his roles in acclaimed series like The Walking Dead and The Outsider highlight his versatility and range in the horror genre.
Unraveling The Unbreakable Boy
The Unbreakable Boy tells the story of Austin, portrayed by Jacob Laval, who faces the challenges of autism and brittle bone disease. This poignant film offers a realistic depiction of the joys and struggles associated with raising a child with special needs. Bunch plays Tyler, who is initially a bully to Austin but eventually evolves into a supportive friend during his transformative journey alongside Logan, played by Gavin Warren.
“I have a family member with autism, and I took on this role to help share their story,”Bunch states.
As the film progresses, Tyler’s character arc moves from aggression to friendship, depicting the essential theme of understanding and healing.
“Behind all his animosity toward Logan and Austin is a little boy who has experienced a lot of pain—more pain than any child should ever have to go through,”explains Bunch.
Insights from Pilot Bunch: An Exclusive Interview
What can viewers expect from The Unbreakable Boy?
Pilot Bunch shares, “The Unbreakable Boy is a beautiful story about a family navigating life with their son with autism, alongside a father confronting his battle with sobriety.”
Discussing Tyler: Challenges and Connection
Bunch elaborates on bringing Tyler to life: “To portray him authentically, I had to explore his intensity. Developing a backstory for Tyler helped me understand his relationships and experiences, shedding light on the pain that drives his behavior.”
He notes the importance of learning about the real-life Tyler and Austin, stating this role has enriched his perspective on the struggles faced by many.
Personal Connections and On-Set Memories
Expressing his personal ties to the film, Bunch states, “With a family member on the autism spectrum, I took this role to help narrate their experiences. It has been enlightening and eye-opening.”
Reflecting on his time filming, Bunch recalls a memorable birthday celebration on set, where his castmates surprised him with a cupcake before his travels home.
He reminisces, “They sang ‘Happy Birthday’ and made the day incredibly special. It was a heartwarming experience!”
Collaborating with a Stellar Cast
Highlighting the film’s talented ensemble, which includes Zachary Levi, Meghann Fahy, Patricia Heaton, and Jacob Laval, Bunch notes, “Working with everyone was exceptional, but I formed a close bond with Gavin and Jacob—they’ve become like brothers to me over time.”
Favorite Lines and Early Inspirations
When asked about a favorite line from the film, Bunch mentions, “Austin’s honest observations of others resonate powerfully. His directness is refreshing.”
Reflecting on his journey into acting, he explains, “My passion ignited in third grade when I portrayed Scar in The Lion King. The electric energy of live performance was exhilarating, and I knew I wanted to pursue this passion full-time.”
Memorable Experiences in Other Shows
Bunch shares insights from his time on The Outsider, noting, “The experience was unforgettable, filled with thrilling locations and challenging roles—one of my favorite souvenirs is a hat from the stunt director.”
As for The Walking Dead, he describes it as a dream job, especially getting to meet Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Both roles were unique experiences, each leaving a lasting impression on him.
Achievements in Film
Recently, Bunch’s short film Burning Image secured first place at The Georgia Thespian Film Festival. He takes pride in this accomplishment, highlighting his roles as writer and director alongside a talented team.
Describing the filming process, he enthuses, “We shot most of it in just three hours under the stars and created something truly special!”
Coping with Challenges in Acting
Bunch discusses his approach to immersing himself in new roles, emphasizing the importance of reading the script thoroughly and developing character backstories.
He incorporates music into his preparation, often creating playlists that resonate with his characters, believing it enhances his portrayal.
The Transition From Theater to Film
Having transitioned from theater to film, he reflects on the journey, noting, “The differences are stark, but I’ve grown immensely as a film actor while keeping the physicality from my theater days.”Though he misses the thrill of live audience interaction, the transition has been rewarding.
Overcoming Challenges as a Teen Actor
Addressing the hurdles faced by young actors in Hollywood, Bunch identifies two key issues: coping with frequent rejection and the age barrier in casting. He emphasizes the need for resilience in the face of setbacks and explains how age-related costs often prevent teens from landing roles meant for their age group.
Passions Beyond Acting
If not in acting, Bunch would dive into culinary arts. He finds cooking exhilarating, full of intensity and creative expression.
A Passion for Board Sports
Bunch also shares his enthusiasm for skateboarding, wave surfing, and snowboarding, activities he enjoys since childhood. “Board sports bring me a sense of flow and awareness, making it feel like an active form of meditation,”he explains.
Looking Ahead: Future Projects
Looking forward, Pilot Bunch aims to continue his personal growth while creating meaningful art. Don’t miss The Unbreakable Boy, released in theaters on February 21, 2025.
For the full interview, visit the source: Source & Images