Dylan O'Brien Opens Up About Playing Twins and Crafting Authentic Queer Stories

Dylan O'Brien, widely known for his roles in 'The Maze Runner' series and 'Teen Wolf,' embarks on one of his most demanding and nuanced performances to date in 'Twinless,' a dark comedy directed by James Sweeney. The film, which debuted in theaters on September 5, places O'Brien at the heart of a deeply personal story, where he plays both Roman, a gay man grieving his twin brother, and Rocky, his late twin, whose distinct personality is revealed through flashbacks .

'Twinless' centers around Dennis (portrayed by Sweeney), who attends a twin-loss support group, where he meets Roman (O'Brien). The group setting becomes a crucible for exploring not only the unique pain of twin loss but also the intersection of identity, queerness, and the search for belonging. O'Brien’s character, Roman, is depicted as openly gay, and the film does not shy away from exploring the complex layers of his identity and grief .

O'Brien reflected on the importance of bringing authenticity to his dual performance during interviews leading up to the premiere. He acknowledged the challenge of playing two distinct individuals—one living, one deceased—who diverged sharply in both outlook and life choices. "Roman's relationship with his late brother Rocky is foundational to the story," O’Brien explained, noting that their differences and eventual estrangement in high school lay at the core of Roman’s emotional journey .

Director James Sweeney, himself a member of the queer community, was determined to make the film’s portrayal of twin loss and queer identity both authentic and respectful. Sweeney conducted extensive research on twin-loss grief and spent years developing the narrative, working closely with O’Brien to ensure the emotional truth of each scene . Their collaboration led to a relationship marked by trust and openness, essential for navigating the film’s emotionally intense scenes.

In a sit-down with RogerEbert.com, Sweeney emphasized the importance of honest conversations on set, especially in a low-budget indie environment where actors are often asked to invest deeply in their characters. O'Brien’s commitment to the project—remaining attached even during years of financing difficulties—was seen by Sweeney as a testament to both the actor’s dedication and the story’s resonance .

O'Brien credited the organic development of their working relationship for enabling him to explore the vulnerability required for both roles. "You can’t predict it. It’s such a dice roll," O'Brien said, describing his initial uncertainty and the gradual evolution of trust and synchronicity with Sweeney .

'Twinless' has been praised for its sensitive depiction of queer grief and masculinity. Rather than relying on stereotypes, the film allows Roman’s sexuality to inform but not define his character. O'Brien’s portrayal avoids caricature, instead presenting Roman as a fully realized individual whose queerness is woven organically into the narrative .

The film also explores how different models of masculinity intersect with queer identity and grief. Through Roman and Rocky’s divergent paths—one openly gay and vulnerable, the other struggling with unresolved trauma—'Twinless' invites viewers to consider how familial bonds and societal expectations shape the ways queer individuals process loss .

O'Brien highlighted the significance of telling queer stories that move beyond coming-out narratives or trauma-centric plots. "This is a story about grief, yes—but it’s also about connection, forgiveness, and the messy, beautiful parts of being human," he remarked in a promotional interview .

The supporting cast—featuring Aisling Franciosi, Lauren Graham, Tasha Smith, Chris Perfetti, François Arnaud, Susan Park, and Cree Cicchino—contributed to an atmosphere of mutual respect and creative risk-taking. O'Brien, who also served as executive producer for the first time in his career, was described by Sweeney as a "partner in crime," deeply invested in bringing the story to life .

Queer community members and advocacy organizations have welcomed 'Twinless' for its nuanced approach to representation. Early reviews from queer media outlets highlight the film’s avoidance of tropes and its focus on lived experience, noting its potential to spark conversations around grief, chosen family, and healing in queer spaces .

O'Brien hopes the film will inspire other actors and creators to pursue stories that reflect the real diversity of queer lives. "I want people to see themselves in Roman, to recognize that their stories matter," O'Brien stated in a recent interview .