Dylan O’Brien, the guy who made you swoon in Not Okay and a bunch of other projects where his jawline does half the acting, is getting real about awkward moments in his career. Specifically, those cringe-y, please-let-the-floor-swallow-me vibes that come with watching yourself get intimate on screen.
The 33-year-old actor hit the red carpet at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival to celebrate the premiere of his new movie Twinless, a quirky dramedy about two people bonding over their mutual lack of a twin. Yes, it’s as niche as it sounds, but hey, it’s Sundance—quirky is the brand.
In a chat with The Hollywood Reporter, Dylan got candid about what it’s like to watch himself during steamy or vulnerable scenes, especially when the audience includes, you know, Grandma, your childhood neighbor, and your entire friend group.
“It’s fine. Totally fine,” Dylan started, which is code for not at all fine, send help. “It’s mostly awkward when your people are around. Like, I’ve got loved ones here, obviously. Everyone’s brought their plus-ones, minus-ones, second cousins, whatever.”
He paused, likely imagining a room full of his nearest and dearest squirming during a particularly risqué scene. “That’s the toughest part—when it’s vulnerable stuff. But I’m not about to dip out early. I mean, I don’t want to miss the night. So, yeah, I just suck it up. Whatever.”
Talk about a power move: enduring your own on-screen thirst traps while sitting next to Aunt Carol.
And if that wasn’t enough to pique your interest, Twinless reportedly dives into all kinds of weird and wonderful themes. The film is being billed as a “twisted comedic drama,” which sounds like a polite way of saying, “This is going to mess with your emotions, but you’ll laugh through the pain.”
Oh, and Dylan dropped an intriguing nugget about something called the “gay scale” on set. No context was given, which, honestly, just makes it 10 times more mysterious and hilarious. Maybe it’s a vibe check? A dance-off ranking? A brunch quality index? The world may never know.
One thing’s for sure: Dylan O’Brien is out here doing the most—and we’re not mad about it. Just don’t expect him to sit through those vulnerable scenes without at least a little squirming. Who could blame him?
#Twinless star Dylan O'Brien talks about how he feels when seeing himself on camera during intimate scenes while chatting at #Sundance2025 pic.twitter.com/3cLBOX1cWm
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) January 25, 2025
