EntertainmentPosted at: Jun 25 2025 7:29PM


Brandon Flynn to embody James Dean in upcoming biopic exploring his closeted romance

Los Angeles, June 25 (UNI) Actor Brandon Flynn has officially been tapped to portray cultural icon James Dean in 'Willie and Jimmy Dean', an upcoming biographical film delving into the star's private life and his purported romantic relationship with writer William Bast.
The film, currently in development, is helmed by writer-director Guy Guido and inspired by the 2006 memoir 'Surving James Dean' by the late William Bast, Dean's close companion, one-time roommate and alleged romantic partner, reports The Hollywood Reporter.
Unlike traditional biopics that focus on fame and filmography, 'Willie and Jimmy Dean' turns its lens toward the emotional and romantic depths of the actor's life, particularly his relationship with Bast, which began during their time together at UCLA and evolved behind closed doors as Dean's career soared. The story traces their journey from youthful connection to Dean's fatal car crash in 1955.
“This is not a traditional biopic,” says Guido, who spoke to Bast back in 2011. “It’s a tender and sometimes tragic story about two young men who found each other in a time and place where being seen — truly seen — came at a cost. Brandon Flynn brings both the fire and vulnerability this role demands. I couldn’t imagine anyone more perfect to explore and play out the complexities of James Dean.”
Flynn, acclaimed for his roles in '13 Reasons Why', 'Ratched' and 'Manhunt', said he was drawn to the project because of its commitment to truth and emotional nuance. “James Dean is like the known unknown. His short life left behind just three films, a mountain of photographs and a cultural mythology we keep trying to decode. This script is a beautiful attempt at truthfully understanding who he really was — not just the icon, but the man.”
The actor praises the Willie and Jimmy Dean script for humanising Dean, rather than taking a sensationalist approach. “It highlights how Hollywood has historically forced LGBTQ people into performance, even in their personal lives,” Flynn continues. “This story dares to present James Dean as a man with real, complex relationships, and I think there’s power in that truth.”
Guido, who previously directed the Hulu feature 'Madonna and the Breakfast Club', has been meeting with potential producers. Kerry Barden and Paul Schnee of Barden/Schnee Casting Agency are leading the casting process as the film continues to search for performers to play the sensitive and intelligent Bast and his glamorous single mother, Bernice.
Flynn is represented by Paradigm, Untitled and Schreck Rose.
UNI NST RN
Tags: #Brandon Flynn to embody James Dean in upcoming biopic exploring his closeted romance
More News

Sonam Kapoor steals the show at Serpentine Summer Gala alongside Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett

25 Jun 2025 | 7:42 PM

London, June 25 (UNI) Bollywood fashion diva Sonam Kapoor made a striking impression at the prestigious Serpentine Summer Party in London, where she shared the spotlight with none other than Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett.

see more..

Brandon Flynn to embody James Dean in upcoming biopic exploring his closeted romance

25 Jun 2025 | 7:29 PM

Los Angeles, June 25 (UNI) Actor Brandon Flynn has officially been tapped to portray cultural icon James Dean in 'Willie and Jimmy Dean', an upcoming biographical film delving into the star's private life and his purported romantic relationship with writer William Bast.

see more..

Seven-part mythological film franchise based on Lord Vishnu's incarnations to unfold this year

25 Jun 2025 | 5:37 PM

Mumbai, June 25 (UNI) An epic seven-part animated franchise titled the "Mahavtar Cinematic Universe" will bring to life the stories of Lord Vishnu's Dashavatara (ten divine incarnations) to the drawing rooms beginning with "Mahavatar Narasimha" this year.

see more..
Abhishek Banerjee to portray police officer in his next screen outing

Abhishek Banerjee to portray police officer in his next screen outing

25 Jun 2025 | 4:46 PM

Mumbai, June 25 (UNI) Bollywood actor Abhishek Banerjee, lauded for his compelling performance in 'Stolen', will be venturing into new cinematic terrain, donning the uniform of a police officer.

see more..
Zee Studios unveils riveting trailer of 'Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti'

Zee Studios unveils riveting trailer of 'Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti'

25 Jun 2025 | 1:33 PM

Mumbai, June 25 (UNI) Zee Studios, in association with Contiloe Pictures, has released the gripping trailer of its action drama 'Akshardham: Operation Vajra Shakti'.

see more..