Devin Druid – 13 Reasons Why

By starrymag | August 23, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

 

A) I have a few different projects currently in the works. I did a film called The Man in the Woods with director Noah Buschel and a great cast of young actors including Odessa Young, Jack Kilmer, Quinn Shephard and Jay Jay Warren. I also did a film with Tom Hanks and the amazing production company Playtone called Greyhound and got to work on that with my best friend Keon Motakhaveri. More recently, I just wrapped up The Pale Door, a crazy horror film set in The Wild West directed by Aaron Koontz that was a joy to do. I’m also partnering with one of my good friends, Ariela Barer, for her debut short film Jelly, with an incredible young cast including Quei Tann, Isabella Gomez, Harley Quinn Smith and Lyrica Okano.

 

Q) What initially drew you to be a part of the series?

 

A) I’ve always wanted to work on projects that were creatively and artistically motivating. When you get an audition for a series based off of a NY Times Best Selling YA nove, and you see names like Tom McCarthy, Selena Gomez, Brian Yorkey and Steve Golin, on top of the creative forces of Netflix, Paramount and Anonymous Content, you know that whatever the project is, it’s something you NEED to be a part of. But “13 Reasons Why” was different. I started looking at the material and the book and realized what the story was, what the themes were that it could bring to light. I saw what conversation could be started. Growing up I’ve had moments where I’ve struggled. Knowing that this series gave me the opportunity to not only work with the best of the best was already enough. But the thought of being able to be a part of something that could change the culture and really help people by addressing these important topics was something I aspired to do.

 

Q) How was Tyler originally described to you?

 

A) Tyler was initially only a recurring character. I had auditioned for the role of Clay about two to four times. I guess Brian Yorkey and the creative team saw something in me and when they asked if I would read for the character of Tyler, it was with the addition that he’d be bumped to a series regular role for me.

 

Q) Bryce’s murder looms large this season. What are other aspects/themes we will be seeing explored this season on “13 Reasons Why?”

 

A) “13 Reasons Why” has always been a show that tackles difficult subject matter and has numerous storylines wrapped around the main mystery. Season 3 is no exception. More topical subjects ripped straight from the real world are continued to be addressed this season, as well as the trauma Tyler and Co. have been through.

 

Q) How will Hannah’s suicide and her loss continue to play a prominent role this new season?

 

A) Hannah taking her life has had a long and personal effect on the entire county of Evergreen and the young students of Liberty High School. Everyone is still reeling and trying to figure out how to take care of each other and change the culture of the school so no one ever feels as hopeless as Hannah did.

 

Q) Tyler has always been seen as a loner. Were you looking forward to sharing scenes this season with anyone in particular?

 

A) Without spoiling too much, I do think we can expect people to try and be there for Tyler and push him to get the help he needs. I really enjoyed getting to work with Christian Navarro, as well as Parminder Nagra who plays Dr. Singh.

 

Q) What are some of your favorite episodes you filmed for Season 3?

 

A) Working with Jessica Yu on Episodes 3 and 4 was a lot of fun and there are some really great and tender moments. The last episode has to be my favorite of the season though.

 

Q) With the cast so at odds on screen, do you all spend much time together off screen? 

 

A) We spend A LOT of time together. We’re so close and after three years together we really are like a family. The whole idea of this show is to learn how to look out for each other and take care of one another. We’ve all really taken that to heart and are always there for each other.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive to episodes?

 

A) Yes and no? I do like the idea that we can have these conversations with people who are personally affected by the show and who hold it close to them as something they can use to heal with. But part of me is also an anxious wreck who reads everything and am always so curious to see what people are theorizing and saying. I also like my privacy, so I try to keep my hands off as much as I can.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the series “13 Reasons Why” that has made it such a fan favorite?

 

A) Like I said previously, people have really personal relationships with the stories and characters. They see themselves, and their experiences, and can feel validated by the fact that there’s a whole show with big names attached and everything, on the most accessible streaming platform, talking about those issues! People feel seen, they feel valid and they see the conversations started by it and want to help us change the way we take care of each other.

 

Q) What message do you hope viewers take away from watching the show?

 

A) Look out for one another. Take care of each other. Reach out, speak up, talk to someone. Healing is possible and life gets better. There’s always tomorrow.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and the show?

 

A) Thank you for taking us into your homes and spreading the message of love. We believe that talking about what we’re all going through can help us heal and change how we look at and treat mental illness, so thank you for moving the conversation on to something so much bigger than we could have hoped for.