After his current tour-de-force efficiency as Spencer Dutton in 1923, Brandon Sklenar has turn out to be one of many high rising names within the leisure trade. The New Jersey native’s ardour for performing goes all the way in which again to his childhood. The actor opened as much as Noble Journal a few speech obstacle he had as a child, explaining, “I used to be in loads of public talking courses to try to do away with my loopy stutter, and so they make you carry out performs and whatnot, and I believe that obtained me into it.” In the identical interview he spoke of his rising love for movie, sharing that he began creating quick movies at simply 14 years previous. At 19, he left faculty after two months, transferring to Los Angeles to chase his goals.
Luck struck for him at Mel’s Diner on Sundown, Sklenar disclosed to Man About City Journal, when he requested a person for a lighter. The stranger occurred to be an agent and ended up signing him. In the identical dialog, he additionally offers as a consequence of his grandmother for being one other inspiration for him pursuing the craft.
His skilled movie debut got here in 2011’s Cornered. After that, he was part of a few impartial tasks and had visitor roles in Fact Be Informed and New Woman. Some massive films he is been concerned in embrace Mapplethorpe, Vice, and Emily the Prison. Most lately, he starred reverse Meghann Fahy in Blumhouse’s buzzy thriller, Drop. Later this yr, Skelnar will star in The Housemaid, a psychological thriller primarily based on Frieda McFadden’s hit novel of the identical identify, alongside Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. Whereas followers look ahead to its launch, listed below are Sklenar’s 10 finest films and TV exhibits, ranked all the way in which right down to primary.
10
‘It Ends With Us’ (2024)
As Atlas Corrigan
For five years following its announcement, It Ends With Us was extremely anticipated amongst bookworms and followers of creator Colleen Hoover. The variation of the well-known novel of the identical identify has confronted horrors behind the scenes, however was well-received by viewers. Blake Vigorous stars as Lily Bloom, a vibrant Boston florist who enters into an all-consuming, passionate relationship with dashing neurosurgeon, Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni), which turns into more and more abusive, reflecting her mother and father’ marriage. When Sklenar’s Atlas, her old flame, reappears in her life, she realizes historical past is repeating itself.
An Emotional Story That Misses the Mark
The guts-wrenching story of affection and braveness has nice emotional influence, with some phenomenal performances by its leads. Sklenar’s look on display is a welcoming, comforting presence amidst such heavy material. Whereas the movie makes an effort to deal with the subject with sensitivity, it falters in depicting the complexity of the expertise of victims and in portraying the insidious nature of abuse. Ryle’s actions are painted extra in order emotional outbursts, simplifying home violence, and lacking the chance to point out the psychological manipulation abusers use to take care of management and exert dominance over their victims.
9
‘Walker: Independence’ (2022)
As Liam Collins – Season 1, Episode 1, “Pilot”
Walker: Independence was a CW prequel collection for Walker (2021-2024), which was a reboot of Walker, Texas Ranger (1993-2001). The collection is a narrative of vengeance and retribution that follows Abby Walker (Katherine MacNamara), an prosperous Bostonian whose husband Liam Collins, performed by Sklenar, is killed as they journey West. As soon as she makes it to Independence, Texas, she seeks justice for her useless partner.
One Season Surprise
Though Sklenar solely appeared within the pilot, he blew his efficiency out of the park, and his character served because the driving motivation for the lead. The present was an entertaining Western romp that was additionally refreshingly inclusive, subverting the style by bringing overdue variety to the Western display. Whereas it was cherished by its fanbase, it was sadly canceled after just one season. With Nexstar’s acquisition got here finances cuts, and the community shifted in the direction of lower-cost scripted programming.
8
‘Vice’ (2018)
As Bobby Prentace
Vice
- Launch Date
-
December 25, 2018
- Runtime
-
132 Minutes
Adam McKay’s Vice is a biographical satire that provides a razor-sharp have a look at some of the evil political figures in fashionable historical past, Dick Cheney. The movie follows him all the way in which from 1963 after he dropped out of Yale to him discovering work as a White Home intern in 1969, to his 1978 election to the U.S. Home of Representatives, to his service as Secretary of Protection underneath George H.W. Bush and eventually, to his run as VP throughout the George W. Bush administration.
A Damning Portrait
Christian Bale offers an excellent lead efficiency as the previous Vice President, with a mind-blowing transformation that should be seen to be believed. McKay is crystal clear about his emotions in the direction of Cheney and his spouse, Lynne, who as a pair did irreparable harm each domestically and worldwide, inflicting immense human struggling. Sklenar, who was nonetheless new in his profession, has a small however spectacular function as Bobby Prentace.
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7
‘The Provide’ (2022)
As Burt Reynolds – Episode 10, “Brains and Balls”
The Provide
- Launch Date
-
2022 – 2021
- Community
-
CBS
- Showrunner
-
Michael Tolkin
The Provide is a biographical TV present created by Michael Tolkin, which he developed alongside Nikki Costino for Paramount+. All through the miniseries’ 10 episodes, it chronicles the event and manufacturing of some of the iconic movies ever created, Francis Ford Coppola’s legendary gangster image The Godfather. Miles Teller stars because the film’s producer, Albert S. Ruddy, Matthew Goode performs studio govt Robert Evans, and Dan Fogler performs director Coppola. The solid additionally consists of Juno Temple, Burn Gorman, Colin Hanks, and Giovanni Ribisi. Though Sklenar solely seems in a single episode, he is unimaginable because the legendary Burt Reynolds, giving a memorable and compelling depiction of the actor.
Irresistible, Entertaining Drama
The present was nominated for Greatest Restricted Collection, Greatest Supporting Actor in a Restricted Collection or Film Made for Tv, and Greatest Supporting Actress in a Restricted Collection or Film Made for Tv. Temple received Greatest Actress for her supporting function on the Satellite tv for pc Awards. The Provide is a must-watch for cinephiles within the filmmaking course of and, for sure, for lovers of the 1972 basic The Godfather.
6
‘Inexperienced and Gold’ (2025)
As Billy
Inexperienced and Gold
3.5
/5
- Launch Date
-
January 31, 2025
- Runtime
-
95 Minutes
- Director
-
Anders Lindwall
- Writers
-
Anders Lindwall, Missy Mareau Garcia, Steven Shafer, Michael Graf
Impressed by a real story, Inexperienced and Gold is Anders Lindwall’s characteristic directorial debut, which he wrote alongside Steven Shafer, Michael Graf, and Missy Mareau Garcia. The movie stars Craig T. Nelson as Buck, an previous struggling Wisconsin farmer who, after being slammed with a foreclosures discover, bets on the Inexperienced Bay Packers to save lots of the farm his household has had for generations. Madison Lawlor performs his granddaughter Jenny, an aspiring singer-songwriter, who ignites a reference to Sklenar’s Billy, a visiting musician.
Stuffed with Heartfelt Performances
The movie paints a transferring portrait of rural America and tells a heartwarming story about household and religion. Sklenar is charming in his function, with the remainder of the solid additionally giving strong performances. Inexperienced and Gold makes for a touching, candy watch and isn’t to be missed by soccer aficionados. Sklenar followers must also add this film to their record.
5
‘New Woman’ (2011-2018)
As Loner – Season 6, Episode 13, “Cece’s Boys” (2017)
New Woman
- Launch Date
-
2011 – 2017
- Community
-
FOX
- Showrunner
-
Elizabeth Meriwether
Though this sitcom may not want an introduction, right here it goes: When Jess (Zooey Deschanel) walks in on her boyfriend dishonest on her, she strikes right into a loft with a trio of single guys in search of a fourth roommate, who she finally ends up growing a profound friendship with. The present balances drama with comedic storylines, following their love lives, woes, and struggles of maturity.
Small Position, As soon as-in-a-Lifetime Alternative
With loads of memorable episodes, New Woman was among the many finest comedy collection of the 2010s and has cemented itself as a consolation present for die-hard followers. Sklenar has a visitor function in “Cece’s Ladies,” enjoying an unnamed character referred to solely as Loner. His function may not have been substantial, however having an look on some of the well-liked exhibits on the time proved how onerous Sklenar was keen to work to make it in Hollywood. (Spoiler alert: He made it!)
4
‘Emily the Prison’ (2022)
As Brent
Emily the Prison
- Launch Date
-
August 12, 2022
- Runtime
-
97 Minutes
- Director
-
John Patton Ford
Emily the Prison is against the law thriller directed by John Patton Ford and starring Aubrey Plaza because the titular character. With a conviction of aggravated assault making it troublesome to land a good, steady job, the younger girl turns into entangled within the felony underbelly of Los Angeles, participating in a bank card rip-off to repay her debt and financially hold her head above water. Emily falls deeper into the world of crime, making it more durable and more durable for her to show her again on the life-style.
From a Film to TV Collection
Sklenar’s function as Brent could have been small, however he shined each minute of his look, and proved that he had what it took to be solid in one thing larger. It was refreshing to see Plaza star in one thing so not like any of her earlier works, in a efficiency that delved deep into class disparity and resonated with many viewers. The film was such a important success {that a} TV collection is at the moment within the works. Though Plaza won’t be reprising her function, she’s serving as govt producer.
3
‘Westworld’ (2016 – 2022)
As Henry – Season 4, Episode 1, “The Auguries” and Season 4, Episode 8, “Que Será, Será” (2022)
Westworld
- Launch Date
-
2016 – 2022-00-00
- Community
-
HBO Max
Might the world by no means forgive HBO for canceling Westworld‘s ultimate season. For individuals who missed out on this masterpiece of a collection, it facilities on a Wild West-themed park known as Westworld, meant for rich vacationers to partake in every little thing and something they please, regardless of how fanciful, mischievous, or immoral. Impressed by the 1973 movie of the identical identify, the present explores synthetic intelligence, consciousness, free will, and what defines humanity.
A Nice Increase to Sklenar’s Resume
Aside from the at the moment airing The Wheel of Time, Westworld is probably the one present to rival Sport Thrones by way of grandeur and ambition in recent times. Regardless of its ending not completely working with out the Season 5 that by no means obtained to be, it is an absolute must-watch for anybody who appreciates nice tv. Sklenar seems in a few episodes in its fourth season and, though it might not have been that massive of a task, showing in a present of such caliber is a powerful credit score to have in his filmography.
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2
‘Drop’ (2025)
As Henry
Drop
4
/5
- Launch Date
-
April 11, 2025
- Runtime
-
85 Minutes
- Writers
-
Jillian Jacobs, Christopher Roach
Blumhouse’s newest thriller focuses on a single mom and home abuse survivor getting again into the courting recreation, Violet (Fahy). After three months of attending to know Sklenar’s Henry on a courting app, the 2 lastly meet at a high-end restaurant in a high-rise constructing. Immediately, she feels a reference to the candy, chivalrous photographer. Their dreamy date quickly turns right into a nightmare when Violet begins receiving nameless messages by way of digiDROP, a stand-in characteristic for AirDrop, revealing that her younger son and sister are being held hostage and shall be killed until she poisons Henry.
Pure Unadulterated Enjoyable
After 1923, Drop is Sklenar’s greatest function thus far, and one in all his finest. The twisted, compelling “whodunit” is Hitchcock for the digital age, making for an unrelenting, pulse-pounding journey that retains viewers on edge from the primary “drop” all the way in which to its satisfying conclusion. Its main actors nail the chemistry of being on a hopeful first date. Fahy delivers a riveting efficiency that makes viewers root for somebody who feels all too actual. Sklenar can also be magnetic in a task that’ll make you wish to see him in each extra thrillers and perhaps a romcom.
1
‘1923’ (2022 – 2025)
As Spencer Dutton
1923
- Launch Date
-
2022 – 2024
- Community
-
Paramount+
Taylor Sheridan’s hit collection Yellowstone grew to become a cultural phenomenon, evolving into a large franchise that has spawned two spin-off collection, with a 3rd, 1944, on the way in which. With its colourful characters and complex world-building, it hardly comes as a shock. 1923 picks issues up after the Duttons carved their legacy within the Montana mountainside in 1883. Like its predecessors, the two-season collection is an absolute feat.
Sklenar Is a Star
Harrison Ford stars as Jacob Dutton, patriarch of the household and brother to 1883‘s late James (Tim McGraw), the founding father of the Yellowstone Ranch. The present follows as he and his spouse Cara (Helen Mirren) battle off enemies who search to squeeze them out of their land — land they work onerous to protect for his or her nephew, Sklenar’s Spencer. The function marks Sklenar’s massive break in Hollywood, with a path of small roles ceaselessly behind him. Spencer is without doubt one of the most intriguing characters on the present. Sklenar performs the tortured struggle veteran to absolute perfection, taking viewers on an exhilarating journey by way of his prodigal son arc. His romance with Alex (Julia Schlaepfer) goes down because the franchise’s most epic, tragic love story.