In 2024, Dylan O’Brien has truly been making waves in the entertainment industry, showcasing his versatility as an actor with the different projects he choses even earning accolades that highlight his rising star power. From groundbreaking performances to high-profile projects, O’Brien’s year is shaping up to be one for the books.
O’Brien’s remarkable year began with a bang at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival in January, where the film “Ponyboi” directed by Esteban Arango, based upon the 2019 short film of the same name by River Gallo premiered to critical acclaim. His performance in the film earned him the prestigious Breakthrough Artist Award, presented by Variety. This accolade signaled a new chapter in his evolving career.
Courtesy of Getty Images
“For me, the decision always comes down to if I want to dive into this role if I want to be the guy to tell this story, if I feel that the script and story are strong, if I feel like the filmmaker is strong. It’s everything” – Dylan O’Brien, Project casting
O’Brien has always been very careful with the projects he chooses, ensuring to select films and shows he is passionate about. O’Brien further cemented his status as a sought-after talent when it was announced in February that he would join the cast of the Saturday Night Live biopic, then titled “SNL 1975*.
In July 2024 O’Brien guest-starred in two episodes of MAX’s new show “Fantasmas“. Other guest stars inluded an incredible line up of actors including Emma Stone, Paul Dano, Tilda Swinton, Steve Buscemi, and Bowen Yang.
Courtesy of MAX
With two major releases slated for this year, O’Brien’s film career continues to rise. The first is “Caddo Lake“ (formerly The Vanishings at Caddo Lake), a long-awaited project produced by M. Night Shyamalan. Fans have eagerly anticipated this release, considering the film, has been in post-production for a considerable time, and O’Brien’s role in the film is expected to be a significant highlight. When an 8-year-old girl disappears on Caddo Lake, a series of past deaths and disappearances begin to link together, altering a broken family’s history. “Caddo Lake” will be streaming on MAX starting October 10th.
Watch the teaser here:
Just one day later, on October 11th the film “Saturday Night” premieres. O’Brien portrays the iconic comedian Dan Aykroyd in the highly anticipated Saturday Night Live biopic, directed by Jason Reitman. O’brien has already been known to play the funny and charismatic guy, but this role demands more than just comedic flair—it requires capturing the essence of a real life figure, which adds an extra layer of challenge and pressure and O’Brien is rising to this challenge with impressive skill. The film has already garnered Oscar buzz and received rave reviews. This particular role is one that will undoubtedly have critics and casting agents watching him as he moves forward. The film follows what happened behind the scenes in the 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast of Saturday Night Live. O’Brien stars alongside an ensemble cast that includes Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, Cory Michael Smith, Ella Hunt, Emily Fairn, Matt Wood, Lamorne Morris, Kim Matula, Finn Wolfhard, Nicholas Braun, Cooper Hoffman, Andrew Barth Feldman, Kaia Gerber, Tommy Dewey, Willem Dafoe, Matthew Rhys, and J. K. Simmons. This will be his last project for 2024. “Saturday Night” premieres in cinemas on October 11th.
Watch the trailer here:
The momentum doesn’t stop here for Dylan O’Brien though. His upcoming projects include in “Anniversary“, a thriller alongside “Bridgerton’s” Phoebe Dynevor and his “Not Okay” and “The Outfit” Co Star Zoey Deutch, both are known for their impressive work in the industry. Additionally, O’Brien will appear in “Twinless“, a film starring Lauren Graham from “Gilmore Girls“ and directed by and starring James Sweeney. These roles are set to further showcase O’Brien’s range as an actor.
O’Brien’s stellar year highlights his exceptional growth and versatility as an actor. With high-profile projects, and an impressive array of upcoming roles, it’s clear that Dylan O’Brien is making a mark on the entertainment industry in his own way. This is one actor you want to keep your eye on.
Fangirl and Writer with a huge passion for entertainment.
