Brandon Sklenar of \’Drop\’: Connecting \’It Ends with Us\’ and His Pursuit of the DCU Batman Role

Anybody who saw the first episode of the series
1923
In December 2022, it became immediately clear that cinematic fame awaited Brandon Sklenar. His portrayal of Spencer Dutton—a war veteran and skilled big-game hunter—quickly earned him recognition as a top contender to star in various action and superhero film projects (we\’ll delve deeper into this topic shortly). Additionally, the Taylor Sheridan-created Western TV series ensured he had ample opportunities for both intense dramatic roles and romantic storylines, setting the stage for his involvement in three movies with interconnected themes.

Last year, Sklenar portrayed Atlas Corrigan in the box office success.
It Ends with Us
, and the drama about an abusive relationship quickly became a lightning rod for controversy due to the off-screen legal contention between star-producer Blake Lively and director-star Justin Baldoni. Sklenar\’s character recognized that his childhood friend and first love, Lily Bloom (Lively), was an active victim of domestic violence, and so he came to her aid when she needed someone most.

Tonight, the New Jersey native makes his return to the big screen in Christopher Landon\’s
Drop
He portrays a photographer called Henry who has a dinner date with Meghann Fahy’s widow, Violet, a single mom. It turns out to be Violet\’s first time going out in quite some time since escaping from her abusive marital relationship. But soon, she becomes the target of someone unknown sending her “DigiDrops” instructions demanding that she must murder Henry so as to protect the life of her small kid.

The trend encompassing aggression between romantic partners stretches further than
Drop
and
It Ends with Us
, as featured in Sklenar\’s forthcoming movie,
The Housemaid
Additionally, they share a common theme. (Directed by Paul Feig, the Christmas release is headlined by Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried.) Although the spiritual trilogy connection appears mostly coincidental, Sklenar feels that this content is reaching him purposefully.

\”For a very long time, this has been a recurring theme in both my surroundings and my life,\” Sklenar states.
The Hollywood Reporter
in support of
Drop
\’The film’s premiere on April 11 was marked by his reflections: “A person extremely dear to me has been grappling with this issue for quite some time now, and I have been assisting them in managing their journey through these challenges as best as possible. Maybe, thanks to divine providence, it continues to appear prominently in my work since it mirrors what I am experiencing personally.”

The
1923
The series finale aired over the weekend, and people are now discussing the ancestry of Kevin Costner\’s character.
Yellowstone
The patriarch, John Dutton III, appeared to be addressed when Spencer and Alexandra Dutton’s (Julia Schlaepfer) child, John Dutton II, was born early. Nonetheless, Sklenar has taken action now.
elaborating on his earlier position to
THR
regarding his role as the grandfather to Costner\’s character.

One might think what it is at the conclusion of the finale, but it has yet to be confirmed,\” Sklenar states. \”So I suppose we will need to wait.
1944
. Ideally, they will disclose this information in the premiere episode, so we won’t need to wait through the whole season for confirmation of who John Dutton III\’s grandfather is.\”

While nothing has been officially announced yet, Sklenar would be open to the opportunity of aging herself by more than twenty years to portray the role of the 50-year-old Spencer.
1944
Sklenar\’s preferred actor is Christian Bale, and they were co-stars in Adam McKay\’s production.
Vice
, he got to
witness firsthand
One of the actor\’s numerous portrayals of Dick Cheney.

Add some gout, a touch of hunch, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. I’ll roughen the voice up a bit. If everything aligns, I’d be thrilled to take it on. Honestly, I would,\” Sklenar asserts. \”I certainly don’t wish to part ways with Spencer. He’s fantastic.

Bale is Sklenar\’s preferred portrayal of Bruce Wayne/Batman, and this preference positions him as one of the key figures Sklenar envisions taking over in James Gunn’s standalone DC Universe project. This initiative stands separate from Matt Reeves’ \”Batman Epic Crime Saga,” starring Robert Pattinson. At present, Sklenar ranks highest amongst similar fans-turned-analysts, and he possesses numerous concepts aimed at setting apart his interpretation of the iconic superhero from those seen previously on screen.

I have my own vision for the character, should it ever come to life. As a kid, he was my go-to comic book hero, and what sets him apart is his authenticity—he’s truly human,\” explains Sklenar. \”There’s so much potential to delve into this further, and there’s an approach that can make it feel incredibly genuine. Therefore, if such an opportunity arises, I’d be eager to embrace that role with great respect and seriousness.

Here, during a recent discussion with
THR
, Sklenar also discusses
Drop
The discussion focuses on how the character dynamics relate to real-life situations before examining whether there was any genuine intent behind Hugh Jackman’s jest regarding him being considered the successor to Wolverine.

***

Drop


This marks the second time you\’ve portrayed a character named Henry who embarks on a difficult date. Can you recall the initial instance?

Was that in
Westworld?

That\’s the one.

It slipped my mind until you mentioned it just now.

I have intentionally avoided turning on Siri or using iCloud on my device, which means I haven\’t used the AirDrop function either. You refer to it as DigiDrop in your film. Have you included this in your list of digital tools?

I have sent some photographs or a group of files via AirDrop; definitely more efficient at times compared to texting. However, I don’t just send out random AirDrops to people spontaneously. That’s not really how I operate.

Where did


Drop


Where does this fit into your sequence of accomplishments? What was going through your mind during that period?

It was after
It Ends with Us
, and
1923
[Season Two] had somehow prompted me for an unknown reason. Thus, I was keen to continue working when
Drop
showed up, and it felt like an excellent opportunity and a fantastic acting challenge. Additionally, it provided the chance to collaborate with Chris [Landon], whose movies I really enjoy.
Freaky
,
Happy Death Day
, and
We Have a Ghost
That was an entertaining film. I have always been a huge enthusiast of horror-thrillers and enjoy various kinds of them, from campy horrors to more artistic pieces. Additionally, Meghann [Fahy] delivered an impressive performance.
White
Lotus
I had also received positive feedback about her character, which made me glad to spend my time working on this project.

Drop


, much like


It Ends with Us


, includes instances of domestic abuse. Given their proximity, did this closeness initially make you hesitant at all?

Not particularly. We do briefly discuss this topic.
Drop
, considering Violet\’s [Fahy] background, though it isn\’t as prominently featured as it is for
It Ends with Us
That movie explicitly deals with [domestic violence] and the whole storyline centers around it. Thus, it wasn’t merely by chance that this theme appears in the film.

Surprisingly, it recurs as well in
The Housemaid
, which I have recently completed. This coincidence appears frequently too, almost like a recurring motif in both my surroundings and personal experiences. For quite some time now, this subject has surrounded me and played out in various aspects of my life. There’s someone dear to me who has grappled with it for numerous years, and I’ve assisted them through this journey whenever possible. Therefore, maybe due to divine providence, it continues to cross paths with me as a central topic since it mirrors what I\’m going through myself.

That’s why I’m relieved the marketing exposed that your character is the victim of the antagonist. (The DigiDropper tasks Violet with killing Henry.) If they had attempted to portray your character as the perpetrator, I wouldn’t have accepted it at all. There’d be nothing about it that would convince me you’d agree to harass someone who has survived domestic abuse so shortly thereafter.


It Ends with Us


That definitely would have been a dealbreaker, wouldn\’t it?

At that moment, indeed. Absolutely. Without doubt. There is a method to share these tales, and
Housemaid
mentions it. It falls into the genre of suspense thrillers, yet it doesn\’t remain entirely faithful to real-life scenarios.
It Ends with Us
The character faces genuine trauma, yet the narrative style elevates the tale. This approach should slightly soften the impact, allowing audiences to process it differently.
Drop
It does so in a comparable manner. The movie rises above, allowing it to tackle the subject matter without being entirely overwhelmed by it.

Did you figure out who the tormenter was on your initial reading?

Honestly, I didn\’t.

Your character shows considerable patience toward Violet. Would you have given up before Henry’s initial try?

I find myself intolerant towards specific issues, yet when dealing directly with people, I’d demonstrate considerable patience. While maybe not as tolerant as Henry, I certainly would’ve waited and attempted to understand the circumstances. Truthfully, my response likely would mirror his: “It’s evident that you’re facing something important that needs your attention; feel free to address it now. Let’s reconnect later.” Clearly, he has genuine feelings for her. If I were in a similar situation where I enjoyed spending time with someone and foresaw further interactions, I’d also grant them their needed space. Ultimately, we never truly grasp what others might be experiencing.

You\’ve had the opportunity to work with many talented actors. Can you share what was intriguing about acting alongside Meghann Fahy?

She truly stands out as an amazing person, radiating warmth and vitality. Working alongside her, she remains fully engaged, and our chemistry involves attentive listening and mutual support—everything one could hope for in a co-star. Her passion for acting shines through, particularly during those quiet interludes between takes. We grew close off-screen too, and honestly, having her around made my role much simpler than expected. This ease of collaboration likely wouldn’t have been possible without her genuine nature.

Each character has faced betrayal from key figures in their past. Are you usually cautious around others? Or do you generally trust until someone proves unworthy of it?

Oh, that’s an excellent point. Over time, particularly within this sector, things have evolved. Now, one must maintain a certain level of caution and safeguard their boundaries. Typically, I tend to be quite reserved. This doesn’t mean you have to
prove
Certainly! However, you can only allow so many individuals into your inner circle. This isn’t because you lack trust in others, but simply due to having limited space in your heart for profound bonds and close relationships. There’s nothing wrong with being approachable and friendly; indeed, you should strive to maintain these qualities. Yet when it comes to forming deeper ties, it typically requires time before someone reaches that intimate status within your life.

[The following six questions and responses include potential plot reveals for


1923


.]

After enjoying the warm waters of Zanzibar during season one, Spencer Dutton faced numerous challenges to get back to Montana. From being reunited with Alex (Julia Schlaepfer) to their emotionally charged farewell scene, did this journey prove to be an intense experience for you?

Absolutely. There were numerous occasions when I felt completely overwhelmed on that set, particularly during the final episode. The emotions ran very high. That series had a profound impact on my life, both professionally and personally. Through this journey, I experienced significant growth as a person and as an artist. I\’ll always feel immense gratitude for everything, and to Taylor Sheridan, Ben Richardson, 101 Studios, and Paramount for giving me such an incredible chance.

Just like always with Taylor, everything is carried out authentically. This means performing all your own stunts and visiting every location depicted in the scenes. Whether your character is set amidst the African heat where they stay outdoors under the scorching sun all day long, then so do you when filming in Africa. Should your role place them on a picturesque beach in Zanzibar, guess what? You’re right there on that same stretch of sand. And should your part involve galloping across landscapes as wild as those found throughout Texas, once again—true to form—you’ll be astride a horse navigating similar terrains. For action-packed sequences involving flipping cars around, prepare yourself because yes, you will indeed experience just such thrills firsthand. Even tasks requiring diving deep beneath aquatic surfaces become realities; thus expect plenty of time spent exploring life below water too. In essence, we truly
lived
Those characters, along with my memories, are his memories. This evokes a strong emotional reaction from me.

It was profoundly emotive due to several factors. Wrapping up that phase of my existence felt momentous, along with reflecting on the past three years and their impact on me. While intense, this wasn’t solely sorrowful; considerable emotions surged as I reached such an important milestone personally. Adding to this were the challenges Spencer faces within the narrative—the grief and remorse over missed opportunities—making his inability to express all the affection he feels deeply heart-wrenching.

Given that Taylor Sheridan oversees 74 productions simultaneously, does this make him akin to the Wizard of Oz—largely unseen—or did he continue to make occasional appearances on set?

He doesn’t typically visit sets, yet he constantly keeps tabs on your every move. His awareness of others’ actions is acute; should anything require tweaking, he won’t hesitate to reach out. One area where he excels is trusting his intuition and inner voice. Consequently, when casting individuals, he selects those whom he deems capable of fulfilling their roles as well as grasping both his style and overall objective. Once casted, they’re largely left to execute tasks autonomously, although initial stages might be fraught with unease. Many show-runners and directors often impose stricter controls over performers\’ activities. However, this person genuinely encourages self-assurance among his team members, urging them to have faith in themselves and their capabilities. By placing confidence in these artists, he facilitates significant personal growth—a true blessing from someone employing talent. Through collaboration, you come to realize how beneficial this approach truly is, making interactions incredibly rewarding. Working alongside him has been nothing short of delightful; I hold great admiration for him indeed.

Questions popped up online regarding why Spencer holds Whitfield (Timothy Dalton) responsible for his spouse’s demise; however, this blame stems from the fact that Whitfield’s bid to seize land prompted Spencer and Alex to undertake the perilous journey to Montana. If not for that, they would probably still be enjoying themselves in Zanzibar, correct?

Certainly. Although there was some dialogue for me in that particular scene, it ended up being edited out. Spencer portrayed an intense emotion during those lines, and we had previously shared a highly charged moment with Alex. Thus, it seemed as though including it might have disrupted the equilibrium. Instead, they believed it would be stronger to head directly towards Whitfield’s part. Their reasoning was that viewers could grasp the significance without needing everything explicitly stated.

However, originally, there was some conversation where Spencer basically stated, “You targeted my kin, which pushed me back.” He detailed the sequence of occurrences regarding why he believes Whitfield bears responsibility. Thus, viewers of the series should grasp why it’s Whitfield who faces blame, even without explicit clarification from you. If Whitfield hadn’t pursued the Duttons, none of these events would’ve transpired. Alex wouldn’t have trailed Spencer home nor found herself trapped in the blizzard. Furthermore, his relatives wouldn’t be caught up in their current predicament, and Spencer wouldn’t be so determinedly confronting Whitfield with a firearm aimed at him. Hence, all boils down to Whitfield being culpable.

Confronting Timothy Dalton alongside Harrison Ford must have been an incredible experience for you. Your 13-year-old self certainly couldn’t have anticipated that, could they?

The 34-year-old version of me was equally unprepared since I never check shooting schedules.
Laughs
I get ready for the whole season, committing everything to memory, and then go in on the day of filming without knowing exactly what scenes I\’ll be tackling. This approach works better for me because forecasting makes me anxious. Thus, I prefer being overly prepared so that when the time comes, I can simply perform. As such, I wasn’t aware of which specific shots I would be handling that particular day.

I arrived at the set, and I thought to myself, “Wow, this is where they’re filming the scene with Harrison and Dalton. I believed we were supposed to shoot this part in Montana, not here in Austin. Plus, I wasn’t aware that we’d be doing these scenes so soon; I expected them to start only after another couple of months.” It’s lucky for me that I hadn’t known beforehand because I likely would’ve been more nervous and stressed. Instead, I might have spent my time fretting over how close those scenes were getting as each day passed: “There goes a week until that shot,” followed by, “Now just three days left before that one,\” and finally thinking, “Tomorrow will bring yet another take.”

This basically concluded Spencer’s journey, and when we filmed his scene where he charged at Whitfield with the gun, displaying intense emotion, I recall looking at Harrison and Timothy, thinking, “Wow, this is quite an outrageous scenario.”

Were there any bets among the cast members regarding how the Dutton family tree would unfold?

(
Laughs
.) No bets placed, yet I’ve consistently sensed which direction things were heading. My hunches haven’t been officially validated by those in the know to confirm their accuracy. People might think they understand how everything concludes in the final episode, but nothing has been definitively stated. Over time, there’s been considerable discussion internally regarding identities and events, though definitive answers remain elusive. The specifics haven’t been clearly laid out either. Thus, we’ll likely need to await official confirmation.
1944
Hopefully, they will disclose this information in the premiere episode, so we do not need to wait through the whole season for confirmation about who John Dutton III’s [Kevin Costner] grandfather is.
Laughs
.)

Are you prepared to apply some elderly prosthetics?


1944


?

Sure thing! Bring on the gout, add a dash of hunch, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let’s roughen the voice up a tad. If everything falls into place, I’d be thrilled to go through with it. Absolutely wouldn’t mind saying farewell to Spencer though; he’s quite lovable.

[The


1923


The spoiler section has now ended.

Sure, being recognized as a top-tier celebrity in this city means fans consistently imagine you taking on various superhero roles, such as portraying a different comic book hero each week. However, joining the ranks of the DC Universe and embodying their version of Batman seems genuinely tempting. It’s remarkable how numerous outstanding performers have brought Bruce Wayne/Batman to life before you.


bar fight buddy Bale


Do you believe there\’s still sufficient undiscovered land left to explore?

Definitely. Each actor who has taken on the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman has presented a distinctly different version of the character. When comparing Christian Bale’s portrayal to Robert Pattinson’s, they could not be more dissimilar. Personally, I’ve always had my own vision for the character, should such an opportunity arise. As a kid, he was my favorite comic book hero, largely due to how human he feels—he’s simply a genuine person grappling with the loss of his parents, using Batman as a means to cope. There remains much untapped potential within this narrative framework, which can be explored realistically. Truthfully, I’ve found each iteration of Batman compelling, though Christian Bale’s stood out as my personal preference. Yet, I genuinely appreciate what Robert Pattinson brings to the table currently—it’s quite daring and he’s undeniably talented overall. Hence, were the chance to materialize, I’d embrace taking up that mantle without hesitation.

Hugh Jackman jokingly


nominated


Did you all discuss it seriously off-screen, with the idea of you becoming the next Wolverine in the conclusion of a scene?

No, I would be too afraid to approach Hugh with that question. Hugh is one of the most welcoming and gentle male actors I have ever encountered in my lifetime. He\’s
shockingly
He’s kind, warm, and approachable, making him quite charming. I’ve enjoyed wonderful times with him, though I’d never consider asking such questions. Ryan playfully mentions he might eventually pass away portraying Wolverine, and I find it hard to imagine anyone else taking up the role; he embodies Wolverine completely. Therefore, I hope he continues to portray Wolverine for as long as his body allows.

You also


told


Ryan Reynolds\’ mom appears in that particular sketch where you\’re not fond of the interviews. Do you genuinely dislike this aspect of the work so much?

The experience varies depending on the specific interview and the individual interviewer, but many actors share similar sentiments. While some performers genuinely enjoy publicizing their projects, for me personally, such promotional activities fall under my professional duties. Acting itself brings joy and feels more fulfilling than a regular job to me. However, engaging in movie promotions seems more task-oriented rather than rewarding. This isn’t unusual; everyone has tasks they must undertake even though these may not align with personal interests. Interviews aren\’t inherently unpleasant for me—they\’re simply less appealing when centered around self-promotion. The pressure of presenting an authentic image during interviews can be quite stressful compared to embodying characters, which I find relatively stress-free. Yet, I believe this sentiment resonates widely among fellow actors.

***

Drop
is currently showing across movie theaters nationally
.