Exclusive Interview: Jacob Laval on ‘The Unbreakable Boy,’ Finding Positivity, and Bringing Austin LeRette’s Inspiring Story to Life

Jacob Laval is one of the industry’s most exciting young actors, rapidly building an impressive resume across film and television. With a talent well beyond his years, he has a rare gift for forging deep emotional connections with audiences, his performances radiating warmth and authenticity. Whether in heartfelt dramas or lighthearted moments, his presence on screen is magnetic, drawing viewers in with a depth and sincerity that lingers long after the credits roll.

That ability shines in The Unbreakable Boy, a project that perfectly showcases Laval’s gift for bringing heartfelt stories to life. Based on a true story, it follows Austin LeRette, a young boy with osteogenesis imperfecta and autism, whose unwavering joy and resilience profoundly impact those around him, especially his father. With a performance that is both moving and genuine, Laval brings Austin’s journey to the screen with remarkable depth, capturing the story’s themes of perseverance, love, and the power of embracing life’s challenges.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Jacob about the role.

PC: The Unbreakable Boy is based on an inspiring true story. What about this journey resonated with you the most? And when working on a project like this, does your preparation process differ in any way?
Jacob: I was about eleven when this project came my way. I have an acting coach who helps me with my auditions. This one involved four big scenes with a lot of dialogue, so I started by memorizing my lines. Then, my coach came over, and we worked on the energy levels we thought I needed for each scene. Overall, the process wasn’t much different from my other projects.

PC: How did you create the emotional space to navigate a character who experiences both the highest highs and the lowest lows?
Jacob: Once I was on set, I was lucky enough to first FaceTime with the real Austin. Then, his whole family visited the set for several days, and we kids got to hang out with Austin—playing in the snow and running around the hotel hallways. Spending time with him gave me a firsthand look at the different emotions he experienced and how he expressed them in various situations.

PC: Despite the adversity Austin has faced, he embraces life with positivity and an uplifting spirit. What did stepping into his shoes teach you about yourself?
Jacob: It taught me to try to hold onto that positivity and bring it into my own life. I think it may have been easier when I was younger, but as I’ve grown older, I won’t lie—it takes a little more effort.

PC: You’ve already built an impressive television career. How has the transition to film been for you? In what ways do the two mediums feel different?
Jacob: Shows I worked on, like Happy!, Jessica Jones, and Sesame Street, were all shot in a day. Even though John Mulaney & The Sack Lunch Bunch was a TV special for Netflix, it took about ten days to film, so it felt more like shooting a short movie. The films I worked on, like The Unbreakable Boy, 8-Bit Christmas, and Team Marco, took multiple weeks—sometimes even a couple of months. And while The Plot Against America was a TV show, it was a six-part limited series that took almost six months to shoot, which made it feel more like working on a film.

PC: You had the opportunity to work with Austin for this role. Has he seen the final film yet, and if so, what was his reaction?
Jacob: Austin was at the premiere, and I believe he has seen several screenings. He seems to love it, and he and his family all seem very happy with my performance—which means more to me than anything.

PC: This film offers many timely messages for audiences to take away. Was there a particular theme that resonated with you on a personal level?
Jacob: Austin’s positivity and his ability to help those around him—especially his dad—see the bright side, even in the midst of struggles, really resonated with me. I try to do the same in my own life whenever I can.

To keep up with Jacob, follow him on Instagram. The Unbreakable Boy is in theaters now.