Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with 13 Reasons Why’s Devin Druid

Devin Druid is delivering an Emmy-worthy performance as Tyler Downs on Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why. Now in its third season, Devin’s character is at the focal point of the story following the tragic events in the back-half of season two. As Tyler’s storyline has developed, Devin has been able to showcase his versatility and repertoire. And with a talent like Devin’s, the sky’s the limit. We caught up with Devin who shared an important message to anyone who relates to Tyler and what it’s meant for him to be a part of 13 Reasons Why.

PC: The last time we spoke was in season one, and I don’t think either of us could have predicted where Tyler’s storyline was heading. What’s surprised you the most about his journey?
Devin: In season one, I didn’t know that arc was coming. There’s an episode in season one that shows Tyler buying the gun. I remember getting and reading the script for that episode and being like, “Wait, what?” I immediately went to Brian [Yorkey] and asked, “What’s going on? Are we killing off my character? Am I not coming back?” That was my initial reaction. From there, everything’s been pretty surprising.

As Brian and the writers were bringing the story together, they’d call me in and were like, “Hey, we think that this is where we’re heading with Tyler.” Then, we work on that. Everything’s been pretty surprising, especially what that character has come to be, for not only me, but for so many people. I’ve seen online a lot of positive things and how people have been touched by his arc. I’m really happy about it.

PC: As Brian is filling you in on Tyler and his storyline, how does that change your approach to Tyler?
Devin: Even though our show is very non-linear, the way that the progression goes is pretty linear. As things happen, we can evolve the character, which is nice. In season two, Tyler becomes someone who doesn’t care about what anything else thinks; he just wants to make a statement. As that progresses to becoming more and more violent, we see that in the arc. Once someone steps in, you can see that growth and progression, and how he learns to handle his rage.

Then, when he’s assaulted by Monty, you can see that being stripped away again and him breaking down. The way that we shoot is very sequential, so it’s pretty nice.

PC: You and your character have been involved in some of the series’ most talked about scenes, ranging from Tyler dealing with the aftermath of his sexual assault to the actual assault. As an actor, how do you prepare for those scenes? Is one more challenging than the other?
Devin: The more emotional and vulnerable scenes are a bit tougher. The assault scene was a tough scene to shoot, but because it’s more physical, you let your body react the way it would. For example, the scene starts with Tyler’s head being smashed into a window or mirror. The mirror was candied glass with a foam pad behind it, so my head was actually smashed into that! Also, the sink that my head is smashed into was made from rubber. My head is actually being slammed into those things and then I fall down and Monty drags Tyler across the floor. That’s actually Tim [Granaderos] grabbing me by my shirt and dragging me towards the floor. Then, the actual pain comes from those moments.

As an actor, I like to practice empathy, and put myself in those shoes and imagine what that would be like. In episode eight of season three, there’s a scene with Clay that was pretty though; that whole scene was just empathy. This season, we had a non-profit for men who have been sexually assaulted called 1in6 come on as consultants for the season. After the finale of season two, they saw a jump in their website traffic, and traced that back to the show. They thought that the way we portrayed Tyler’s assault was very raw and real, and they wanted to come on board and work with us to start this conversation.

They did a whole presentation for the writers and me. They were available 24/7 for me to chat with and they’d tell me stories to help me understand better. Every script went through them. I think someone from 1in6 is also in our aftershow, Beyond the Reasons, talking about it. It was amazing to have that type of guidance and knowledge on set. It was really helpful.

PC: After you’re done filming those intense and emotional scenes, how do you decompress?
Devin: You know how with kids playing sports, their parents are like, “Leave it all on the field”? It’s kind of the same thing. You try to leave it on set as best you can, but like I was saying earlier about empathy, those feelings stay with you and you take those with you when you come home. Luckily for us, we’re in a great position having costars, producers, and a crew who really look after us and take great care of us. They have resources for whatever we might need. We really are a family. For a lot of the show, we talk about looking out for each other and taking care of one another; we all really take that to heart. We’re really close and we hang out a lot.

I like to play video games. I write and produce music. It’s pretty cathartic to get emotions off. This season, a lot of us started going golfing, which is fun. We go and chill out and hit some balls around. It’s a fun pastime. It’s a good way to get out of your own head.

PC: In season three, we see more of Tyler’s relationships with the rest of the characters. Which was your favorite to explore and why?
Devin: Oh man, there are a bunch. Obviously, there’s Clay and Tyler. Clay has been there for Tyler and that’s been so important for him. I love working with Dylan [Minette], so that’s fun. I think the stuff with Jessica [Alisha Boe] was so powerful—to see that mirror come in and this very strong, powerful woman who has overcome her sexual assault and is fighting for others versus this timid young man who’s been assaulted and trying to understand what that is. Seeing them acknowledge that together and seeing Jessica help him, I think, is especially moving.

I think some of my favorite scenes to shoot were with Christian [Navarro], who plays Tony. We did this stuff in the boxing gym, and the way that Tony helps Tyler with his rage is really cool. I also really appreciate the scenes with Dr. Singh, the school counselor, who’s played by Parminder Nagra. Those scenes were a great representation of what could be some good guidance people can find at their schools. For Tyler, talking to a professional is really great for him. I don’t know if I can pick just one. I’m excited to see what’s next!

PC: The show has already been picked up for a season four. Is there anything you can tease?
Devin: [laughs] I don’t know. I’m still reading the scripts as we go. We’re all really grateful that we get to come back one more year and finish the story ourselves. We have the opportunity to say goodbye to our characters and not just have them killed off. We’re all grateful. I’m excited for one last year of this family being together.

PC: If you could share some parting words for Tyler, what would they be and why?
Devin: Oh man, I don’t even know! I’m not sure how his character arc is going to end. I can say for all of the viewers that identify with Tyler, I think it’s important to take away that growth and healing are possible. Reaching out and talking about what you’re going through is important. Healing and growth take time, but it’s possible. Don’t let up on it.

PC: When you look back at this experience, what will you remember most?
Devin: I’ll probably remember what this show has taught me in terms of playing a character. I’ve learned so much from being on set with these incredible directors, writers, and co-stars. They’ve taught me to be a better performer. But then from the character and the writing, I feel like I’ve really tried to take a lot of it to heart and look out for others. You can’t judge people because you never know what they’re going through at any given moment. You have to give them the benefit of the doubt. With Tyler’s storyline, a lot of people have reached out and told me what it’s meant to them. It’s really opened my eyes to things that are happening and how we can be helping other people. So, that’s probably what I’ll take with me the most.

PC: Besides 13 Reasons Why, do you have any other upcoming projects that you can chat about? Will we ever see you release your music?
Devin: [laughs] I don’t know about the music thing. It’s a hobby I do in my room. It’s cathartic. It’s nice to be able to say my own words, but I don’t think that I’m comfortable with a lot of people hearing what I have to say just yet. I also don’t know that I have the knowledge or resources to fine tune what I have. I’m a perfectionist, so I don’t think I’ll ever be truly satisfied enough with something to put it out into the world. But, never say never.

In terms of film projects, I did a movie called Greyhound with Tom Hanks after season two. I don’t know what’s going on with that, but we did it. I got to work with one of my best friends, Keon Motakhaveri, who plays the punk Chad on 13 Reasons Why. That’s where we met. He’s one of my best friends. I love that kid.

I also did a horror movie set in the Wild West. It’s directed by Aaron Koontz, and we wrapped in March/April. I got to work with Zach Knighton, Natasha Bassett, Malora Walters, and a bunch of other great people. We’re a bunch of cowboys who may run into some witchy-ness and things go awry, which was fun. My friend, Ariela Barer from Runaways on Hulu, just made her directorial debut with a short called Jelly. I’m in that with Quei Tann, my good friend Isabella Gomez, and Harley Quinn Smith. They’re all so talented and Ariela has such a powerful voice and great stories to tell. I’m super excited to see what she does next.

PC: You recently did an interview with Young Hollywood where you chatted about your initial audition and how your family was living paycheck to paycheck. Have you had time to reflect on everything that you’ve accomplished since season one? What has being part of this series meant for you, both personally and professionally?
Devin: That’s a great question. As a kid, I loved superhero movies and comic books…I still do. In 2014, Marvel Studios producer Kevin Feige had this big event at the El Capitan Theatre where he announced the Phase Three slate. There, he announced that the next Captain America movie was going to be Civil War. That was five years ago. I was young and we were still living paycheck to paycheck. I was starting to work, but all the money that I was making was going towards being able to continue to travel to New York to book the next thing so we could be stable.

We didn’t have a lot of money for comic books. I remember when they announced it, I was like, “Oh, Civil War! I’ve always wanted to read that story and now it’s becoming a movie. I need to read it.” So, I found a not-so-legal way to read it. I just couldn’t afford it. But, I actually just found the first issue of Civil War, and I bought it. I’m going to frame it as a little reminder to myself of where I am now versus where I was when I first read that comic. I love comic books and superhero movies, and hopefully one day I’ll be in one. That’s a goal of mine.

High School Superlatives: Cast Edition

PC: Who’s the life of the party?
Devin: Ross

PC: Class clown?
Devin: Normally, I would say Ross, but, I honestly don’t know. Justin’s pretty funny. Let’s go with him.

PC: Most likely to be on a reality show?
Devin: I’m going to say Miles because he loves watching Big Brother.

PC: Most outspoken?
Devin: Probably, Alisha

PC: Most unique?
Devin: That’s also Alisha

PC: Who’s changed the most since season one?
Devin: Every time I see Dylan, he gets cooler.

PC: Best gamer?
Devin: Oh, that’s me!

PC: Best golfer?
Devin: That’s Austin Aaron. Austin plays Luke Holiday. I go golfing with him Tim, Tyler, Ross, and Justin. Justin’s the worst golfer. I’m going to put him on blast…he’s really bad. But, it’s fun.

To keep up with Devin, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and binge-watch season 3 of 13 Reasons Why on Netflix today!