Exclusive Interview: Ezra Dewey Talks About His Starring Role in The Boy Behind the Door

Ezra Dewey is an exciting young talent who is quickly taking over Hollywood. In just a few short years, Ezra has quickly racked up the credits with projects including Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, Teachers, and The Dijnn.

His latest film, The Boy Behind the Door, follows two best friends who are kidnapped and taken to a strange house in the middle of nowhere. They’ll have to work together in order to survive.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Ezra about The Boy Behind the Door.

PC: Tell us about The Boy Behind the Door and your character in the film.
Ezra: The Boy Behind the Door is about these two kids who are outsiders; they’re not popular. They’re like a duo. While they’re hanging out, they get kidnapped. It’s about them trying to survive, escape, and get to safety. I play Kevin. He’s kind of a loner who is just trying to survive after being put in this horrible situation.

PC: What was it about this particular project and script that stood out to you?
Ezra: It was so different. I have never done any horror film before. I read the script and I was like, “This is so intense.” I was like, “It would be really cool if I get the job.” Most horror movies don’t have kids as the leads. That was very interesting and different to me.

PC: Like you were saying, this is your first horror project. Did anything surprise you about the experience? What was the biggest takeaway? What was your favorite part?
Ezra: My favorite part was meeting everyone. I didn’t watch a whole lot of horror movies growing up, so this movie really opened my eyes to this world. I’m more interested in it than I was before.

PC: There’s a great friendship that comes off the screen between you and Lonnie [Chavez]. How did you build that bond?
Ezra: It was during the rehearsal process. The first time that we met was when we did the chemistry test in front of the directors and producers. We’re both pretty outgoing. We clicked as soon as we met each other and became friends after that. We would hang out during lunch and school hours getting to know each other.

PC: Speaking of the directors, you’re in a unique position where you got to work with not one, but two directors. What was that collaboration like with David [Charbonier] and Justin[Powell]?
Ezra: It was super nice. Those guys are awesome, and they’re really good at their jobs. Even though they haven’t directed a ton, they are so talented. They gave a lot of good notes. They also wrote the film, which made it even easier, because they knew exactly what they wanted. My family and I talk to them a lot still. We grab lunch from time to time when we’re in LA.

PC: Your character goes through so much in the film, and there are so many emotions attached to that. For you as an actor, how did you prepare for those scenes in particular?
Ezra: Before those scenes, I would ask for a minute or two to get myself in the zone. I would think about sad things and tried to psych myself and get scared. It sounds pretty depressing, but it actually isn’t that bad.

PC: Is there a scene that you’re really excited for your fans to see?
Ezra: The scene that I’m very excited about has to do with a taser. It’s a big moment for my character and a powerful moment. Be on the lookout for that.

PC: As you look ahead to the next five to ten years, is there a dream role that you would love to play?
Ezra: I do want to do an action film. That would be super cool. Not like Avengers type of deal, but just an action film. That would be super cool.

To keep up with Ezra, follow him on Instagram. Watch The Boy Behind the Door wherever you stream movies.