Exclusive Interview: Timothy Granaderos Talks Devil’s Workshop, Exploring His Character’s Vulnerabilities, and More

Timothy Granaderos is one of Hollywood’s most versatile young actors. He’s brought dynamic characters to life in critically-acclaimed projects like 13 Reasons Why, T@gged, Plan B, and Untitled Horror Movie. This fall, he stars opposite Emile Hirsch and Radha Mitchell in the must-see film, Devil’s Workshop.

In this chilling psychological thriller, struggling actor Clayton (Timothy Granaderos) is desperate for a role as a demonologist. He contacts Eliza (Radha Mitchell), an expert in devil lore, to help him prepare and spends the weekend at her home. Eliza forces Clayton to confront his troubling past, perform dark rituals, and sacrifice a goat. Does she want to help Clayton, seduce him—or destroy him? The shocking climax will set your soul ablaze.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to catch up with Timothy to talk Devil’s Workshop, the craziest thing he’s done for a role, and an exciting new project that finds him stepping into the writer’s chair.

PC: Tell us about Devil’s Workshop, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Timothy: It’s a trippy little psychological thriller. For me, it felt like this big, long therapy session that goes up in a blaze. It follows the story of Clayton who is a thirty-something-year-old actor trying to make it in this industry. In a lot of ways, it felt very familiar. It’s a trip.

PC: In the film, we see the extreme lengths that your character is going to get a role. What was the craziest thing you’ve ever done for an audition or in preparation for a part?
Timothy: As you know, I’ve done some pretty disturbing things on camera. It’s a lot of weird Google searches, to be honest. You can only relate so much, so you have to let your imagination do a lot of the heavy lifting.

Oh, actually I did! The first pilot I ever booked, there was a scene where I was mean mugging people coming out of the grocery store. I remember driving to Gelson’s in Silver Lake and trying to mean mug people. [laughs] That’s not me. It was so uncomfortable. I was like, “This is what actors do. I’m going to be out here being rude to people and see how they respond.” That’s probably the most method I’ve ever gone.

PC: There’s a real groundedness in your performance and the way that you approach Clayton’s vulnerabilities and his insecurities. As an actor, how did you create this space for yourself to dive into that journey?
Timothy: One step was doing as much research on what the character went through as possible and then asking myself a lot of questions. Mentally, where would I be if that happened to me? Emotionally, how would I feel? Like I was saying earlier, it was like an introspective therapy session in a lot of ways. Obviously, there are things that happen to Clayton that haven’t happened to me, so it was about giving myself permission to commit to whatever was happening at that moment.

PC: This is such a different role from what we’ve seen you do in the past. Is there a particular scene that you’re really excited for your fans to see when this film drops?
Timothy: There are a few, for sure. There’s a very tender moment that takes place in the third act. It’s an emotional exchange between the two characters and almost a release for Clayton, which I think is a very sweet moment that I’m looking forward to because in the midst of this chaos, it’s a nice moment.

PC: There’s an interesting dynamic between Clayton and Emile’s character. How much of that was improvised? How did the two of you approach that dynamic?
Timothy: Emile is great. He had a lot of ideas, and our director and writer, Chris [von Hoffmann], took them in stride. They both worked together to fine tune him. On the day when we were shooting, a lot of it was reacting. The first scene you see in the hallway is actually me just reacting to what Emile was giving me without judgment.

PC: Christopher does such a fantastic job integrating a lot of universal themes in this backdrop of a horror thriller. What was it like getting to collaborate with him as you brought this story to life? Was there a theme that hit home for you?
Timothy: I love Chris. We’re buddies now. We’re around the same age, and I had the opportunity to talk to Chris a lot leading up to the film about the character and the story. He’s a great human being.

As far as a theme, it was just exploring vulnerabilities. As humans and men, we put up this armor around us to protect ourselves. We try and act a certain way to be masculine. That all comes crumbling down around Clayton in a very positive and impactful way. That’s a theme that definitely has stuck with me.

PC: You’ve worked on projects of all sizes. What is it about independent filmmaking that excites you as a creative?
Timothy: I love independent films. I love them because it feels like—not that other projects don’t carry this way—but an independent film is so heavily reliant upon the whole crew showing up and giving it every ounce they have because we don’t have the luxury of excess money. It’s like we need to do what we need to do, and we need to do it passionately or else it’s not going to turn out the way we want it to. Our whole crew was amazing. Our producers from the top down were all so passionately there, and I think it was infectious.

PC: You’re making quite a name for yourself in horror. Has your relationship with the genre changed being a part of all these different projects?
Timothy: I love it. I love the horror genre. I will happily rest my career in the horror genre. It’s so much fun. There’s a lot you can do, and there’s a rawness to the genre, for sure, and…blood.

PC: This is a really exciting time in the industry where we’re seeing new voices emerge, and they’re bringing much-needed representation to the forefront. You’re actually writing a script with your brother and a friend of yours about your heritage and growing up biracial. Is there anything that you can tease about that project/story and why it’s so important to you?
Timothy: I grew up half Filipino in America. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become far more curious and passionate about my heritage that’s a part of me, but I couldn’t fully identify with. That’s part of the story that we’re trying to tell. Not every half Filipino’s or half Asian’s or half whatever’s story is the same; it’s told through your lens, your experience, your family, and how you grew up. It’s done in a comedy but full of drama.

PC: Did you find your experience working on Untitled Horror Movie spark that interest in working behind the camera? Have you found the experience of producing and writing has impacted the works that you do now on screen? Also, when can we expect the ‘stache to make a return?
Timothy: [laughs] I’m working on it right now. Untitled Horror Movie was crazy. As you know, we shot that from the comfort of our own apartments on computers—that was a wild experience. It turned out super cool. I’m very proud of it and everyone involved.

I’m half Filipino, so my facial hair is what it is. I’m letting it go right now. I love that mustache. I would love to bring it back and play a cop or cowboy or something.

PC: What do you hope audiences take away after they see Devil’s Workshop? What’s next for you?
Timothy: Although it’s wrapped up in a horror and a psychological thriller, I hope it challenges audiences and provokes some sort of thought or question. Like I was saying earlier, one of the themes is about exploring vulnerability. I hope they take that and walk away saying, “What just happened?” Because that’s how I responded when I read the script.

What’s next? I’m doing a few episodes on a show that I’m not sure if I can fully speak on, but I’m doing that in early October. Also, next month is Filipino Heritage Month, so hopefully doing some stuff there and represent, and make my way back to Michigan at some point in the fall.

Make sure to follow Timothy on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Devil’s Workshop in theaters and wherever you stream movies.

Wardrobe: HNLY