Pop Culturalist Chats with 13 Reasons Why’s Timothy Granaderos

13 Reasons Why actor Timothy Granaderos is the breakout star of 2018. His character, Montgomery de la Cruz, emerged as this season’s main antagonist and is involved in one of the most talked-about scenes in television history. However, it’s Timothy’s performance and ability to embody any character that’s caught the attention of many. Pop Culturalist caught up with Timothy to chat about filming that difficult scene in episode 13, exploring the root of Monty’s behavior and actions, and what he hopes to explore in season three.

PC: How early on did you learn where your character’s story arc was heading and what was your initial reaction?
Timothy: We only get a few episodes at a time, but Brian Yorkey, our showrunner, came up to me and was like, “Just so you know, all of this is Monty’s doing.” He told each of us what we needed to know for our character and it was our job to keep it a secret from each other. So, literally the entire season, I carried this secret from the rest of the cast—it was fun!

PC: Throughout both seasons, Monty emerges as the school bully. How did you find the humanity in a character who does terrible things?
Timothy: I discovered quite early that the root of Monty’s action is pain. He’s confused, lost, and trying to navigate the pressures of high school and home life. Unfortunately, he resorted to aggression, anger, and violence.

PC: If we’re introduced to Monty’s dad in the third season, who would you like to play him?
Timothy: [laughs] It’s funny—when I learned about Monty’s father, I immediately pictured Frank Grillo. I’m sure he’s a great guy, but he’s an intimidating man. I actually emailed our showrunner and told him that Frank Grillo is exactly who I think would be Monty’s dad.

PC: We have to talk about the scene in episode thirteen. What did you think when you first read it and how did you prepare?
Timothy: I knew that scene was coming, I just didn’t know when. Brian Yorkey had approached me a few episodes out to ask whether or not I was comfortable doing something like that, and I felt it was very pivotal to the storyline. To prepare, I did a lot of research on scenarios similar to that because, disgustingly, that has happened before in high school. I read those stories and I tried to put myself in the mind of the aggressor, as well as the victim, and figure out why someone would do something like that. It’s hard to connect with someone who would do that, but as an actor you have to find the source. Like I said earlier, it’s pain and trying to deal with emotions and displace anger that you can’t comprehend at that age, which is how I approached that scene.

When we shot that scene, everyone involved was amazing from the top down: our director, crew, and especially my co-star, Devin Druid, were amazing. Everyone was so caring and hyper-sensitive to the work.

PC: Did you and Devin talk about how you were going to approach that scene and as an actor, how do you decompress after you film something like that?
Timothy: Yeah, we met with our EP and director and Devin and I asked questions. Then, we worked out the blocking and worked with stunt coordinators. By the time we got to set, we were so comfortable with where we were going to be and what was going to happen that it gave us the freedom to be completely present in the scene.

It took a few hours to shoot the whole thing, which wasn’t easy. Afterwards, everyone came up to us, and Devin and I hugged. We grounded each other. We showed each other a lot of love and tried to keep it lighthearted after that.

PC: It’s a really difficult scene to watch. We’re curious if you’ve seen the final product?
Timothy: I have and it took me a minute to get through it. Honestly, it was shockingly hard to watch. I knew it was going to be difficult and uncomfortable, but I think going into it, you have this idea of what it is because you’re in it, and then you watch it and it’s so much more disturbing. It was a tough one to watch and I can’t go back and watch it again. [laughs]

PC: What are you most excited to explore with Monty next season?
Timothy: I’d love to explore his roots, his home life, and his relationships with his father and his mother because we don’t know who she is. I want to explore everything that makes Monty do what he does.

PC: Besides 13 Reasons Why, do you have any other upcoming projects that you can chat about?
Timothy: Yes! I work on a show called T@gged. We have a third season coming out soon. The first two are on Hulu, so, that’s exciting.

PC: What can you tease about Ash’s storyline in season three?
Timothy: Well, we’re not sure if my character is alive or dead. I did work on the third season, but that’s not to say they aren’t flashbacks. I know fans want answers and I’m excited for them to get some.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Timothy: Westworld. We were a little late to the game but we’re on the second season now.

PC: A band or artist that you could listen to on repeat?
Timothy: Incubus. Brandon Boyd is my man crush.

PC: A favorite place you’ve traveled to?
Timothy: Amsterdam

PC: A place you’d like to visit?
Timothy: Hawaii

PC: If you weren’t an actor, what would you be doing?
Timothy: Forest ranger [laughs]

PC: A person you’d like to meet?
Timothy: That’s a good one! Brandon Boyd from Incubus.

Make sure to follow Timothy on Twitter and Instagram, and catch season two of 13 Reasons Why on Netflix today!

Photo Credit: Shanna Fisher // Grooming: Michelle Harvey // Styling: Anne Demay