Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 25, 2025 · Entertainment

Brandon Flynn: Ready to Reveal James Dean's Untold Story

An unconventional biopic about legendary actor James Dean has found its leading man in Brandon Flynn

BREAKING: Brandon Flynn Lands Coveted Role of James Dean in Unconventional Biopic!

Get ready for a cinematic spectacle like no other! TheScholarlyNote.com has just learned that talented actor Brandon Flynn, best known for his heart-wrenching portrayal of Justin Foley on Netflix's 13 Reasons Why, has been tapped to play the iconic role of James Dean in the upcoming biopic Willie & Jimmy Dean.

This is NOT your average biopic, folks! Instead of a traditional "cradle-to-grave" tale, Willie & Jimmy Dean delves into the alleged gay romance between Dean and William Bast, his 19-year-old roommate-turned-secret-lover. Yes, you read that right - James Dean, the rebellious heartthrob of the '50s, was allegedly hiding in plain sight!

The film isn't a traditional 'cradle to the grave' biopic, instead focusing on his alleged gay romance with William Bast, from when he was 19 until his death at just 24 from a horrific car crash in 1955

The film, written and directed by Guy Guido (Madonna and The Breakfast Club), spans from the day Dean and Bast met to his tragic death at just 24 years old. Guido has been working on this project for over a decade, even speaking with Bast back in 2011 before his passing in 2015.

Bast's book Surviving James Dean (2006) revealed that they kept their relationship under wraps to protect Dean's career. Can you imagine the pressure and secrecy these two young men endured? The film promises to be a tender yet tragic exploration of their evolving relationship, as Bast ultimately came to terms with his own sexuality.

Guido gushes about Flynn's casting: "Brandon brings both the fire and vulnerability this role demands. I couldn't imagine anyone more perfect to explore and play out the complexities of James Dean."

Five decades later he published Surviving James Dean in 2006, which revealed that they were gay lovers, but that both also had relationships with women as well.

Flynn himself is equally thrilled: "James Dean is like the known unknown. His short life left behind just three films, a mountain of photographs, and a cultural mythology we keep trying to decode." He adds, "This script is a beautiful attempt at truthfully understanding who he really was - not just the icon, but the man."

In a bold move, the film highlights Hollywood's long history of forcing LGBTQ+ individuals into performance, even in their personal lives. Flynn astutely notes: "This story dares to present James Dean as a man with real, complex relationships, and I think there's power in that truth."

Now, about those other key roles... Bast himself is yet to be cast, along with his "glamorous single mother, Bernice." We can't wait to see who'll bring these characters to life!

Bast claimed in the book that they kept the gay romance secret to keep it from harming his career, though he hoped they would ultimately one day live together

Fans are already going wild on social media, with many praising Flynn for his striking resemblance to the Hollywood legend. One enthusiastic fan tweeted: "Brandon Flynn better do James Dean right, yu got one shot at this boy!" Another gushed: "I still can’t believe this is real like i’m actually going insane you guys. Brandon Flynn as James Dean. This is way too f*ing good."

As production details continue to unfold, we'll keep you updated on every juicy development! For now, get ready for a cinematic experience that promises to be nothing short of unforgettable.

Flynn himself added in a statement, 'James Dean is like the known unknown. His short life left behind just three films, a mountain of photographs and a cultural mythology we keep trying to decode.'

The actor continued, 'It highlights how Hollywood has historically forced LGBTQ people into performance, even in their personal lives'

This won't be the first time Flynn will play a screen legend, portraying a young Marlon Brando in the off-Broadway play Kowalski (above)

An X user dubbed @crowneddpriince stated, 'Brandon Flynn better do James Dean right, yu got one shot at this boy.'

Another X user - @drivenbyfilms - gushed, 'I still can¿t believe this is real like i¿m actually going insane you guys. Brandon Flynn as James Dean. This is way too f***ing good. I better be able to see this at the cinema I¿m not playing.'

Bella (@mi4d0lan) said, 'can¿t even complain about the Brandon Flynn casting, yeah he¿s too old but he looks young and JUST like Jimmy'