After watching the intense Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, it’s understandable if you felt a surge of negative emotions directed at Bryce Walker. Bryce, the character portrayed by Justin Prentice, is undeniably the antagonist, eliciting strong reactions from viewers worldwide. However, if the mere mention of Justin Prentice’s name conjures up images of Bryce and evokes anger, you’re missing out on the real person behind the role. Justin Prentice, the actor, is far removed from the controversial character he plays. He’s a thoughtful, intelligent, and even playful individual, as evidenced by his willingness to joke around during photoshoots and his candid admissions of personal awkwardness. He dedicated himself to bringing the complex role of Bryce Walker to life, showcasing his acting prowess. You might think you need 13 reasons why to appreciate Justin Prentice, but we’re confident that just 10 will suffice to convince you to become a true superfan, appreciating the actor beyond his portrayal of Bryce in 13 Reasons Why.
1. Justin Prentice is the Antithesis of Bryce Walker
One of the most crucial things to understand about Justin Prentice is how different he is from Bryce Walker. In his own words, Justin describes himself as “different in just about every way” compared to his on-screen persona. He emphasizes his chill and jovial nature, highlighting his generally lighthearted approach to life. Describing himself as an “extroverted introvert,” he reveals a personality that is both outgoing and reflective, a far cry from the often aggressive and dominating Bryce. This fundamental difference is key to separating the actor from the character and appreciating Justin for who he truly is.
2. Extensive Research Informed His Portrayal of Bryce Walker
Justin Prentice didn’t just step into the role of Bryce Walker blindly. He undertook significant research to understand the complexities of the character and the sensitive issues 13 Reasons Why addresses. Referencing real-world cases like Brock Turner and the Vanderbilt rape cases, Justin immersed himself in the context of sexual assault. He went further by consulting experts such as Alexis Jones from the ‘I Am That Girl’ movement, who specializes in sexual assault prevention, and psychiatrist Rebecca Hedrick from Cedars-Sinai, who works with individuals similar to Bryce. This dedication to understanding the nuances of Bryce’s character and the gravity of the subject matter demonstrates Justin’s commitment to responsible and impactful acting.
3. Filming the Difficult Scenes in 13 Reasons Why Required Trust and Professionalism
Portraying Bryce Walker involved filming intensely challenging and disturbing scenes. Justin openly acknowledges the difficulty of filming the rape scenes, emphasizing the extensive preparation and communication involved. He highlights the crucial role of trust he developed with co-stars Katherine Langford and Alisha Boe, who played Hannah Baker and Jessica Davis respectively. He refers to them as “like my sisters,” underscoring the strong bond and mutual support they shared on set. This trust was paramount in navigating the emotionally taxing scenes. Justin also makes a crucial distinction between acting and reality, acknowledging that while the actors could “shake it off” after filming, the issues depicted have profound real-world consequences for survivors. This maturity and awareness further separate Justin Prentice from the character of Bryce Walker.
4. Justin Prentice Was Not Part of the “Cool Crowd” Growing Up
Contrary to the image of Bryce Walker as a popular, athletic, and privileged “cool kid,” Justin Prentice describes his own teenage years as “pretty quirky and awkward.” He admits to not being part of the popular crowd, a stark contrast to his 13 Reasons Why character. He sees similarities between his younger self and his current personality, just “slightly more immature and less worldly and cultured” back then. This relatable experience of teenage awkwardness makes Justin even more endearing and demonstrates that he can convincingly portray characters far removed from his own personal experiences.
5. Dating Was an “Awkward” Endeavor for Justin Prentice
Justin Prentice with his girlfriend, showcasing his "beautiful tag team" relationship
Adding to his relatable persona, Justin confesses that dating wasn’t always smooth sailing for him. He jokingly admits, “My game isn’t super strong,” particularly in the initial stages of dating. While he feels comfortable once he reaches the date itself, the lead-up to that point is described as “awkward.” This self-deprecating humor and honesty about his personal experiences make him even more likable. He happily mentions his girlfriend, describing their relationship as a “beautiful tag team” built on shared quirks, highlighting a healthy and accepting partnership.
6. Justin Prentice’s Versatile Acting Portfolio Extends Beyond 13 Reasons Why
While 13 Reasons Why brought Justin Prentice widespread recognition, his acting career is diverse and spans numerous shows. He mentions his role in season two of AMC’s Preacher, highlighting his attraction to “really interesting shows and really interesting characters.” He acknowledges some “similarities” between his Preacher character, Tyler, and Bryce, suggesting a pattern in the types of roles he’s been cast in. This awareness shows his desire to diversify his roles and avoid being typecast solely as the “Bryce the rapist” character. His ambition to “shake it up a little bit” and play a “good guy” in the future reveals his range and career aspirations beyond villainous roles.
7. Comedy is a Genre Justin Prentice is Eager to Explore
For those who only know Justin Prentice as Bryce Walker, it might be surprising to learn that he has a strong affinity for comedy. He expresses a desire to do a comedy project in his “free time,” emphasizing the appeal of “good, lighthearted fun.” He mentions past experiences with comedy, including guest-starring roles and a comedy series from earlier in his career. This interest in comedy reveals a lighter side to Justin’s personality and suggests that he is not only capable of intense dramatic performances but also possesses comedic talent.
8. The 13 Reasons Why Cast Share a Genuine Camaraderie
The intense subject matter of 13 Reasons Why fostered a strong bond among the cast members, and Justin confirms this close-knit dynamic. He describes them as a “really good group of people” who “just seemed to click and vibe,” both on and off-screen. This genuine camaraderie made the demanding work environment “a lot easier” and highlights the positive relationships forged amidst the challenging content of the show. Their off-screen friendships further humanize the actors beyond their on-screen roles.
9. Justin Prentice Was Invested in the 13 Reasons Why Storyline as Much as the Viewers
Justin Prentice’s investment in 13 Reasons Why extended beyond just playing his character. He states that he was “just as invested” in the overall narrative as the viewers, eager to discover “what happens to all of them.” This genuine curiosity about the storyline and the fates of the characters demonstrates his engagement with the show on a deeper level. It shows that he wasn’t just an actor performing a role but was also a viewer invested in the unfolding drama.
10. Embracing the Role of Netflix’s “Most Hated Guy” with Professionalism
Despite the negativity directed at his character Bryce Walker, Justin Prentice takes it in stride with remarkable professionalism. He sees being labeled “the most hated guy on Netflix” as “an honor,” interpreting it as a sign that he “did my job” effectively. He even shares examples of harsh social media comments directed at him, like “Rot in hell, rapist,” demonstrating the intensity of viewer reactions. Instead of being offended, Justin views these reactions as validation of his performance, showcasing his mature and professional attitude towards playing a controversial character.
In conclusion, Justin Prentice is far more than just Bryce Walker from 13 Reasons Why. He is a dedicated and thoughtful actor who immersed himself in a challenging role, a person with relatable quirks and experiences, and someone who possesses both dramatic and comedic talent. Becoming a Justin Prentice superfan means appreciating his skills, his professionalism, and his personality beyond the confines of his most well-known, and intentionally disliked, character.
