After being completely absorbed by the compelling Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, many viewers were left with a strong, negative reaction aimed at one character in particular: Bryce Walker. The portrayal of Bryce, a complex and often disturbing figure, sparked intense emotions. However, the actor behind this controversial character, Justin Prentice, is far removed from the on-screen persona that ignited such feelings. If the name Justin Prentice evokes anger, it’s time to discover the real person – a thoughtful, dedicated actor with a surprising sense of humor and a deep understanding of the role he undertook. Forget needing 13 reasons to appreciate Justin Prentice; here are compelling insights into why he deserves recognition beyond his role as Bryce in 13 Reasons Why.
The Real Justin: Worlds Apart from Bryce Walker
Justin Prentice himself emphasizes the vast differences between his personality and that of Bryce Walker. “I’m different in just about every way,” he explains, describing himself as “a more chill type of person” and “kind of jovial.” Far from the aggressive and entitled Bryce, Justin identifies as “an extroverted introvert” who tries to maintain a positive outlook and keep things lighthearted. This stark contrast highlights his acting ability to convincingly portray such a challenging and unlikeable character, proving his skill in embodying roles outside his own comfort zone.
Delving Deep: The Intensive Research Behind Playing Bryce
Justin’s portrayal of Bryce Walker was not simply acting; it was the result of extensive research and a commitment to understanding the complexities of his character. Recognizing the sensitive and relevant nature of the topics 13 Reasons Why addresses, Justin immersed himself in research. He mentioned drawing upon real-world cases, including the Brock Turner case and Vanderbilt rape cases, to grasp the gravity of sexual assault. Furthermore, he consulted with experts like 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 exhibiting similar behaviors to Bryce. This dedication to research underscores Justin’s commitment to portraying Bryce authentically and responsibly, ensuring the narrative was handled with the necessary sensitivity.
Navigating Difficult Scenes: Trust and Professionalism on Set
Filming the intense and disturbing scenes central to Bryce Walker’s storyline was undoubtedly challenging. Justin acknowledges the difficulty of these moments, particularly the rape scenes. He credits the collaborative and supportive environment on set, especially the strong bond with co-stars Katherine Langford and Alisha Boe, who he refers to as “like my sisters.” This established trust was crucial in navigating the emotionally taxing scenes. Justin emphasizes the distinction between acting and reality, noting, “It’s a dark head space. [The rape scenes] weren’t the easiest to film, but at the end of the day, it’s acting.” He highlights the ability of actors to “shake it off” and return to their normal lives after filming, contrasting it with the lasting impact on real-life survivors, demonstrating a mature and empathetic understanding of the show’s themes.
From Awkward Teen to Accomplished Actor
Interestingly, Justin reveals that his teenage years were far from the image of the confident, popular Bryce Walker. Describing himself as “pretty quirky and awkward” growing up, he draws a parallel to his current personality, simply “slightly more immature and less worldly and cultured” during his youth. This revelation humanizes the actor, showing a relatable vulnerability and contrasting sharply with the often-arrogant demeanor of Bryce. His admission extends to his dating experiences, where he jokingly confesses, “My game isn’t super strong,” further painting a picture of someone genuinely down-to-earth and far removed from the manipulative Bryce Walker.
Versatility Beyond 13 Reasons Why: Exploring Diverse Roles
While 13 Reasons Why brought Justin Prentice widespread recognition, it’s not the only notable role in his growing career. He mentions his work on AMC’s Preacher, describing his role as an “arch” in season two, highlighting his attraction to “really interesting shows and really interesting characters.” He acknowledges some “similarities” between his Preacher character, Tyler, and Bryce, hinting at a preference to explore more diverse roles in the future, perhaps even a “good guy.” Justin’s desire to avoid being typecast after playing such a controversial character demonstrates his ambition and range as an actor, eager to tackle different genres and character types. His interest in comedy further underscores this versatility, expressing a desire to do “some good, lighthearted fun” and referencing past comedy roles.
A Strong Bond with the 13 Reasons Why Cast
Despite the heavy subject matter of 13 Reasons Why, the cast developed a close and supportive relationship. Justin speaks warmly of his fellow actors, stating, “We love each other. It’s just a really good group of people, and we all just seemed to click and vibe, which is perfect.” This camaraderie created a positive work environment, especially crucial given the emotionally demanding nature of the show. The cast’s bond extended beyond filming, as Justin mentions they “all just hang out outside of work too,” emphasizing the genuine connection formed amongst them.
Eager for the Next Chapter: Investment in the Story
Justin’s engagement with 13 Reasons Why extends beyond his role as an actor. He expresses genuine curiosity about the series’ trajectory, stating, “I am just as invested, I think, as the viewers are, and I want to know just as badly, if not more, what happens to all of them.” This reveals his personal investment in the narrative and the characters, demonstrating a deeper connection to the show beyond just his own performance.
Embracing the Hate: A Testament to Effective Portrayal
Finally, Justin addresses the strong negative reactions directed at his character Bryce Walker with remarkable composure and a touch of humor. When asked about being “the most hated guy on Netflix,” he responds, “It feels good. I’ll take it as an honor. It just means I did my job.” He even shares examples of extreme online comments, like “Rot in hell, rapist,” and interprets them positively, reiterating that such reactions signify the effectiveness of his portrayal. This acceptance of the negative feedback directed at Bryce, while understanding it’s not aimed at him personally, showcases his professionalism and ability to separate himself from the character he so convincingly brought to life in 13 Reasons Why.
In conclusion, Justin Prentice’s portrayal of Bryce Walker in 13 Reasons Why was impactful and memorable, precisely because of his dedication, research, and acting talent. Beyond the controversial character, Justin is a thoughtful, versatile actor with a sense of humor and a grounded perspective. He is not Bryce Walker, and understanding the actor behind the role reveals a talent deserving of recognition and future success, far beyond the confines of Liberty High.
