After watching the compelling Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, many viewers were left with strong emotions, particularly directed at the controversial character Bryce Walker. If the portrayal by Justin Prentice evoked such intense reactions, it speaks volumes about his acting talent. However, the real Justin Prentice is far removed from the persona of Bryce. In reality, he is known for his playful demeanor, self-aware awkwardness, and deep commitment to his craft. Forget needing 13 reasons to appreciate him; here are 10 compelling reasons to become a Justin Prentice fan.
1. The Real Justin is the Antithesis of Bryce Walker
“I’m different in almost every imaginable way from Bryce,” Prentice has stated. “I’m a much more relaxed person. I’d describe myself as jovial and generally optimistic. While I can be introverted, I am also outgoing, an extroverted introvert in a way. I always try to see the positive side of things and maintain a light and humorous approach to life.” This stark contrast highlights his skill in embodying such a complex and unlikeable character, proving his range as an actor.
2. Extensive Research Underpinned His Portrayal of Bryce
Prentice approached the role of Bryce Walker with meticulous preparation. “Unfortunately, due to the prevalence of the issues addressed in 13 Reasons Why, there was a significant amount of research available,” he explained. He followed prominent cases like the Brock Turner case and the Vanderbilt rape cases closely. He also consulted with experts such as Alexis Jones from the ‘I Am That Girl’ movement, focusing on sexual assault prevention education for young athletes. Furthermore, he sought guidance from Dr. Rebecca Hedrick, a psychiatrist at Cedars-Sinai specializing in individuals exhibiting traits similar to Bryce. This thorough research process was crucial in shaping a nuanced and responsible portrayal.
3. Filming the Difficult Scenes Was a Collaborative and Sensitive Process
Shooting the emotionally and physically challenging scenes in 13 Reasons Why required careful planning and sensitivity. “We dedicated considerable time to discussing and rehearsing the scenes before filming, carefully considering what would be shown and how,” Prentice revealed. He emphasized the crucial role of his co-stars, Katherine Langford and Alisha Boe, in creating a supportive environment. “Katherine and Alisha became like sisters to me throughout this process. The trust we built made navigating those difficult scenes significantly easier.” He acknowledged the emotional weight of these scenes, contrasting the actors’ ability to decompress after filming with the enduring struggles faced by real survivors.
4. Justin Was Not Always the “Cool Kid”
Relatability is a key aspect of Justin Prentice’s appeal. “Growing up, I was quite quirky and awkward,” he admitted. “In many ways, I’m still similar to that person now, just perhaps a bit more mature and with a broader understanding of the world.” This admission humanizes him and allows fans to connect with him beyond his on-screen roles.
5. Dating Was Once a Source of Awkwardness
Adding to his relatable persona, Prentice openly discusses his past dating experiences. “My dating ‘game’ wasn’t particularly strong,” he confessed. “Once I actually got to the date, I was usually okay, but the lead-up to that point was often awkward. I’m naturally a bit clumsy when it comes to romantic interactions, but thankfully, my girlfriend doesn’t seem to mind my quirks, which is wonderful. She has her own adorable awkwardness, so we complement each other perfectly. It works beautifully.” This charming self-deprecation further endears him to fans.
6. Beyond 13 Reasons Why: Diverse Roles Across Television
While 13 Reasons Why brought him widespread recognition, Justin Prentice has showcased his talents in various other notable shows. He had a significant role in season two of AMC’s Preacher. ” Preacher is fantastic. I gravitate towards roles in really compelling and unique shows with fascinating characters, and Preacher has that in abundance,” Prentice stated. He noted some thematic similarities between his Preacher role and Bryce, indicating his ability to tackle complex characters. Looking ahead, he expressed a desire to diversify his roles, perhaps taking on a more heroic character to avoid typecasting after the impactful role of Bryce Walker.
7. Comedy is a Welcomed Genre
Despite often portraying intense and dramatic characters, Justin Prentice has a strong affinity for comedy. “I would absolutely love to do a comedy project if the opportunity arises,” he shared. “Just some good, lighthearted fun. I’ve done guest roles in comedies and was part of a comedy series a few years back. I truly enjoy working in the genre.” This desire to explore comedy further highlights his versatility and desire to expand his acting repertoire.
8. Genuine Camaraderie with the 13 Reasons Why Cast
The chemistry among the 13 Reasons Why cast was palpable, and Prentice confirms that this extended beyond the screen. “We genuinely care for each other,” he said. “It’s a truly wonderful group of people, and we just clicked and connected instantly, which is ideal. It makes the work environment so much better, especially since we also spend time together outside of work.” This genuine bond contributed to the show’s success and resonated with viewers.
9. Eager to See Where the Story Goes
Justin Prentice’s engagement with 13 Reasons Why extends beyond his role as an actor. “I’m just as invested in the story as the viewers are, perhaps even more so,” he admitted. “I’m equally eager, if not more so, to find out what happens to all the characters.” This genuine curiosity about the narrative demonstrates his commitment to the show and his connection with the audience’s experience.
10. Embracing the Role of Netflix’s Most Hated Character
Despite the negativity directed at his character, Justin Prentice views the audience’s strong reaction as a testament to his performance. “It feels good, in a way. I take it as a compliment,” he said about being considered the most hated character on Netflix. “It’s interesting to see comments on social media like, ‘Rot in hell, rapist.’ Ultimately, it means I effectively portrayed the character as intended.” This perspective showcases his professionalism and understanding of the impact of his role in raising awareness about crucial social issues addressed in 13 Reasons Why.
Justin Prentice’s dedication to his craft, his genuine personality, and his ability to bring complex characters to life are just a few reasons why he has resonated with audiences. Beyond the controversial role of Bryce Walker in 13 Reasons Why, Justin Prentice has proven himself to be a talented and versatile actor worth watching.
