Brandon Flynn Cast as James Dean in Biopic Exploring Secret Gay Romance

[andy]

A new James Dean biopic is set to explore a seldom-discussed aspect of the icon's life, with Brandon Flynn ("13 Reasons Why," "True Detective") cast as the legendary actor. Titled "Willie and Jimmy Dean," the film is an adaptation of William Bast's 2006 memoir, "Surviving James Dean," which details Bast's purported romantic relationship with Dean.

The project, helmed by writer-director Guy Guido, aims to chronicle the relationship between Dean and Bast, from their first meeting at UCLA to Dean's untimely death in 1955. Bast's memoir claims the two were roommates, close friends, and eventually lovers, keeping their romance hidden to protect Dean's burgeoning career in an era when such relationships were not accepted in Hollywood.

Director Guy Guido stresses that "Willie and Jimmy Dean" is "not a traditional biopic," but rather "a tender and sometimes tragic story about two young men who found each other in a time and place where being seen - truly seen - came at a cost." Flynn's casting is lauded for his ability to bring both "fire and vulnerability" to the role.

Flynn himself expressed enthusiasm for the script, praising its commitment to humanizing Dean and exposing "how Hollywood has historically forced gay people into performance, even in their personal lives." He believes the film will courageously portray Dean as "a man with real, complex relationships," a truth he finds powerful.

"Willie and Jimmy Dean" is currently in development, with casting ongoing for the pivotal roles of William Bast and his mother.