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Password Hack Leads Director to Indie Film Gem
11 Mar
Summary
- Will Ropp directed his debut film after borrowing a password.
- The film 'Brian' stars Ben Wang, Natalie Morales, and William H. Macy.
- 'Brian' premieres at SXSW on March 14, 2026.
Actor Will Ropp has transitioned to directing with his feature film debut, "Brian." His journey began unconventionally when he used a friend's Black List account to access and read scripts, as his own application was initially denied.
He discovered "Brian," a John Hughes-esque comedy by Michael Scollins, focusing on a high schooler's anxiety and a crush on his teacher. Ropp then successfully pitched Scollins to direct the project, marking a significant collaboration.
The film stars Ben Wang as the titular character, with Natalie Morales portraying his teacher. Randall Park and Edi Patterson play Brian's parents, while William H. Macy appears as his therapist. The cast also includes Joshua Colley and Sam Song Li.
"Brian" is scheduled for its world premiere at SXSW in Austin on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Ropp, who also directed the short film "Kodar: The Primordial God of Light and Ether" in 2024, brings his own experiences with anxiety to the film's narrative.
Seth Meyers joined "Brian" as a producer after Ropp and Scollins finalized their deal. Meyers commented on Ropp's ability to capture the essence of adolescence. The film balances comedy with sensitive themes of mental health, resonating with Ropp's personal experiences.
