Brandon Flynn To Play James Dean in “Willie and Jimmy Dean” Biopic Exploring Icon’s Alleged Gay College Romance

In a groundbreaking move for both Hollywood and LGBTQ+ cinema, actor Brandon Flynn is set to portray iconic screen legend James Dean in the upcoming film “Willie and Jimmy Dean.” The film, directed by Guy Guido, will delve into Dean’s formative college years and his close relationship with author and screenwriter William Bast—a connection described by Bast as both “rocky and sometimes romantic” in his revised memoir, “Surviving James Dean.” The project, announced by Guido and Flynn via The Hollywood Reporter, is already generating considerable buzz in entertainment and LGBTQ+ circles for its affirming, historically nuanced perspective on queer identity and friendship during a time when such relationships were deeply stigmatized .

The film draws its inspiration from William Bast’s 2006 memoir, “Surviving James Dean,” itself a revision of Bast’s earlier 1956 biography. In this later edition, Bast restored passages that detail his own homosexuality and the full complexity of his relationship with Dean—sections that he had self-censored in the original release due to the social and professional risks associated with being openly gay at the time. This restoration, and now the proposed film, are part of a larger historical trend toward reclaiming and honoring LGBTQ+ narratives that were suppressed or erased by earlier generations .

James Dean, best known for his roles in “Rebel Without a Cause” and “East of Eden,” has long been subject to rumors regarding his sexuality and personal life. Bast’s account, supported by other contemporaries and biographers, paints a picture of two young men navigating friendship, love, and ambition in the repressive cultural climate of the early 1950s. The film intends to explore the emotional complexity of this bond, including the pressures both men faced as aspiring artists in Hollywood, where nonconformity—especially regarding sexual orientation—was met with intense scrutiny and prejudice .

Brandon Flynn, known for his performances in Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why” and the stage production of “Marlon Brando,” was selected for the role based on his ability to convey both vulnerability and intensity—qualities director Guy Guido finds essential for portraying Dean. Guido, whose previous work includes the documentary “Madonna and the Breakfast Club,” commented that Flynn “brings both the fire and vulnerability this role demands,” adding, “I couldn’t imagine anyone more perfect to explore and play out the complexities of James Dean” .

Flynn himself expressed excitement and a sense of responsibility with the role, telling The Hollywood Reporter: “This story dares to present James Dean as a man with real, complex relationships, and I think there’s power in that truth. Hollywood has historically forced LGBTQ people into performance, even in their personal lives. I want to help bring a truer version of Dean’s story to a broader audience” .

“Willie and Jimmy Dean” is not just a biopic; it is also a pointed commentary on the ways Hollywood has historically marginalized LGBTQ+ people. By foregrounding Dean’s possible queer identity and his relationship with Bast, the film joins a recent wave of movies and television projects seeking to restore erased or hidden LGBTQ+ histories. The decision to cast an openly queer actor in the role further affirms the project’s commitment to authenticity and representation.

The film’s narrative, as described by Guido and Flynn, is expected to highlight the emotional toll of being forced to conceal one’s identity, the sacrifices made by queer people for the sake of their careers, and the enduring importance of chosen family and friendship within the LGBTQ+ community. Such themes resonate strongly in contemporary conversations about visibility, acceptance, and the legacy of queer artists in mainstream culture .

Director Guy Guido is known for his attention to historical detail, and in the case of “Willie and Jimmy Dean,” he has incorporated extensive research from Bast’s memoir as well as other scholarly sources, including Jason Colavito’s “Jimmy: The Secret Life of James Dean.” Flynn reportedly received an autographed copy of Colavito’s book for background research, underlining the filmmakers’ commitment to accuracy and respectful storytelling .

While production timelines and additional casting details have not yet been made public, the film’s announcement has already spurred conversation about its potential impact on both popular understanding of James Dean and broader discussions of LGBTQ+ history in Hollywood .