Dylan O’Brien Shares Emotional Response to His Acclaimed Thriller’s Release Date After Year in Limbo

Dylan O’Brien recently shared his reactions regarding the much-anticipated release of his film Ponyboi. Now at the age of 33, O’Brien has established himself as a prominent actor since his breakout role in 2011 as a key character in the series Teen Wolf. Three years later, he gained further recognition for his portrayal of Thomas in the film adaptation of The Maze Runner, which spawned two sequels: The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials and The Maze Runner: The Death Cure. Following this successful franchise, O’Brien has engaged in various other projects, including the drama Ponyboi, which debuted at Sundance in 2024.

In an exclusive interview with ScreenRant promoting his upcoming film Twinless, O’Brien discussed the eagerly awaited release date of Ponyboi, revealing it to be June 27. He expressed immense gratitude for this date, describing it as “amazing, ”emphasizing how special this film is to him. He further noted, “the fact that it’s getting a small theatrical release is incredible.”

ScreenRant: I really loved Ponyboi at last year’s Sundance, and we’ve waited so long for the world to see it.

Dylan O’Brien: Thank you so much. It just got announced! I think it was yesterday, [and the release] is June 27th.

ScreenRant: What does it feel like to finally have it come out?

Dylan O’Brien: Amazing. That is another one that is a very dear film to me, and River [Gallo] is very dear to me. To see that moment finally come? We’ve been waiting! We’ve been waiting to find out if it was going to come out and in what capacity.

The fact that it’s getting a small theatrical release is incredible. That’s obviously pretty few and far between these days. You can’t guarantee that, so that feels so nice. What a special film, and to have the news of that yesterday and then this today? I’m trying to soak it up.

Implications of Ponyboi’s Release

Excitement Around Ponyboi’s Release

River Gallo and Dylan O'Brien in Ponyboi

O’Brien’s comments highlight the lengthy wait the film’s team endured since its premiere, anxiously anticipating a theatrical release.Ponyboi is set to enjoy a unique distribution model, featuring traditional screenings alongside community-centered viewings in collaboration with Gathr. Notably, its release coincides with the conclusion of Pride Month, aligning seamlessly with the film’s narrative about an intersex sex worker entangled in a drug deal. Alongside O’Brien, the film’s cast includes River Gallo, Murray Bartlett, and Victoria Pedretti.

With the culmination of their long wait, the excitement among the cast and crew of Ponyboi is palpable as they prepare to share their work with audiences nationwide. O’Brien’s mention of “this today”relates to the premiere of Twinless at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Directed by James Sweeney, this comedy explores the unexpected connection between two grieving men who meet in a support group. The film also features Lauren Graham, Aisling Franciosi, and Tasha Smith.

Analysis of Ponyboi’s Release

Reception and Significance of the Film

The prolonged anticipation surrounding Ponyboi seems surprising, especially considering the film garnered positive reception after its Sundance screening. Notably, Graeme Guttmann of ScreenRant awarded it an impressive 8 out of 10 stars, highlighting that “thanks to Gallo’s sharp screenplay and Arango’s intimate direction, Ponyboi goes beyond cliché for something more profound.”With ongoing discussions around gender identity and LGBTQ+ representation boosted by the success of 2024’s Emilia Pérez, the timing of Ponyboi‘s release could not be more opportune as viewers become increasingly engaged with the narratives surrounding gender politics.

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