Dylan O’Brien wants to use his voice to help others. 

The Maze Runner alum reflected on the visibility he hopes to shed on the LGBTQ+ community and their diverse stories by starring in projects like his new movie Ponyboi.

“I have many people in my life in the queer space and in the trans space,” Dylan exclusively told E! News. “It’s always been something natural to me to support people that I love and that I want to see—especially in this industry—telling stories, especially now.”

And although Ponyboi—in theaters now—was filmed in 2022, the Teen Wolf star explained that he is grateful for the opportunity to shine a light on queer stories in the present day.

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“In many ways, I’m so thankful that it’s coming out in this moment with what this country is experiencing in particular,” Dylan continued. “It couldn’t be more of a meaningful moment for this movie to be coming out now”

The 33-year-old also emphasized his excitement for audiences to see his costar River Gallo, who wrote the movie and stars as a young intersex sex worker that runs from the mob after a drug deal goes wrong. 

Jul
2,
2025

For more than four decades, Sundance Institute’s immersive, artist-driven labs have provided a foundation for emerging filmmakers like Paul Thomas Anderson, Gina Prince Bythewood, and Ryan Coogler to develop their unique perspective, enhance their skills, add depth to their stories, and be mentored by seasoned industry leaders.

To toast the milestone of the 45th Directors Lab, the Sundance Institute caught up with former lab fellows to hear about the ways their creative journeys were shaped by their time at the Sundance Institute Labs and advisors who shared what makes the labs so unique. These stories are being rolled out all summer long in a powerful series available on Sundance.org

Dig into the powerful stories of filmmakers Marielle Heller, who shares her experiences of finding her creative voice at the lab; Roger Ross Williams, who recounts the moment he discovered how to craft the perfect scene; and Nia DaCosta, who discusses the affirming moment that brought her to tears. 

And tap into the affecting insight of long-time lab advisor Kasi Lemons as she discusses the unrivaled level of focus paid to the filmmakers’ projects, John August, who chats about the magic of labs relying on exploration versus perfection, and lab fellow turned Native Lab advisor Erica Tremblay, who talks about the invaluable community built among the Institute.

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Look out for more exclusive conversations rolling out in the coming weeks!  To support the Sundance Institute and the next generation of filmmakers, donate here.