The young actor Pilot Bunch, 18, plays Tyler in the film The Unbreakable Boy, from Lionsgate, now showing in theaters. Pilot’s role is especially significant due to his personal connection to the subject, as his brother is on the autism spectrum. Directed by Jon Gunn (The Case for Christ), the film stars Zachary Levi, Meghann Fahy, Patricia Heaton, and Jacob Laval, and celebrates love, acceptance, and perseverance.
In “The Unbreakable Boy,” you play Tyler, a key character in Austin’s journey. How did you emotionally connect with this role, and how did having a brother on the autism spectrum influence your portrayal?
With Tyler, I had to tap into an intensity that was needed to bring him to life. I sat and created a backstory for Tyler, where he came from, what his relationships with his parents were, and what his home life looked like. I dove into his hurt and found the root of why he felt the need to hurt others. My brother gave me a reason to do this project. I learned more about what he might be experiencing through this.
You mentioned that you grew up with a brother on the autism spectrum, making this role even more personal for you. What lessons have you learned from your brother that you brought to the set and to the development of your character in “The Unbreakable Boy”?
My brother has taught me compassion, my brother has taught me patience, and my brother has taught me love. Most of all he has taught me that everyone in this world needs to take a second to understand the people around them. People need to understand that everyone is going through something, and that no matter what it is, we need to have the patience and the compassion to understand it.
At 18 years old and already with an impressive resume, how do you handle the pressure of being on the rise in the entertainment world? What are your biggest motivations behind your career, and how do you maintain a balance between your personal and professional life?
I am in this industry because I want change. I want to tell stories that haven’t been heard. I want to give a voice to those who can’t speak. I want to make people happy, even if it’s just for a second. In terms of maintaining balance, it’s hard having to juggle school and the work that comes with it when all you want to do is act and be on set. The key to my balance is the people around me. I have so many wonderful people that have helped me get to where I am today, from teachers to parents to friends. These people help me stay on the ground and level-headed no matter what I am doing. Additionally, I have many other creative facets that I use to occupy my time when I am not working.
“The Unbreakable Boy” is based on a true story and carries a powerful message about love, acceptance, and perseverance. How do you believe the film can impact people, especially those with a connection to autism?
The Unbreakable Boy is a creation that I hope teaches people that we are all in this world together. No matter who you are or where you come from, you are loved. I hope it also teaches people awareness of the things and people around them. All it takes to change a life is a little patience and understanding. Not everyone is the same as you; people process differently and think in their own way. Sit down and take time to learn that.
Besides acting, you are also passionate about other forms of art, such as music, dance, and filmmaking. How do these passions intertwine with your acting career, and how do they contribute to your creative process?
Each and every passion of mine serves something different in my life. Photography used to show my love for others, music is used to express myself, skateboarding is for facing reality, and dance is to keep myself able and fluid, physically and mentally. Each of them is a part of me in a different way, but they all have their purpose in making me who I am.
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