Easy A’s Greatest Movie Parents Of All Time Finally Have A Great Follow-Up In New Comedy Brian

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Ben Wang is starring in a new coming-of-age film called Brian, and it features what many are already calling the best on-screen parents since a memorable performance by Emma Stone.

Directed by Will Ropp (known for his work in The Fallout) and written by Mike Scollins (a writer for Late Night with Seth Meyers), the film centers on Wang as Brian, a high school student struggling with mental health. After a disastrous audition for the drama club damages his reputation, Brian decides to run for class president, hoping it will both help him and get him closer to the teacher he has a crush on.

The film stars Wang, who recently achieved success with Karate Kid: Legends and The Long Walk, alongside a talented cast including Oscar nominee William H. Macy, Edi Patterson (known for Righteous Gemstones), Randall Park from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Natalie Morales (The Beast in Me), and Joshua Colley (Dead Boy Detectives), among others. Brian premiered at SXSW on March 14th and has received widespread critical acclaim, currently boasting a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

To celebrate the film’s debut, ScreenRant’s Ash Crossan spoke with Ben Wang, Randall Park, Edi Patterson, Natalie Morales, and Will Ropp at SXSW. They chatted about Brian and their characters. Park, Wang, and Patterson playfully discussed the family relationships in the movie, with Park jokingly forgetting his character’s profession until Wang reminded him he plays a lawyer. Patterson then chimed in, adding, “Also, my character is bisexual.”

When discussing the parents of the main character, Patterson described them as “down-to-earth,” adding that they’re “pretty cool” and honest with their child, even if they do tease him a lot. Morales compared them to the parents played by Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson in Easy A, noting that those characters were also “such great parents” because they felt realistic.

What really stands out to me about Brian’s parents is how much they adore him. They can be really over-the-top and sometimes even say the wrong thing, but at their core, they’re just incredibly loving parents.

Will Ropp: I think Brian knows that they love him too.

Absolutely. I really enjoyed the scenes where her husband brings a friend home. I loved portraying her over-the-top excitement, because it’s unusual for him to have visitors – it doesn’t happen often. I think her and the kids are just thrilled when he’s happy and making the most of things.

Ben Wang Had A Unique Way To Audition For His Brian Role

ScreenRant really enjoyed this movie, calling it fantastic. They’re curious about the inspiration behind the story and where the idea first came from.

The story originated with Mike Scollins, a talented writer for Late Night with Seth Meyers. I discovered the script on The Black List, and I knew immediately I wanted to work on it. I reached out to Mike directly, and surprisingly, he was easily convinced to let us take it on.

ScreenRant: How’d you get cast?

Ben sent over an amazing audition tape – it really stood out. He actually submitted it pretty late in the casting process, and we were all incredibly relieved when we saw it. I’ve always thought the idea of casting being like solving a puzzle was a bit of a stretch, but with him, it really was! He was exactly what we were looking for, the solution to our problem. And then I learned you also acted as your own reader for the audition!

Ben Wang: I do this a lot.

Natalie Morales: Did you make a different voice?

Ben Wang: Sometimes I pitch it down a little bit.

Natalie Morales: I had no idea.

Randall Park: Oh, so you just have to continue the line.

Ben Wang: So my workflow…

Will Ropp: Sorry to blow your secret.

I usually start by opening GarageBand. When I’m recording, I listen for the other person’s lines. If they start first, I just read along with them. If not, I click my tongue to signal to myself that the recording is beginning. It sounds like [makes a clicking sound]. That click helps me start naturally, like saying, “Hey, good morning. How are you?” Then I’ll hear the other person respond, and I record my part from there. That’s how I’ve recorded everything so far.

ScreenRant asked what I enjoyed about playing Brian, specifically highlighting his timing and humor. They wanted to know what it was like to showcase a different side of my acting than I usually do.

I think what made the character work was how authentic he felt. When a character feels real, it allows me to bring my own experiences and personality to the role, which is really enjoyable. I was comfortable drawing on different aspects of myself to create the character, and it made the whole process feel natural and fun, especially since we had a talented group of improvisers on set.

ScreenRant asked Natalie to describe her character and how she connects – or doesn’t connect – with the character Brian.

I played Brooke, a teacher who becomes the object of a student’s affection in this movie. It’s definitely not a romantic relationship, and his feelings aren’t returned, which was a fun part of the role for me. The movie is lighthearted and funny, but also really sweet and touching. I appreciated playing a teacher who handled the situation responsibly – it felt important and something you don’t always see. Plus, it was genuinely a funny project to be a part of.

We’re at SXSW, a festival known for both film and music, and this year the two are really coming together. We’re curious – what’s everyone’s favorite movie soundtrack?

I remember being really influenced by the Pulp Fiction soundtrack. And it’s strange, but when I was little, I also loved the Sleepless in Seattle soundtrack – I’m not even sure why!

Natalie Morales: I mean, the Dirty Dancing soundtrack is the best.

I’m racking my brain, thinking about all the Disney musicals I love. Peter Pan was actually the very first play I performed in theater school.

Natalie Morales: Aladdin’s right there.

Will Ropp: Yeah, Aladdin’s very good. Yeah, I would say any Disney musical.

Randall Park is a big fan of movie soundtracks, especially ‘When Harry Met Sally.’ He even saw Harry Connick Jr. in concert as his first ever concert experience! He also really loves the soundtrack to ‘Love Jones,’ and thinks it’s a classic.

Ben Wang: Oh, I really like Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?

Natalie Morales: It’s a great one. I sing that song sometimes.

Randall Park: Oh, The Royal Tenenbaums.

Be sure to dive into some of ScreenRant‘s other SXSW coverage with:

  • The Sun Never Sets Review
  • The Fox Review
  • I Love Boosters Review
  • Dead Eyes Review
  • One Another Review
  • Kill Me Review
  • Ready or Not 2: Here I Come Review
  • The Saviors Review
  • Family Movie Review
  • Power Ballad Review
  • Seekers of Infinite Love Review
  • Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice Review
  • Over Your Dead Body Review
  • Sender Review
  • Normal Review
  • Phoenix Jones: The Rise and Fall of a Real Life Superhero Review
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  • Sydney Chandler sharing her ideal Alien: Earth season 2 story for Wendy and the Lost Boys as production ramps up
  • Robin Tunney weighing in on a Mentalist revival after its Netflix resurgence
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2026-03-20 22:17