Dylan O’Brien and Hudson Williams to Star in Darkly Comedic Feature Debut from Acclaimed Canadian Filmmaker

Published 03/28/2026, 3:25 AM EDT

Dylan O’Brien has spent the last few years reshaping his career in ways that few expected. Once widely recognized for his breakout turn on Teen Wolf and the blockbuster Maze Runner franchise, the actor has steadily pivoted toward layered, genre-blending roles that showcase both vulnerability and unpredictability. Whether it is indie dramas or high-concept thrillers, O’Brien has leaned into characters that feel increasingly complex, often walking the line between humor and darkness.

Meanwhile, Hudson Williams is emerging as one of the most intriguing new faces in the industry. His breakout performance in Heated Rivalry turned heads for its emotional depth and on-screen chemistry, quickly elevating him from rising talent to a name to watch. With a growing slate of projects and a willingness to explore bold narratives, Williams is carving out a space that feels both fresh and fearless, making his next move especially worth paying attention to.

That next move, as it turns out, brings both actors into the same orbit.

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A twisted partnership between Dylan O’Brien and Hudson Williams takes center stage

Dylan O’Brien and Hudson Williams are officially set to star in Apparatus, a darkly comedic thriller that marks the feature directorial debut of Canadian filmmaker Sofia Banzhaf, according to The Express Tribune, the first outlet to report on the film. Written by Banzhaf alongside Grayson Moore, the film follows a struggling rideshare driver named Tyler (Hudson Williams), whose life takes a sharp turn when he crosses paths with JP (Dylan O’Brien), a charismatic but unsettling entrepreneur.

What begins as a seemingly promising opportunity in JP’s unconventional handheld-massager business quickly spirals into something far more dangerous. As Tyler is pulled deeper into JP’s world, the story descends into a violent and psychologically charged unraveling, blending dark humor with thriller elements in a way that underscores Banzhaf’s distinct creative voice.

The project brings together a strong production team, including Julie Baldassi and Daniel Bekerman, with backing from multiple production houses and financiers. While production timelines and locations are still being finalized, anticipation is already building around the film’s unique tone and its two compelling leads.

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Their collaboration feels like a natural evolution of both careers.

From breakout roles to bold new choices: Dylan O’Brien and Hudson Williams’ evolving careers

Dylan O’Brien’s recent trajectory highlights a deliberate shift toward risk-taking. In Send Help, directed by Sam Raimi, he embraced a darkly comedic survival thriller that proved both a box office success and a critical win. His dual performance in Twinless further cemented his range, earning awards buzz and showcasing his ability to balance humor with emotional intensity.

He’s also continued to explore ensemble storytelling with projects like Anniversary and genre-driven narratives such as Caddo Lake. Looking ahead, Dylan O’Brien is set to appear in Being Heumann, directed by Sian Heder, alongside a powerhouse cast, further signaling his commitment to meaningful, character-driven stories.

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For Hudson Williams, the momentum is just as striking. His breakout role in Heated Rivalry, which recently ditched the US platform over creative limits not only earned him widespread recognition but also opened doors to high-profile opportunities. He’s set to appear in the upcoming series The Altruists, which dives into the fallout of the FTX cryptocurrency collapse, as well as Yaga, a drama blending mystery with mythological undertones.

With Apparatus, Hudson Williams takes a decisive step into darker, more experimental territory, matching Dylan O’Brien’s genre versatility with his own rising confidence as a performer.

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Will Apparatus become the project that redefines Dylan O’Brien and Hudson Williams’ careers? Let us know in the comments! 

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Karishma Dasgupta

184 articles

Karishma is an entertainment journalist at Netflix Junkie. She enjoys digging deep into stories and bringing clarity to the often fast-moving world of entertainment. She holds a double Master’s degree in Fashion Business Management and Digital Marketing.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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