Actor-Turned-Director Will Ropp Tackles Mental Health in 'Brian'

Ropp's directorial debut comedy 'Brian' premieres at SXSW, exploring anxiety and coming-of-age themes.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:09pm

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Will Ropp, an actor known for roles in films like 'The Way Back' and 'The Greatest Beer Run Ever,' makes his directorial debut with the comedy 'Brian.' The film, which premieres at SXSW, follows a high schooler with anxiety issues who develops a crush on one of his teachers. Ropp, who has personal experience with anxiety, says the line between comedy and tragedy is 'all mixed up' in the film, which also stars Ben Wang, Natalie Morales, Randall Park, and William H. Macy.

Why it matters

Mental health issues, especially among young people, are an increasingly important topic in film and television. Ropp's personal connection to the material and the film's blend of comedy and drama aim to authentically capture the challenges of adolescence and the complexities of navigating mental health.

The details

Ropp, who had the backing of production collective Act 4 Artists, found the script for 'Brian' on The Black List, a database of unproduced screenplays. He then convinced writer Michael Scollins to let the first-time director take on the project. The film features a cast including Ben Wang as the titular Brian, Natalie Morales as his teacher, and Randall Park and Edi Patterson as his parents, with William H. Macy playing Brian's therapist.

  • The film will have its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas on March 14, 2026.

The players

Will Ropp

An actor known for roles in films like 'The Way Back' and 'The Greatest Beer Run Ever,' Ropp makes his directorial debut with 'Brian.'

Michael Scollins

The writer of 'Brian,' who Ropp convinced to let the first-time director take on the project.

Ben Wang

The actor who stars in the titular role of 'Brian.'

Natalie Morales

The actress who plays Brian's teacher in the film.

William H. Macy

The veteran actor who portrays Brian's therapist in the movie.

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What they’re saying

“Directing a film about teenagers is hard because they never let you do it when you're a teenager (cowards!)”

— Seth Meyers, Producer (Email)

“That line between comedy and tragedy is so fine. The comedy and tragedy is all mixed up in a smorgasbord.”

— Will Ropp, Director (Variety)

What’s next

The film will have its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas on March 14, 2026.

The takeaway

Ropp's personal experience with anxiety and his desire to authentically capture the complexities of mental health issues during adolescence have resulted in a film that blends comedy and drama to explore an important and timely topic.