Last month saw Pilot Bunch play Tyler in The Unbreakable Boy, which was released in the United States through Lionsgate, working with a cast including Jacob Laval (as Austin LeRette) and Gavin Warren (as Logan LeRette). Amongst Pilot’s screen projects, he was in the cast of Christmas film Red One last year, played Young Quinn in feature film The Hill, played Colin in Drama Club for Nickelodeon, and he had guest roles in The Wonder Years, The Walking Dead and The Outsider. Pilot will be playing Carter in 115 Grains (which is not yet released), and his upcoming work will be a recurring role in Brad Inglesby’s new show TASK alongside Mark Ruffalo, the final season of The Righteous Gemstones (releasing 9th March) and feature films Thoughts & Prayers and Flowervale Street, with the latter starring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor. Talking with us, Pilot spoke about playing Tyler in The Unbreakable Boy, his time as Colin in Drama Club and his upcoming projects.
Was there anything that drew you to The Unbreakable Boy, and how did it feel when you found out you’d booked the role of Tyler?
I was drawn to this story because it gives a voice to families and individuals whose experiences are so important yet rarely told. My brother has autism, and while our family has our own journey, I felt a deep connection to the story. When I found out I’d booked the role of Tyler, it was surreal. I was just 13 years old, and it was my first big feature film. It truly felt like a dream come true.
Can you tell us about The Unbreakable Boy and your character?
The Unbreakable Boy is about a father’s struggles with sobriety and his journey to understanding his son, Austin, who has autism. My character, Tyler, starts off as Austin’s bully but later becomes one of his closest friends and biggest supporters. While Tyler is based on a real person in Austin’s life, in the film, he represents multiple bullies that Austin and his brother Logan faced growing up.
What was it like playing Tyler, and what did you enjoy most about the role?
Tyler was an interesting character to play. Beneath all his hostility toward Logan and Austin is a kid who’s been through a lot – more than any child should have to endure. I loved learning about the real-life Tyler and hearing Austin’s story. This role gave me a new perspective that I’ll carry with me forever.
What are some of your favourite memories from filming The Unbreakable Boy and working with the cast, including Jacob Laval and Zachary Levi?
My favourite memory was celebrating my birthday on set. Gavin Warren, Jacob Laval, our parents, and the rest of the cast knew I’d be on a plane home on my actual birthday, so they surprised me with a celebration on set. Everyone sang Happy Birthday and even brought me a cupcake with a candle. It was such a special moment – honestly, they had already granted my wish just by being there.
How does it feel now that the film has been released, and what was it like watching the final version for the first time?
It still doesn’t feel real. My co-stars Gavin, Jacob, and I have been waiting almost five years for this film to come out, and in that time, we’ve become lifelong friends. Seeing it together for the first time was such a full-circle moment – it was really emotional and special for all of us.
Why would you recommend The Unbreakable Boy, and who do you think it will resonate with?
Watching The Unbreakable Boy changed my life in ways I didn’t expect. I think people should see it because it tells a story that hits closer to home than many might realise. This film teaches a lesson that stays with you. If you want to be a better human or understand the people around you more deeply, this movie is for you.
What was it like being on set for the 2024 Christmas film Red One?
Being on Red One was incredible – it was such a massive production. They rented out the entire Perimeter Mall in Atlanta, which meant everything moved at lightning speed. One of the best parts was meeting Ronny Shalvis, J.K. Simmons’ stunt double. I’d been watching his YouTube videos – stunts, flips, parkour – since I was a kid, trying to recreate them with my siblings. Meeting him on set was something I never expected but will never forget. I also had the chance to meet Philip Niu, Dwayne Johnson’s stunt double, which was another surreal moment.
In 2023, you played Young Quinn in The Hill, what was this like to do?
Playing Quinn was amazing. The Hill brought so much love into my life – the cast and crew were incredible. We filmed at an abandoned fairground in Augusta, Georgia, where we just played baseball all day. They brought in a local travel baseball team for the scene, and we all got to wear authentic 1960s uniforms and play with real vintage gloves. That’s also where I met one of my best friends, Tyrik Johnson, who played Quinn’s catcher. At the end of filming, they gave me the glove I used, and it still sits on my shelf today.
How was your time filming 115 Grains as Carter?
115 Grains was an emotional role for me. I can’t say much since it hasn’t been released yet, but it’s a powerful story about a cop dealing with PTSD. The cast and crew were incredible, especially Evan Gamble. He made me feel truly part of the team and created a space for me on set that I’ll never forget. He also mentors me in music from time to time, so thank you, Evan.
You had guest roles in The Wonder Years, The Walking Dead, and The Outsider, what were these shows like to film?
The Outsider was unforgettable. We filmed all around Chattanooga and in caves in Alabama. Every day, I was crawling through mud, exploring deep underground with the crew. One of my favourite keepsakes is the hat I got from The Outsider’s stunt director.
The Walking Dead was a dream. I got to meet Jeffrey Dean Morgan and play opposite his son in his TV debut – as a zombie, no less! We toured the costume department and met the people who bring the show to life. It was surreal.
The Wonder Years was also a great experience. I loved how smoothly everything ran on set, and my castmates were awesome.
How was your experience playing Colin in Drama Club for Nickelodeon?
Playing Colin was so much fun, even though it was a short-lived role. He was a Jim Halpert-type character – witty, sarcastic, and always messing with Curtis, played by Reyn Doi. Reyn is a powerhouse. He taught me the power of improv, and I honestly couldn’t keep it together because he was so funny. The whole Drama Club cast means a lot to me, and I cherish that time.
How did you get into acting, and was it always something you wanted to do?
I started acting in third grade when I played Scar in The Lion King at my school. From the moment I stepped on stage, I was hooked. I fed off the audience’s energy and threw it back at them tenfold. It fulfilled me in ways I’m still discovering today, and that’s when I knew this is what I’m meant to do.
What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?
My all-time favourite movie is The Nightmare Before Christmas. I’ve loved it since I was 18 months old – it will always hold a special place in my heart. I used to beg my parents to let me watch it every single night. Tim Burton’s work changed my life. My dream role would be bringing Jack Skellington to life on stage or screen.
How do you like to spend your time away from acting?
I skateboard, I do photography, and I make music. Honestly, if it’s creative, I’m in. I write, I film – every day, it’s something different.
Do you have any upcoming projects that you can share, and what are you hoping for in 2025?
I’ll be a recurring character in Brad Inglesby’s new show TASK with Mark Ruffalo, and I have a role in the upcoming feature film Thoughts & Prayers, directed by Nitzan Mager. I’m also in Flowervale Street with Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor, and I’ll be part of the final season of The Righteous Gemstones, which premieres March 9th!
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