Brandon Jay McLaren has quietly built one of the most versatile careers in film and television, from cult classic comedies to emotionally complex dramas, to his newest role in Netflix’s Wayward, a series that pulls back the curtain on the dark and often unseen world of the troubled teen industry.

What ties these characters together and what anchors his storytelling is something deeply human: the desire to belong.

I had the honor of sitting down with the Wayward star to talk about the emotional core of his characters, working alongside icons like Toni Collette, and what he’d tell his younger self who had no idea what was coming.

You’ve played such a wide spectrum of characters, from comedies like She’s the Man to projects like Snowfall and now Wayward. Looking back, what do you think connects them all?
I think the through-line is that, in one way or another, all of these characters are searching for belonging. They might not always go about it the right way, or make the smartest choices, but deep down, that’s what they want: to find a place where they’re seen and accepted.

The troubled teen industry is rarely shown on screen. In preparing for this role, what did you uncover about that world that stayed with you?
A friend told me to watch this documentary called The Program, and it was eye-opening. It really shows the reality of these facilities, the emotional impact, the control, the trauma. It helped me understand the depth of what these kids go through and how the system affects them long after they leave.

You’re acting alongside Toni Collette and Mae Martin in a show that blends thriller and emotional storytelling. What was that like?
Man, it was incredible. This is Mae’s show, and to watch her work both in front of and behind the camera, the level of care, the thoughtfulness; it was inspiring. And Toni Collette… she’s a legend. My favorite movie and novel is The Hours. I used to watch it all the time, so to go from admiring her work to actually working beside her was surreal. An absolute honor.

You’ve had roles that people still quote, still remember. If you could talk to the Brandon who was just starting out, what would you want him to know?
Honestly, if I told younger me half of what we’ve been able to do, he wouldn’t believe it. I’d tell him, Don’t give up on yourself. Keep investing in your dream. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to work out. Just stay the course.