SXSW 2026 Brian red carpet interviews with Will Ropp, William H. Macy, Edi Patterson, and more. They talk coming-of-age & directorial debuts. [VIDEO]
Brian is Will Ropp’s feature directorial debut and was written by Late Night with Seth Meyers vet Mike Scollins. It is also one of the best films to come out of SXSW 2026 (which says a lot because so many movies this year were fantastic).
The film is a poignant yet darkly funny coming-of-age story. It follows Brian (Ben Wang), a brilliant student struggling with OCD and intense panic attacks, who decides to run for class president. While his candidacy is a risky move for someone who struggles with stress, Brian is motivated by a desire to finally be good at something and to get closer to his unrequited crush – who just happens to be his teacher, Brooke (Natalie Morales).
Mama’s Geeky caught up with the incredible team that brought this movie to life. Correspondent Rachel Tolleson spoke with director Will Ropp to discuss his transition to the director’s chair and what it means to debut this film at such an iconic festival.
The carpet was a star-studded affair as we also chatted with the legendary William H. Macy, who plays Brian’s soothing therapist, and Edi Patterson, who brings her signature comedic brilliance to the role of Brian’s over-enthusiastic mom. Rachel even got to spend a few moments with Sophia Macy and Natalie Morales to discuss the film’s unique blend of pitch-black hilarity and genuine tenderness.
From Actor To Filmmaker
Will has had movies play at SXSW before as an actor, but Brian marks a major milestone for him.
“This is super surreal, and I’ve always been a fan of South By,” he explained. “I’ve had movies play here as an actor, but never as a contributor, like a filmmaker. So it’s like an honor, and it’s crazy”.
He described the experience of being on the other side of the camera as a mix of fear and exhilaration. “I forget that I did direct this, and you know what I mean? I’m not an actor that’s just in the movie. It’s just kind of surreal. It’s like you’re doing the thing that you envisioned, and it’s crazy”.
When discussing the character of Brian and where he might end up in adulthood, Will shared a touching outlook on the character’s journey.
“I just hope he is the same person, like a funny, goofy kid trying to find out who he is,” he explained. “I think we never stop trying to find out who we are, so I think he’ll be that when he’s an adult too”. As for a career for Brian? Will joked, “I hope he’s not making independent films. I hope he has a stable job. He’s an accountant”.
Be sure to watch the full video for more of our interviews with Will Ropp, Edi Patterson, and the rest of the Brian cast. Don’t forget to check out our other SXSW 2026 red carpet coverage, including Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, Normal, Pretty Lethal, Power Ballad, and Over Your Dead Body.
