At just 18, Pilot Bunch has carried a quiet magnetism and creative depth to his roles that can be rarely witnessed these days. In Lionsgate’s recent offering, "The Unbreakable Boy", Bunch showcases a heartfelt performance as 'Tyler' whose compassion becomes a significant turning point in the life of 'Austin LeRette'- a boy with autism and a rare genetic condition of brittle bone disease.

Bunch's performance has without-a-doubt established the young actor as a voice of substance within the landscape of entertainment. 

Starring alongside a phenomenal ensemble including Zachary Levi, Meghann Fahy, Patricia Heaton, and Jacob Laval, this role is especially meaningful and personal for Bunch as his own brother is on the autism spectrum which further helped him bring in a novel facet of emotional connection that grounded his portrayal. 

With credits in critically acclaimed projects like, "The Walking Dead", "The Wonder Years", and HBO’s "The Outsider", Bunch is already crafting a varied career with a creative perspective often rooted in empathy and authenticity. 

We recently talked to the lovely Pilot Bunch regarding his surreal involvement in THE UNBREAKABLE BOY. 

Hi there Pilot. Thank you for joining us on ReVamp! How are you doing and how has 2025 been like for you so far? 

Beginning our interview, we have to mention your impeccable performance in "The Unbreakable Boy"! First of all, huge congratulations on your involvement! 

What was it initially that attracted you to the role of 'Tyler' and were there any characteristics of him that you felt like you resonated the most with when you read the script for the first time? 

When first booking The Unbreakable Boy, I was already drawn in as it was my very first feature booking. Story wise, it was Tyler’s intensity, and the little pieces of his story that pulled me closer to the role. The entire story of The Unbreakable Boy is truly what made me fall in love with the script, but the studying of Tyler’s life pulled me closer. I feel like Tyler is someone that many young boys within that stage of life can identify with. Hopefully this story lets them know that it is okay that they are going through things they don’t understand, and that taking that pain out on others isn’t what heals it, the love does.

"The Unbreakable Boy" is truly such a profoundly moving film. How did you prepare to embody an intricate character like Tyler who plays such a crucial part in Austin’s journey?

To embody the character—especially Tyler—I began by creating a backstory. I hadn’t met the real Tyler before this, so I had to rely heavily on the script and supplement it with my own imagination. I developed the dynamics of his relationships with his mother and father, envisioned what a typical day looks like for him, imagined his favorite music, and, most importantly, explored the source of the pain that leads Tyler to inflict and project his hurt onto others.

To dive deeper into his world, I created playlists, wrote short stories, and spent time reflecting on what conversations with the people in Tyler’s life might feel like.

Kindly walk me through your creative process for portraying Tyler. Did you have any specific acting ritual you immersed yourself in that helped you get into the mindset of your character? 

At the time, I didn’t have a very structured process—as this was one of my first major roles—but it all started with reading the script and understanding the relationship between Tyler, Austin, and Logan. From there, I built out his backstory and his relationships with his parents. Ultimately, the most important discovery for me was understanding why Tyler was in so much pain that he began to project it onto others.

I mean the film boasts such a talented ensemble; including the wonderful Zachary Levi, Jacob Laval, Meghann Fahy, and Patricia Heaton. 

What was your experience meeting them for the first time and did you gain any insights or learn anything new while working alongside such distinguished performers?

Working alongside Zachary Levi, Jacob Laval, Gavin Warren, and Meghann Fahy on the same project was truly amazing. The people I got to know best, however, were Jacob and Gavin . They are not only incredibly talented actors but also even more incredible people. We became like brothers, and I will never forget the experience of creating such a beautiful story with both of them. They showed me the way I wanted to make other people feel on set; Loved, appreciated, and welcomed.

Do you have any memorable sequences from the production that proved to be extremely transformative for you? Perhaps a favourite scene? 

I have come to realize that one of my favorite scenes is when Logan gives Tyler his skateboard. Being conscious of what both of these characters were going through is what makes for an incredibly powerful moment—both while filming and later watching it on the big screen. These two kids from different backgrounds that hold deep rooted hardship, finally coming together, I think it is beautiful. Gavin and I truly bonded during the process, and that scene pushed me as an actor and made me better than I was before walking onto that set. 

Something that is extremely beautiful about this film is that your portrayal of 'Tyler' carries an unexpectedly special layer of authenticity due to your personal connection of having an autistic brother yourself. 

Having grown up with a sibling on the autism spectrum, what insights or perspective do you believe you brought out naturally to your role and on the set that might not have been possible otherwise?

I think this movie is a crowd favorite, which is all that matters. More importantly, we’re spreading a story that needs to be heard, and that’s why I do this. That’s why I’m here on this earth: to tell stories that have never been told and to give voices a chance to be heard. And that’s what I’ve done.

The movie has already been out for a few days so I'm very curious to know how has the reception been like on your performance so far. Are you enjoying the response you're currently garnering? 

I hope the audience takes away the idea that you never truly know what someone is going through, so how can you begin to assume that you do? You don’t know what someone has experienced growing up, or what they’re facing now, or what’s ahead for them. As human beings, I believe it’s our responsibility to sit down and learn about one another.

I think we’ve lost a sense of acceptance in many ways. People need to pause and take time to understand those around them. If we all take a moment to listen to each other’s stories, there will be no more so-called bullying. If we take the time to hear people’s struggles and insecurities, and accept them for who they are. That’s when all of the negativity ends. But we have to take the time to make it happen.

What do you hope audiences will take away from your performance in "The Unbreakable Boy" as well as the movie in general; particularly about the themes of empathy, inclusivity, and the harsher experiences a lot of neurodivergent people face including bullying from their peers. 

Yes, I’ve been teaching or assistant teaching the lower school theatre troupe at my high school for four years. I grew up in that same theatre, and I believe the best way I can give back for all that I have been given is by doing the same for others. There’s nothing more important than helping the next generation find their passion. If I can, in some way, help inspire and educate the next beings of this world, then you best believe I am going all in.. I’ve learned that, at the end of the day, all you can do is pass on your own confusion in hopes that someone else can make sense of it, and maybe make the world a little better because of the advice you gave, the lesson you taught, or simply because you believed in them. My teachers changed my life, so maybe, by doing this, I will be able to do the same for others.

Reading more about you, one of the things that struck me the most was regarding your role as a volunteer assistant teacher with a children’s theater troupe.

Being involved in such an initiative and that too at such a young age really showcases your commitment to the community. 
I would love to know what was it that drove that desire of yours to give back to the community and have you learned anything from it? 

Being involved in the projects I’ve worked on has been a privilege beyond my imagination. It has accelerated my growth more than I ever imagined. I believe the best way to learn is by doing, and the universe has given me that opportunity. I’ve worked on sets with some of the greatest actors and performers of my time, people who have shaped my childhood. I’ve learned so much from them.

These experiences have also humbled me and helped clarify who I want to become, what I want to strive for, and what my ultimate goal is. I’ve learned countless lessons and am forever grateful for the small bits of wisdom I’ve picked up along the way.

Despite your young age, your body of work already spans over a plethora of critically acclaimed projects such as "The Walking Dead", "Red One", "The Outsider", and "The Wonder Years". 

How do you think being involved in such phenomenal projects has shaped your evolution as an actor?

I can’t share much about Flowervale Street, other than the fact that I made beautiful connections with my castmates and that the cast and crew were truly special.

As for The Righteous Gemstones, I can share a bit. I had the honor of working with legends of the industry; John Goodman, Walton Goggins, Danny McBride, and even Dan Auerbach, the lead singer of The Black Keys ( I grew up with Dan as somewhat of a soundtrack of my childhood. Meeting him was a miracle of its own). 

Watching Walton work was equally astonishing. From before the first “action” to the very last “cut,” he was fully in character and completely dialed in. His performance was like watching a master craftsman at work. The way he commanded the space around was unlike anything I have ever seen. I truly believe he is extremely underrated for the incredible work that he gives to this world. I am very glad to see that he is finally getting the recognition that he deserves. I'll say once and I will say it again, I believe Walton is a master of the craft. 

Even in the small scenes I shared with him, I learned so much. From watching him in Sons of Anarchy, then in The Righteous Gemstones, and finally, to work with him in person was surreal.

You also have several exciting forthcoming projects, including "Flowervale Street" and the currently successful and trending series- "The Righteous Gemstones"!

What can you share about these projects and your experience working on them? 

At this point in my career, I’ve always been drawn to roles like Dally or Ponyboy from The Outsiders, or characters like Bender from the Breakfast club, or Ducky from Pretty in Pink.  Something coming-of-age that explores the struggles of teenage wonder and confusion and everything I’ve been through in recent years. I think those kinds of stories are special. Adults tend to forget that phase of life, and movies like that bring it all back. For younger audiences, films like those are something to grasp on to in the midst of all of the confusion that is going on with their life. 

If I can tell a story that someone connects with, something that helps them through a tough time, that’s the most fulfilling thing for me. I also love stories that explore the grit of subcultures, like Donnie Darko, Trainspotting, or American History X. Those films offer a glimpse into closed-off worlds that regular people don’t see. I find that incredibly compelling. They are some of the most eye opening films I’ve ever watched, and performance wise, some of the most incredible films to study. 

As you continue to pave your way within this landscape, are there any specific stories/genres that most excite you at this stage of your career? Like what kind of roles are you aiming to play more in the future?

What's next for you, Pilot? Any other upcoming projects of yours in the pipeline that you'd like to tell us about? 

I have a very exciting film coming up called Thoughts and Prayers, written and directed by Nitzan Mager,  starring Molly Ringwald and Patrick Wilson. I had the time of my life filming it, and I’m incredibly grateful. I want to thank Nitzan and the rest of the cast and crew for the opportunity and the unforgettable memories.

I’m also still processing the fact that I had the chance to be part of Brad Ingelsby’s new show Task starring Mark Ruffalo, which is coming to HBO. I’m extremely excited for that one and can’t wait for the world to see it.

Ending Note:- Thank you for joining us on this lovely and insightful interview, Pilot! Wishing you lots of luck on the success of 'THE UNBREAKABLE BOY'!

Lastly, I would love to know if there's any message that you wish to convey to your fans and supporters currently reading this interview?

If I could leave readers with one message, it’s this: the most important thing in life is to do what makes you happy. Whatever excites you—whatever that burning fire inside you is—follow it. Find what stokes its flames and never stray from that path. Your life belongs to you, not to anyone else. Live it fully, for yourself. Passion is rare and powerful. Find yours, and follow it until the very end.