Garrett Clayton is a former Disney star that launched to stardom among tweens and closeted gay fans alike (hey, it’s true). But now, he’s trying to break out of the “child star” cloud, which is a hard skin to peel.
Growing out of the child-star label takes drastic measures, just ask Miley Cyrus or Selena Gomez. Clayton is definitely the male equivalent, except rather than twerking on stage, he’s having sleeping with Christian Slater in a James Franco film. Now that’s ballsy.
Related: Disney Heartthrob to Play Brent Corrigan in James Franco Film
As you know, Clayton’s playing as Sean Paul Lockhart, a popular adult star also known as Brent Corrigan, in the film King Cobra, which opened at Tribeca this weekend. The movie depicts the events surrounding the 2007 murder of adult film producer Bryan Kocis.
In a recent interview with OUT magazine, Clayton opens up about his Disney past, his gay present, and how same-sex relationships is gaining commercial appeal.
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“When I finished working with Disney, I think I was just excited that I got to explore something completely outside of the box,” Clayton answered when asked why he made such a risqué transition. He added, “I think that’s all most actors can really ask for, to be lucky enough to have a versatile career.”
Versatile is right. From dancing on a beach in board shorts in Disney’s Teen Beach Movie, to being thrown against a closet barely clothed and making out with Christian Slater. Now that’s what I call versatile.
“The [ steamy Slater love scene] is kind of crazy,” he explains. “Sometimes I’d have to, like, take a deep breath and just be like, ‘It’s ok. It’s just a role.’ Because it’s a very intense movie, and there’s a lot of intense moments.”
Related: King Cobra Has Gay Scenes Rarely Seen in Theatres
When it was first announced that Clayton would portray Sean Lockhart, the real Sean responded to the whole fiasco.
He wrote on Facbeook: “The internet has been a buzz regarding some recent news that a movie is being filmed right now in New York State chronicling the Bryan Kocis murder and the early days of my adult career. I was originally approached to be a part of the film as a consultant and the cast. I was asked to play a small part in the film and declined the role. Ultimately, I chose to move forward with my own plans to finally release my book in place of taking part in someone elses presentation of events that I personally lived as a young adult.”
It doesn't matter what A list celebrity is involved. The screenplay & content didn't jive. I passed it up. @GABRIELBOTERO @JamesPMBerry
— Brent Corrigan (@BrentCorrigan) April 18, 2016
I was 17-21 in the years the screenplay spans. I looked much younger. He doesn't embody Brian's preference for not legal boys @NathanJ
— Brent Corrigan (@BrentCorrigan) October 20, 2015
“I haven’t spoken to [Lockhart] at all,” Clayton told OUT. “Actually when I first got the part, I asked if I could meet him and talk to him to try to see his mannerisms and know more about his life. But Justin [Justin Kelly] wanted it to be more separate, because he didn’t want people to watch it and then get sucked into what I was trying to be. He wanted it to be more movie-esque and more character, as opposed to trying to imitate him. I think to keep it separate is also a little bit out of respect, because it’s such a touchy situation.”
When asked how he researched the role, Clayton replied, “I tried to find the relatability. I tried to find any similarity in that coming from a small town and going into such a big environment and a big city. That was my door into it, I guess, because I’m from Michigan. We’re both from small areas where we found who we were, and I think that was my way of getting into the role.
Related: James Franco Reveals He’s Gay to a Point
In regards to gay love gaining commercial appeal: “I just think we’re in a really cool lucky time where there are films like this that are able to be made, and it’s not just some small indie market. It’s actually a time where it’s commercial. I think Christian is brilliant in this film, and ten years ago, it wouldn’t have been able to be made.”
Read the whole interview on OUT.com.
David Artavia is an actor and writer from New York City. He loves living vicariously through his friends. Follow him on Twitter and Like his Facebook page.
