Dexter Darden brings Frypan to life in the impressive big screen adaptation of The Maze Runner, out this month. The young actor has appeared in some excellent titles in the past, including Joyful Noise and Geography Club, but this is his first mainstream big budget action epic. We caught up with Dexter to talk about that experience and more.
Photo by Ben Miller
YOUNG ADULT MAG: What has it been like being singled out to play Frypan in new film The Maze Runner?
DEXTER DARDEN: It’s been an Honor! As an actor you get the opportunity to bring others’ words or visions to life. Being Frypan has allowed me to bring the image that thousands of young people have in their mind to life. When they read the book, they now envision me, and that in itself is a HUGE HONOR! Also working with this CAST has been amazing! We all became so close! I was just blessed to be a part of this unit!
YA: Talk to us about your character in the film. How are you similar to him, and how is he different?
DD: I love Frypan and I think we are very similar! I love to cook (I am pretty good at it!! lol), we aren’t afraid to try new things, and we want everybody to feel included. Nothing brings people together like a Nice Warm Meal!
YA: Have you ever had to deal with food in the past as an actor? What type of dishes does Frypan have to make for the Gladers?
DD: I’ve never had to cook a meal before in a film! But I’ve been a part of a food fight on camera! In the Party Scene Frypan makes a big FEAST welcoming Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) to the Glade. He cooks up a WHOLE pig roasted over the fire, some fresh Veggies seasoned to perfection, and some roasted potatoes! On the average day in the Glade he makes a mean Veggie Stew, barbeque chicken, some wild boar, and whatever he can get his hands on!
YA: What were/are you most excited see on the big screen? And what are you excited for the audience to see in the film?
DD: I was excited to see the final fight scene! It took us a week to shoot that scene, so I was excited to see how it would play in the film. Needles to say I was not disappointed! I am excited for everyone to see what Grievers looks like. Our director Wes Ball did such a good job visually crafting these things. They will definitely have you on the edge of your seat!
YA: Had you read the book before being cast? How does this compare to other YA fiction of today, and yesterday (The Lord of the Flies)?
DD: I had not read the book before being cast, but I had heard of it. My cousins are huge fans of the series, so being able to call them and let them know I am Frypan was a treat. I don’t think we should compare them. I think The Maze Runner stands alone because of its unique take on brotherhood, and the world it’s set in. The Lord of the Flies, Hunger Games, Divergent, Twilight, etc. are all amazing book series and critically acclaimed movies, so to be mentioned in a category with those successes is great!
YA: Any fun stories to happen off camera while on set?
DD: O yea!!! As I said the cast got so close, so we were always joking around and messing with each other on set. There were prank wars, water fights, rap battles, and we were always cracking jokes. I was normally behind the pranks and jokes with Dylan and Will, but even I got pranked! Frypan wears a big ole cooking apron with tons of Knives and pockets. Towards the second week of shooting I started getting Love Letters in my pockets from an anonymous source. Saying that she loved me and thought I was cute and left a phone number. This went on for weeks! About 1 month later I found out the letters were coming from my brother Will Poulter! HE got me good!
YA: What has been the best acting or professional advice you’ve received?
DD: The Legendary Paul Newman told me something I will never forget: “Auditioning is the job. Booking is the reward.” Pretty much saying even though I have had amazing opportunities, I can’t take those for granted. I have to remain hungry for what I do, so that I can keep doing what I love.
YA: If you could play any role from any film or TV show in history, who would it be and why?
DD: Detective James Carter in Rush Hour. This is my favorite movie of all time for a number of reasons and Chris Tucker is number 1 on that list. He was so creative with his comedy but wasn’t afraid to go for the drama when it called for it. I would love to play the role, but don’t think I could ever do it justice!
YA: What would you say is your favorite YA story, book or film?
DD: When I was younger I really enjoyed Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. It’s been a while since I read it, but I’m sure it’s still brilliant! As for film I’d have to say The Maze Runner. James Dashner’s amazing story combined with Wes Ball’s creative genius have provided a Movie for the ages!