Four years after filming, The Unbreakable Boy is now in theaters, and for actor Jacob Laval who stars as Austin LeRette, telling this true story about resilience was incredibly important. We Facetimed with Jacob ahead of the film’s release to learn more about how he prepped to play Austin and his experience working with this incredibly talented cast.
The Unbreakable Boy is based on Scott LaRette’s autobiography “The Unbreakable Boy: A Father’s Fear, a Son’s Courage, and a Story of Unconditional Love.” The true story follows Scott’s son Austin LeRette, who has both a rare brittle-bone disease and autism as his unwavering optimism and positive outlook on life transforms the lives of those around him. In addition to Jacob, the film stars Zachary Levi as Scott LeRette, Meghann Fahy as Teresa LeRette, Drew Powell, Patricia Heaton, and more.
Jacob has already cemented himself as a rising young star and has had roles in HBO’s The Plot Against America, Netflix’s John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch, several episodes of Sesame Street and the Warner Bros’ film 8-Bit Christmas.
“We thought because Austin is a fun character, we wanted to have a lot of fun with it.”
Jacob gave us such great advice for any aspiring actors prepping for auditions when it comes to memorizing lines. Jacob said he has learned lines will come easier to you when you understand your character’s intentions and reasons behind their actions.
“Don’t focus as much on the lines themselves but focus more on the intentions behind the lines.”
While on set, Jacob said working with his on-screen parents, Meghann and Zach, was a great experience. They were both so kind and friendly and he developed a great friendship with his on-screen brother Gavin Warren.
“[Meghann and Zach] were both really kind and really friendly to work with.”
The Unbreakable Boy was filmed in 2020 in Oklahoma City, and Jacob said he enjoyed being in a completely new city and exploring, even joking that one of his favorite attractions was the massive Walmart, something that is hard to find in his native New York City.
Because the film is based on the true story, Jacob revealed he got to meet the real Austin LeRette and said he is exactly the same happy and positive person you see on screen. The duo developed a close relationship and loved playing video games together.
“I also got to meet the real Austin which was really helpful.”
For anyone interested in the film, Jacob said The Unbreakable Boy is a story of resilience and the importance of accepting others who may be different than you. It is a story for all ages and it is evident how much the cast and crew enjoyed telling it.
PULL QUOTE: “I hope viewers take away the message of getting through struggles. Every character in the movie has a struggle but in the end they all come together and find ways to move past it.”
Thank you, Jacob, for Facetiming with Young Entertainment! Make sure to follow him on his Instagram at @jacoblaval. Watch the rest of the interview where we ask him more about filming in a new city and his funniest moments off set. While you’re there, be sure to like and subscribe to our channel for the latest news in young entertainment.
Consider this:
-When memorizing lines, consider the intention behind the lines rather than just the words themself. Understanding why your character is saying them and the reasons behind their actions will make it easier. Also split up the lines rather than just trying to memorize them all at once.
