Meet "13 Reasons Why" Star Timothy Granaderos
If you've been following the cast of 13 Reasons Why on Instagram, then you might have seen the hashtag #timisnotmonty a couple of times, like here and here. That's because the actors are trying to remind fans Timothy Granaderos and his character, Montgomery de la Cruz, are two totally different people. So on that note, Seventeen.com got the chance to chat with Timothy (not Monty!) and ask him all about season 2, even a little about season 3. As always, proceed with caution - spoilers ahead.
1. In season 2, there is a lot more going on with your character, Monty. What was your initial reaction to the script and his new storyline?
I was excited to develop Monty as a person, and not just a bully. We only received a few scripts at a time, so on my first day of shooting our executive producer, Brian Yorkey, laid out Monty's character arc. The most exciting part is that Brian only told us what we needed to know. He also left it up to the actors to keep their characters secrets!
2. How would you compare filming season 1 and season 2? Has the dynamic on set changed at all now that the cast has grown and the story has evolved?
Both were special in their own way! Season 1 was full-on summer camp. Everyone was getting to know each other, as well as their characters. Season 2 was like going back to summer camp, but with a few new faces.
3. People were very mad that Bryce basically got a slap on the wrist for his actions. Do you think Monty's fate will be any different?
It's hard to say what'll happen to Monty. I think that sometimes in the real world, proper justice isn't served. From a viewer’s perspective, I hope Monty gets what’s coming to him. From an actor’s perspective, I hope it takes a season’s worth of episodes for it to come.
4. This season, it was very clear Monty has an abusive father. If there is a season 3, do you think fans will learn more about their relationship and Monty's struggles at home?
I would hope so! Monty is a product of his environment. So, I think in order to fully understand why he acts the way he does, we need to understand his relationship with his father. And sadly, this isn't an uncommon storyline.
5. Is there anything else you’d want to see happen in season 3 if it’s confirmed?
I would love to see Tyler Down get a little love! Devin Druid broke my heart with his performance in season 2. I sympathize with his character.
6. You took part in some very violent and difficult scenes. How did you emotionally prepare?
In preparation for those scenes, I did a lot of research on similar scenarios. I was trying to understand the mentality behind such brutal acts of violence and I found that the root of Monty's actions is pain. On the days that we shot those scenes, I isolated myself as much as possible, and in between takes listened to very angst-y music. Also, the entire crew and my fellow castmates were more than amazing! Everyone was hypersensitive to the work, and provided a safe and nurturing environment.
7. Other sites have been reporting that you’ve been getting threats because of your character. Is that true?
Most of the threats are towards Monty, not me! Monty's actions have sparked some strong emotional responses. And to be honest, I would be shocked if people weren't reacting the way they are. Our fans are very passionate and I love them for that.
8. Has your character taught you anything?
To not immediately judge someone based on their actions. You never know what they've got going on behind the scenes.
9. If you could be friends with any of the 13RW characters, who would it be and why?
I would probably want to chill with Zach Dempsey, played by Ross Butler. You can tell in season 2 that he's constantly trying to do the right thing, even when the right thing isn't the easy thing. That's the type of person I like to associate myself with.
10. Unfortunately, some people are having a tough time separating the 13RW characters from the actors. What would you like fans to know about you that they might not know?
I'm a Virgo who loves nature and his family. I once had a pet bird named Cebu. I'm half Filipino and I'm proud to be from Kalamazoo, Michigan.
11. Some fans are absolutely convinced you starred in Selena Gomez's music video for "Love You Like a Love Song." Is that true?
Nah, that guy in the mariachi band playing the futuristic flute wearing Donatello's purple eye mask who looks just like me isn't me... definitely not me... but if you look closely, it's me.
Victoria Rodriguez is a fellow at Seventeen.com. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram!
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