If the cast chemistry in That Friend feels authentic, it’s because stars Harvey Guillén and Josh Brener clearly have just as much fun off-screen as they do in the film.
The duo sat down with Gayety to discuss the new comedy, which follows a Palm Springs getaway that goes completely off the rails when an overly enthusiastic best friend crashes the romantic weekend. Along the way, the conversation covered everything from improvised chaos with co-star Billie Lourd to the importance of chosen family, with several unexpected detours into Creed songs.
Guillén jokes that he was originally approached to play Brener’s character before recommending his co-star for the role, explaining that the film’s central friendship only worked because of their chemistry. Brener, meanwhile, joked that his biggest challenge during filming was simply keeping a straight face while Guillén and Lourd improvised around him.
While That Friend delivers plenty of laughs, both actors emphasized that the movie’s heart lies in its friendships. Guillén spoke about the importance of chosen family, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, encouraging viewers to surround themselves with people who make them feel accepted and supported.
The rest of the interview? Mostly stories about Palm Springs, rap names, Broadway, and repeated reminders that there’s always time for a Creed break. Just like the film itself, it’s heartfelt, chaotic, and a lot of fun.
(Photo: Straw Hut Media)