Neglected Interview: Dylan Sprouse & Josh Duhamel on Last Meals and the Theme Park Rides That Terrify Them
Inside the mind games, last meals, and terrifying theme park rides! Dive into an exclusive look at the high-stakes psychological thriller.
From his early breakout on Disney’s The Suite Life of Zack & Cody to a versatile film career, Dylan Sprouse delivers a sharp and calculating performance as AJ, a suspect who surrenders to the police with a chilling ultimatum. Sprouse reflected on the nature of his character, saying, "I think that was part of the fun of the script... it definitely allowed me to fill that space and add a little life to a character who is obviously doing some pretty deplorable things throughout the movie."
He is joined by Josh Duhamel, who brings a commanding, gritty presence to the screen. Known for his work in the Transformers franchise and celebrated dramas, Duhamel delivers a powerful performance as Detective Shaw, a father forced to navigate psychological warfare in a pulse-pounding race against time to save his son. Duhamel noted how the role hit close to home, sharing, "I can't even imagine having to go through something like this... You’re forced to confront things that you would never otherwise even look at or even want to think about."
The conversation explored the intense dynamic between the two actors, noting how for many fans, seeing them together is a collision of "childhood pillars" of entertainment. Sprouse discussed the unique challenge of playing AJ, a character who dominates the screen through pure psychological manipulation rather than physical force. Duhamel described the process of filming as intense and even therapeutic, providing a raw look at the emotional weight behind the thriller.
To balance the tension of the film, the duo shared lighter insights into their personal lives and quirks. Dylan Sprouse joked about his character's "last meal" being garlic rolls and barbecue sauce, saying "I think I could devour about 50 of them in a single go." Meanwhile, the pair debated the best theme park rides to visit if their characters ever managed to bury the hatchet.
Duhamel admitted his genuine fear of The Simpsons ride at Universal, while Sprouse recalled being freaked out by the hellish ending of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland as a kid. This blend of high-stakes drama and genuine off-screen chemistry highlights exactly why Neglected is such a highly anticipated release.
Neglected releases May 8th.