PALMER - FISHER STEVENS and RYDER ALLEN INTERVIEW

Ryder Allen and Justin Timberlake in, Palmer

Director Fisher Stevens saw something special in Ryder Allen as soon as the 7 year old ( at the time). read his lines with Justin TImberlake. He knew at that minute - this was a winning combo for his new drama, Palmer.

“Palmer,” arriving on Apple TV Plus on January 29th, stars Timberlake as a former college football star who returns home after 12 years in prison. His grandmother (played by June Squibb) allows Shelley (Juno Temple) to keep her mobile home on her property and often babysits Shelley’s son Sam (Allen), a kind boy who plays with dolls and likes to dress as a fairy. Sam’s refusal to conform to gender norms doesn’t go over well in their small town, and Palmer soon finds himself the unlikely caretaker of the child.

Newcomer Ryder Allen who had only done a few small roles on television immediately connected with Timberlake and although he was a little younger than Fisher Stevens originally wanted for the role, he knew it had to be.

“Palmer” is a touching and at times heartbreaking story of friendship and family anchored by the main performances of Timberlake and Allen. Their undeniable chemistry and Allen’s compelling performance are made all the more impressive by the fact that it’s the actor’s first film. And while it may be Timberlake who first draws audiences to the movie, there’s little doubt they will walk away talking about Allen.

Fisher Stevens on the set of, Palmer

I had the opportunity to chat with director Fisher Stevens and 9 year old Ryder Allen about working on the film.