Meet Noah Taylor, the Filipino werewolf stealing hearts in ‘Wednesday’ Season 2

There's a new face stirring up excitement in Nevermore Academy, and he's poised to become your next favorite werewolf heartthrob! Meet Noah Taylor, the 19-year-old Filipino-American actor-musician who is making a significant splash in Season 2 of Netflix's hit series, "Wednesday." Taylor steps into the shoes of Bruno Yuson, a mysterious yet charming transfer student and fellow lycanthrope, set to add a new layer of intrigue and perhaps even a romantic spark to the already vibrant world of outcasts.

Ahead of the Season 2 Part 1 premiere on August 6, we had the opportunity to speak with Noah about this breakout role. Our conversation delved into his journey to the Netflix smash, how his diverse background in music and indie filmmaking — even including Filipino productions — influenced his portrayal of Bruno, and what it was like working alongside the talented cast, particularly Emma Myers. He also shared insights into embracing a multi-faceted character and the relatable influence of his Filipino upbringing.

Stepping into a franchise with such a dedicated global fanbase can be daunting, and Noah admitted to feeling a mix of excitement and "a little terrifying" apprehension. Having landed the role while still in acting school, he described the experience as being "thrown into the deep end," but quickly added that the incredible support from the cast and crew made him feel truly welcome and at ease.

Noah's journey to this prominent role began somewhat organically in high school, where friends involved in filmmaking encouraged him to try acting in their short films. While initially focused on animation and art, he decided to "give it a shot" and soon found himself signed with an agency. His early career involved numerous indie short films in New York, as well as production assistant work, including a memorable shoot in the Philippines where he met veteran actor Jon Santos. Consistent auditions and a period at acting school eventually led him to secure his current breakthrough part.

The audition process for "Wednesday" was extensive, starting with his initial self-tape submission in December when he was just 17. Noah recalled dedicating significant effort, recording "40, 45 takes" to ensure his best performance for such a major opportunity. This was followed by multiple Zoom callbacks, culminating in a chemistry test with co-star Emma Myers, whom he praised for making the experience seamless due to her impressive acting skills.

When preparing for his role as a werewolf within the popular fantasy YA genre, Noah emphasized a focus on physicality. Coincidentally, his acting school's movement class included animal studies at the time, which proved invaluable for embodying a creature that balances strength with human qualities. He consciously chose to approach each scene individually rather than getting bogged down by genre conventions, aiming to bring his unique interpretation to Bruno without mimicking the distinct styles of his fellow cast members.

Noah's background as a musician, having studied classical violin from age four to fifteen, instilled in him a methodical approach to learning. Though the daily practice was intense, it taught him the power of persistence and the ability to master any skill by breaking it down into manageable steps. This discipline, cultivated through music, now informs his approach to acting and other creative pursuits.

Confirming suspicions about his upbringing, Noah shared that his mother is Filipino and his father is white. He expressed profound gratitude for his mother's emphasis on education and seizing opportunities, acknowledging that her encouragement to pursue various activities — from competitive swimming to tap dancing — has profoundly shaped his success today. This drive from his Filipino heritage proved to be a significant asset in his development.

Working closely with Emma Myers, who plays Enid Sinclair, was a highlight for Noah. He described Emma as an "amazing" and highly professional actress whose strong performances made his own work effortless. He found it a joy to collaborate with her and the entire cast, commending them all for being incredibly talented, hardworking, and genuinely delightful to be around.

Noah expressed the "surreal" feeling of being recognized as a potential "werewolf heartthrob trailblazer," a role he never envisioned for himself. He shared that the production team consulted him about making Bruno's heritage Filipino, an idea he enthusiastically embraced. For Noah, this opportunity to bring Filipino representation to such a widely viewed series is incredibly exciting and meaningful.

His favorite aspect of portraying Bruno was exploring the character's inherent depth and duality. Noah appreciated the script's flexibility, which allowed him to infuse Bruno with personal influences and experiences. Beyond the complexity, he also found immense joy in simply playing a "cool guy" – complete with a varsity jacket and a Danny Zuko-esque greased-back hairstyle – noting the fun in both embracing and subverting typical expectations for such a role.

When seeking inspiration for Bruno, Noah cited Masatoshi Nagase's performance in "Mystery Train" as a key touchstone. He admired Nagase's portrayal of an 18-year-old in Memphis, finding his character both incredibly suave and slick, yet also genuinely vulnerable and relatable. This balance of coolness and humanity, depicting a young man experiencing a new world, resonated deeply with Noah's vision for Bruno.

Beyond acting, Noah is also a member of the indie band "One Minute Friend." He emphasized his enduring love for music, stating it's a passion he'll always pursue regardless of his acting success. He hopes his newfound visibility might encourage more people to discover his band, especially with a new album set to release on the 13th of this month. For Noah, music offers a crucial outlet for creative control, allowing him to produce art independently whenever inspiration strikes.

When asked to categorize Bruno within the popular "Black Cat Boyfriend" versus "Golden Retriever Boyfriend" trend, Noah definitively placed his character in the "Black Cat" category.