Wyatt Russell has revealed the immense challenges he faced during production on his upcoming film, Broke, where he stars alongside Dennis Quaid. Set in Montana, the movie required Russell to work in brutally cold conditions, sometimes burying himself under a foot of snow at -35 degrees. Speaking about the experience, Russell called it one of the hardest days of filming in his career, highlighting the intense physical and emotional demands that tested his limits.
In a recent conversation anticipating the release of Broke’s trailer, both Wyatt Russell and Dennis Quaid discussed their experiences while working on writer-director Carlyle Eubank’s debut feature. Russell plays True Brandywine, a bareback bronc rider fighting to extend his rodeo career as he faces the reality of an industry that is grueling, unforgiving, and sometimes overlooked. With the film’s Digital release now available, audiences are being offered a raw and unfiltered look at a world few movies explore with similar authenticity.
Reflecting on a particularly taxing shoot, Wyatt Russell explained,
Quaid, who endured the same elements, commented,
The film’s production did not benefit from lavish Hollywood budgets, adding to the realism and hardship endured by its cast. According to Russell, the team had little money for extensive wardrobe or comforts, relying instead on a few pairs of socks, thermals, and a strong will.
he said with a mix of exasperation and pride.
Wyatt Russell candidly described the emotional weight he carried during filming, particularly as a new father.
Quaid also alluded to the authenticity and difficulty of capturing such a story, noting,
Broke distinguishes itself by abandoning the shiny, glamorous tropes usually seen in rodeo films. Wyatt Russell chose to act in and produce the film because he wanted to tell a story about the underrepresented reality of the American rodeo circuit. He contrasted it with more commercial depictions, stating,
The film aims to portray the unvarnished truth about life on the rodeo circuit, which for many is marked by hardship, limited financial reward, and a constant struggle to get ahead. Wyatt Russell said,
The depth of Broke’s realism is further rooted in the script by Carlyle Eubank, who drew praise from both Russell and Quaid. Quaid was especially taken with the specificity and honesty of the script, pointing out,
The physical and psychological strain placed on actors like Wyatt Russell is seen as a testament to the film’s pursuit of truth. The story explores the real-world consequences of a life driven by passion and perseverance in an unforgiving environment. Russell highlighted the hardship, remarking,
Dennis Quaid, reflecting on the generational nature of rodeo life, said,
Poetry and beauty are embedded within the pain that underpins the entire narrative, according to Wyatt Russell.
The film also leaves room for interpretation in pivotal scenes. When asked about a crucial gunshot moment that appears to invite multiple readings, Russell chose not to disclose its meaning.
he explained, with Quaid adding,
demonstrating their hope for audiences to engage deeply with the film’s themes.
For both actors, working with a first-time director like Carlyle Eubank came with its own kind of creative inquiry and openness. Eubank’s firsthand knowledge of the subject matter inspired trust. Russell admitted that with such an authentic script, he needed Eubank’s expertise:
Russell expressed how valuable it was to work with a director who not only wrote the script but had a lived understanding of the world he was depicting.
The conversation also covered future projects for the two stars, underscoring their active presence in Hollywood beyond Broke. Dennis Quaid discussed War Machine, describing it as a departure from typical expectations.
Wyatt Russell, meanwhile, touched on his ongoing involvement in Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2. He alluded to expanding upon themes from the first season and promised the stakes would rise even higher.
Russell also shared insights about working on an upcoming Steven Spielberg project but kept details tightly under wraps. Describing Spielberg as “a dream,” he recounted,
Pressed for details about Spielberg’s next project, Wyatt Russell demurred,
Quaid humorously added,
Returning to Broke, the film stands as a testament to the resilience and authenticity of its cast and crew. Wyatt Russell’s passion for telling overlooked stories motivated his drive to produce and star in a project that seeks to reflect the hard reality faced by countless Americans working on the fringes of mainstream recognition. Through his performance, Russell offers audiences a rare look at the enduring struggle found in the rodeo world, capturing the spirit, hardship, and dignity that define it.
Broke’s narrative does not shy away from the grim realities its characters face, instead leaning into the messy, complicated truths that often go untold in more commercially-driven films. Wyatt Russell’s portrayal of True Brandywine is central to that honesty, as he carries both physical scars and the emotional toll of a life weathered by challenge and disappointment. The story is strengthened by Dennis Quaid’s supporting performance, which adds further credibility and emotional weight to the depiction of a community shaped by tradition and loss.
The movie also offers a meditation on generational cycles, examining how patterns of hope and hardship are handed down through families. As Quaid noted, rodeo life is inherited, much like any other family trade, yet only a fraction manage to break through to wider success. This generational connection runs deep through both the narrative and the performances, grounding the film in a deeply relatable struggle for purpose and meaning.
In making Broke, Wyatt Russell and Dennis Quaid, along with Carlyle Eubank and the production team, have created a work that challenges audiences to look beyond surface-level narratives and consider the true cost of a life pursued against the odds. The film’s focus on authenticity, from its remote locations to its unfiltered storytelling and raw performances, sets it apart from others in its genre.
Critical response to the Broke trailer has already indicated strong anticipation for the film’s release, with viewers praising its grit and honesty. As audiences experience the full film, they are likely to resonate with the vulnerability and perseverance depicted on screen. Wyatt Russell’s willingness to endure such harsh conditions exemplifies the commitment to bringing an untold story to life, adding urgency and gravity to every scene.
Looking forward, Wyatt Russell remains a prominent name in forthcoming releases, including major titles such as Thunderbolts* and Avengers: Doomsday, as well as his role in the next season of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. However, it is the devotion he demonstrates in Broke—both to craft and to narrative truth—that will likely resonate most powerfully with those who see the film.
The impact of Broke’s storytelling extends beyond entertainment, serving as a tribute to those whose lives often unfold outside the spotlight. In his own words, Wyatt Russell’s decision to portray such characters—and to put himself through significant discomfort to achieve authenticity—speaks to a larger desire to honor real people and present their stories honestly. This approach may influence other filmmakers to pursue similar levels of realism and heart in their work.
As the industry increasingly values stories that offer viewers new perspectives, Wyatt Russell’s performance in Broke could mark a new trend in how actors and filmmakers choose to engage with the worlds they depict. The film’s positive early buzz, combined with Russell’s transparent and humble reflections on his experience, suggests that Broke may find lasting relevance among audiences who are eager for raw, sincere storytelling free of Hollywood’s usual polish.
With Broke now available for digital viewing, the movie invites discussion about the lengths to which actors go in pursuit of story and truth. The honesty and courage shown by Wyatt Russell—both on set and in sharing his experiences—provide an inspiring example of dedication to craft that will be remembered by viewers and fellow actors alike.
The journey depicted in Broke holds broader significance as well, shining a light on the hardships and hopes of a community seldom seen on the big screen. Wyatt Russell’s powerful testimony about the realities of making the film, both the suffering and the poetry found in pain, ensures Broke’s legacy as more than entertainment—it is a record of hard-won determination, empathy, and the search for meaning against the odds.
Looking ahead, the success and reception of Broke could open avenues for similar projects that balance authenticity with compelling storytelling. Wyatt Russell’s influence as both an actor and a producer is already evident, and his commitment to truthful representation endows Broke with a sense of urgency and respect that is sure to shape conversations long after the credits roll.
