When Brett Dier stepped on set to film the harrowing Season 3 episode of Jane The Virgin where his character Michael dies, the actor felt a sense of loss. But just four months after he'd let his character go, Dier learned Michael was coming back to the show ... this time, as Jason, who's lost his memory after being kidnapped and abused by Rose (Bridget Regan).
The shift in character dovetailed with Dier moving on from his previous role as Michael. "When Jennie [Urman, showrunner on Jane the Virgin] wanted me to be apart of the show again, I had let go of the character completely, which was good, because returning as Jason. He wasn't even aware of the character or personality that he once was," Dier told Newsweek. "So it was almost like coming back as a completely new character in a sense."
Dier says he was thrilled to take on the role of Jason. "It was a juicy role and a chance for me to play a totally different guy. And I love playing character-y characters, if that makes sense," he explained. "So I was thrilled to be on board again and thrilled to be a part of the final season. The pitch was epic. And I'm excited for everyone to see how this all unravels."
In the opening episodes of the show's fifth and final season, Jane finds herself torn between two loves, again. Just as she was ready to get engaged to Rafael, Michael (or Jason) reentered her life, asking the question: are they still legally married?
But Dier understands why some fans may want to see Jane and Rafael succeed. "There has definitely been a bigger shift for Jane and Rafael, and I get it!" Dier said. "They've had a complete season off from Michael and Jane, as well as a mourning for Michael. A lot of people, over the last year, had to move on mentally from Michael and Jane, and over time slowly got invested into the Rafael and Jane relationship. Plus Rafael is just also a great dude for Jane as well, and Justin Baldoni kills it in the role. But there are still some pretty die-hard Jane and Michael fans, which I of course appreciate."
Dier has a message for all the fans who've stuck with Michael and Jason throughout the series: "Thank you to all the fans for watching the show, and for being so supportive of us," he said. "It has been a crazy cool journey to be part of, and I can't believe it is almost over. I'm so glad I got to be a part of this. I love the cast to death, and the crew, all the writers and the directors we've had. I just want you all to know I've got nothing but love and gratitude for you all."
With the end of Jane the Virgin on the horizon, Dier said playing both characters has had a profound impact on the kind of roles he hopes to pursue in the future. "Playing Jason made me realize what kind of actor I want to be. I want to play a ton of strange dudes in my career. It sparked a big fire in me as an actor. I loved every second of it," he explained.
Dier added that Michael, in particular, taught him about getting in touch with wholesome, sinceere emotion. "Playing Michael made me realize what Brett wanted, if that makes sense," Dier explained. "I also learned, because of Michael, how to play love and mean it, and before this role I never really knew how. Michael is just a gentleman, a kind loving soul. And I'll always be grateful for this opportunity."
Jane the Virgin airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on The CW.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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Kelly started a career in journalism after completing her education at The New School in New York City. She currently ... Read more
