An exclusive AMFM Magazine interview with Jake Ryan, conducted by Paul Salfen
Jake Ryan, the rising star known for his roles in Asteroid City and beyond, brings raw authenticity to his latest project, Lemonade Blessing, a film that premiered at Tribeca 2025. In this coming-of-age drama, Ryan plays John, a teen freshly tossed into a private Catholic high school by his devout mother, where he falls for a devious classmate who pushes his faith and morals to the brink with a series of increasingly uncomfortable actions, all in the name of love. In a candid conversation with AMFM Magazine’s Paul Salfen, Ryan opens up about the personal connection he felt to the script, his love for gaming, and the lessons he’s learned navigating the whirlwind of the film industry. Here’s a glimpse into the heart and hustle of a young actor carving his own path.
Paul Salfen: Jake, we’re thrilled to have you here. Lemonade Blessing is a big deal. When you got the script, did you just know you had to do it?
Jake Ryan: Pretty much, yeah. When I read it, I knew there was something special. It felt so personal and incredibly well-written. The day after I read it, I was still thinking about it. Then a friend texted me, like, “Have you read this script? This is you.” That encouragement sealed it. In this industry, a little encouragement goes a long way—it gave me the confidence to go for it.
Paul Salfen: That’s awesome. What was it about the character that clicked with you?
Jake Ryan: The energy on the page matched a lot of roles I’ve done before, but it’s also just… me. The character’s a little unsure of himself, and I’ve been there. He’s a gamer, too, which I relate to. I’m into games like The Binding of Isaac and Elden Ring right now—actually, Isaac has this biblical vibe that weirdly ties into the film. But unlike my character, I didn’t grow up religious or go to Catholic school. I’ve never done anything too sacrilegious… at least, not that I know of!
Paul Salfen: [Laughs] That’s good to hear. You mentioned gaming—how does that influence your work?
Jake Ryan: Gaming’s a big part of my life. I play a lot with my brother and random people online. It’s a way to unwind, but it also helps me tap into certain mindsets. My character in Lemonade Blessing has this restless, searching energy, and I think gaming—especially intense ones like Elden Ring—helps me channel that. Plus, it’s just fun.
Paul Salfen: The set for Lemonade Blessing looked like a blast, despite the chaos. How was the vibe?
Jake Ryan: It was fun, even when it got hectic with scheduling. Sets are always a bit chaotic—you get used to it. Everyone was super chill and passionate about making this film the best it could be. That energy kept us going.
Paul Salfen: You’ve worked on some big projects, like Asteroid City. What’s been your “Hail Mary” moment so far?
Jake Ryan: Funny you say “Hail Mary” with this movie’s themes. I’d say Asteroid City was my big moment. When my agent emailed me about it, I was like, “I’m locked in.” I jumped on it without hesitation. Working with Wes Anderson and Jason Schwartzman taught me so much about preparation. Jason puts in insane work to nail his characters, and that stuck with me. Preparation is everything.
Paul Salfen: What keeps you grounded when things get tough?
Jake Ryan: You just keep going. Keep acting, keep practicing so you don’t get rusty. I’m not self-made—my parents supported me, pushed me to make sure this is what I wanted. Believing in yourself and trusting the process is key, even if it’s a grind. Sometimes you get lucky, but you’ve got to work hard for it.
Paul Salfen: Lemonade Blessing is hitting Tribeca, which is huge. What do you want people to know going in?
Jake Ryan: If you want to see a kid getting pulled in four or five different directions, this is your movie. It’s about two young people figuring out who they are in a Catholic school setting. If you’re religious, you might connect deeply, but it’s got something for everyone.
Paul Salfen: What do you hope audiences take away from it?
Jake Ryan: Without spoiling anything, I’d say communication is key—in relationships, with parents, partners, anyone. A lot of hardship and heartbreak could be avoided if people just talk honestly. That’s a big theme in the film and in life.
Paul Salfen: Can’t wait to see what’s next for you. What’s coming up?
Jake Ryan: I shot a film called 109 Billion Followers with J.K. Simmons and his daughter, Olivia. It was super fun, and I’m excited for it to come out. Stay tuned!
Paul Salfen: Jake, you’re fantastic. Thanks for making this film, and we can’t wait for everyone to see it.
Jake Ryan: Thanks, Paul. This was fun.
Lemonade Blessing is a raw, heartfelt exploration of identity and connection, and Jake Ryan’s performance is not to be missed. Catch it at Tribeca 2025, and follow Jake on X for updates on his upcoming projects, including 109 Billion Followers.
