Exclusive Interview by Paul Salfen, Text by Christine Thompson for AMFM Magazine
Entrepreneur-turned-actor JB Yowell sits down with AMFM Magazine to discuss his riveting role in The Leader, the highly anticipated Heaven’s Gate biopic starring Vera Farmiga, Tim Blake Nelson, and Jim Parsons that premiered at the 2026 Tribeca Festival. In this candid conversation, Yowell shares what drew him to the project, his personal UFO sighting that helped him connect with the material, behind-the-scenes stories from the set, and the powerful human lessons the film reveals about belief, belonging, and the search for meaning. With a flourishing second act in Hollywood that includes upcoming projects like Mini War with Luke Wilson and Kaet Might Die with Awkwafina and Ken Jeong, Yowell proves it’s never too late to chase your passion.
In a wide-ranging and heartfelt interview, JB Yowell opens up about stepping into the shoes of a real-life UFO debunker-turned-seeker in The Leader, a film that humanizes one of America’s most infamous cults while raising profound questions about faith, vulnerability, and our shared human experience.
Yowell plays Hayden, a character inspired by a man from Oklahoma who interviewed Bonnie Nettles (portrayed by Vera Farmiga). “My role, Hayden… I interviewed Bonnie,” Yowell explains. “That’s where I take over, and that’s where I become that character. During that process, we learn a lot about Bonnie’s life and also how she connected with Applewhite. And then, honestly, we try to find out, does she really believe in this or does she really believe her own ideals?”
The timing of the film feels almost prophetic. Released in an era of increased UFO disclosures and public fascination with the unexplained, The Leader arrives at a cultural moment primed for its themes. Yowell himself brings a personal connection to the material. While filming another project in New Mexico with his assistant Adam, the two witnessed a mysterious glowing object. “We literally saw, swear to God, both of us… this big orbital thing that lit up. It had looked like a big egg and had a bunch of red and yellow lights on it,” he recounts. That experience helped him channel authenticity into his performance: “What if those things really do exist?”
Director Michael Gallagher, who was deeply affected by the Heaven’s Gate tragedy as a young man in San Diego, crafted a story that begins with the love story of Bonnie and Applewhite before exploring the radical beliefs that led to tragedy. Yowell notes the film’s nuanced approach: “Maybe they weren’t wrong… the idea behind it was to kind of make everyone go, well, maybe we’re the crazy ones.”
Filming in a meticulously retrofitted 1970s house in Louisville, Kentucky, created an immersive environment. Yowell was particularly struck by working alongside Vera Farmiga. “She is just the actor’s actor… She was very sweet and warm,” he says, admitting he was initially nervous to share the screen with her commanding presence.
The Tribeca premiere marked a full-circle moment for Yowell—his first time seeing himself on the big screen. “It was really nice and fun to be part of it, just to feel the energy,” he shares with evident joy.
A Second Act Built on Passion and Persistence
Yowell’s journey from successful oil entrepreneur to working actor is as compelling as any role he’s played. After building Yohawk Energy and navigating the highs and lows of business, he followed his lifelong love of the arts later in life.
“I’m a businessman first… but I’ve always loved the arts and entertainment,” Yowell reflects. “Acting has always been something fun for me. So I got into it later in life and it’s a sandbox I really enjoy playing in.”
His advice for anyone dreaming of a career pivot is refreshingly straightforward and actionable: start small, seek mentorship, and stay humble. “You just gotta do it. You can’t overthink anything… Tell people you need help. Everybody likes to be a mentor.”
He emphasizes surrounding yourself with a supportive “village” — a theme that echoes the film’s exploration of human connection and belonging. “We’re all living the human experience… Keep your village close to you. People that really love you and care about you.”
What’s Next for JB Yowell
Yowell is busier than ever. He recently wrapped a project opposite James Franco and is currently filming Mini War alongside Luke Wilson, Nick Swardson, and Vanessa Hutchins. He’s also slated for Kaet Might Die with Awkwafina and Ken Jeong. Looking ahead to 2027, he plans to transition more fully into producing, developing his own stories and ensembles.
For now, audiences can catch earlier work like Exit Protocols (with Dolph Lundgren) on Amazon Prime and several Lifetime films while awaiting the wider release of The Leader, expected in late 2026.
The Leader is more than a cult drama — it’s a mirror held up to our deepest needs for purpose, love, and belief. Through JB Yowell’s grounded performance and thoughtful insights, the film reminds us that even in our strangest chapters, the most powerful stories are ultimately about being human.
