Netflix’s new show 13 Reasons Why has completely blown up worldwide. The series, which is focused on American teenager Hannah Baker’s life – or more so – why she chose to end it, covers some intense topics not often portrayed so openly.
A recurring theme of suicide (including pretty graphic scenes), sexual assault, mental illness and bullying makes the show, at times, quite confronting, with some questioning whether it’s suitable for the young audience it’s aimed at.
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The importance of the message they’re conveying to millions isn’t lost on the cast, with main characters Katherine Langford (who plays Hannah) and Dylan Minnette (who plays Clay Jensen) explaining on numerous occasions their hopes that the series will open up the conversation about suicide and depression, and show others going through a hard time that there are other options available to them.
Now, Dylan has revealed that some of the scenes they were filming were so intense that the crew brought therapy dogs to the set.
Speaking to Popsugar, the actor said, “There was a puppy per hour. They really tried to help out. The puppies helped.”
“[Katherine] had the brunt of the emotional stuff. I mean, we all have very emotional parts, but this is about her character.”
Selena Gomez, who is one of the show’s producers and who has been very open about her mental health struggles in the past (even checking into a rehabilitation centre in August of last year), has also spoken about the show’s significance.
I see myself in Hannah so much. Seven years ago I did and even more so today, which I think is funny because it’s backwards,” she told The Hollywood Reporter.
“The older I get the more insecure I get, which is odd. But that’s something a lot of people can relate to. Her personality is a quiet strength.
I’ve never really been the one to be in anyone’s face. A lot of girls feel like they have to be a certain way for attention.
Social media has amplified all of that. I get that she didn’t want that to be what her life was.”
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