Days after Taylor Swift dropped her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, on October 3, she released the music video for the single The Fate of Ophelia on YouTube. The video debuted in theaters during the official release party, featuring behind-the-scenes footage and details about the album’s inspiration and lyric videos. While the video did not feature a direct love interest for Swift, it contained nods to her fiancé, Kansas City Chief Travis Kelce, including a moment where she grabs a football. This release came after months of work on the album, which Swift crafted during the European leg of her Eras Tour alongside collaborators Max Martin and Shellback.
The video reflects the emotional and theatrical theme of the album, which Taylor described as revealing
“everything that was going on behind the curtain”
in her life, focusing more on offstage experiences than her time performing. Fans revisiting Taylor’s videos may recognize several celebrity cameos, including Dylan O’Brien, who has played a memorable love interest in her visual storytelling across different projects.
The Unexpected Celebrity Cast in Taylor Swift’s Videos
Taylor Swift’s music videos are known not just for their artistic vision but for enlisting notable actors and celebrities who bring her stories to life. Many have served as her on-screen partners, adding depth and intrigue to her narrative songs. Below, we explore the roles played by Dylan O’Brien and other distinguished actors who have collaborated with Swift over the years.
Dylan O’Brien’s Role in “All Too Well”
Dylan O’Brien starred alongside Sadie Sink in the 2021 short film version of “All Too Well,” widely believed to be inspired by Taylor Swift’s past relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal. Taylor personally chose Dylan because of his versatility and enthusiasm for his craft. In an email to Bustle in 2022, she explained,
“Dylan was my first choice for the ‘All Too Well’ short film because he has that versatility I was looking for. I’d seen his work and heard nothing but wonderful things about him as a person. Ultimately I want to work with people who love what they do and come at it with enthusiasm, because that’s how I approach creating things too.”
After sending Dylan a detailed message inviting him to play the part, he agreed, bringing nuance to the story through his ad-libs and emotional depth. Taylor praised his performance, saying,
“He absolutely blew me away and I feel really lucky that I gained such a great friend from the experience too.”
At the 2021 premiere, Dylan recalled the moment with surprise:
“It was an immediate yes. I couldn’t believe that she called me for this. I couldn’t believe she knew who I was. It was hilarious. We were cracking up about that.”
Since then, Dylan O’Brien has continued to build a diverse filmography including appearances in The Outfit, Maximum Truth, Ponyboi, Caddo Lake, and Twinless.
Other Notable Actors Who Have Portrayed Taylor’s Romantic Interests
Numerous actors have portrayed Taylor Swift’s on-screen lovers in her music videos, often becoming iconic through those roles. Their careers and connections with her add fascinating layers to the artist’s evolving story.
Miles Teller’s Role in “I Bet You Think About Me”
In the music video for
“I Bet You Think About Me,”
directed by Blake Lively in 2021, Miles Teller played a groom whose mind is haunted by his ex, portrayed by Taylor. A real-life connection added warmth to the project as his wife, Keleigh Teller, appeared as the bride. Taylor expressed gratitude for their participation, tweeting,
“So grateful for @Miles_Teller for being the greatest dance partner and friend to me, and @keleighteller, who is the coolest living human on planet earth. The bride was willing to risk it all.”
Since then, Miles has appeared in projects such as The Offer, Top Gun: Maverick, Spiderhead, The Gorge, and Eternity.
Laith Ashley in “Lavender Haze”
Model and trans activist Laith Ashley was cast in the “Lavender Haze” music video, where he shared a steamy romance with Taylor’s character. Laith recalled his surprise when his manager told him about the invitation:
“He told me that her team had reached out directly asking for me to be in the video. I was just like, ‘Who? Taylor Swift asked for me? You’re kidding.’ I was just like, ‘You’re absolutely lying. You’re pranking me.’ To me, it was the most random thing. I didn’t understand. And he was like, ‘No, I’m serious. They want you to be in her upcoming music video.’”
Since that project, he has continued his career in acting and modeling with roles in films like Absolute Dominion, The Long Game, My Divorce Party, and TV series including Unconventional and Wicked City.
Scott Eastwood in “Wildest Dreams”
Scott Eastwood played Taylor’s love interest in the 2015 “Wildest Dreams” music video, set in 1950s-style old Hollywood and filmed in Africa. Despite initial hesitations from his agents who questioned the role, Eastwood was enthusiastic:
“None of my agents wanted me to do it, actually. They said, ‘Oh, we don’t want you to do that! Why would you be Taylor Swift’s boy toy?’ and I said, ‘Why the hell not?’”
Since that appearance, Scott has expanded his career with roles in The Longest Ride, Suicide Squad, The Fate of the Furious, Tin Soldier, and Stolen Girl.
Dominic Sherwood in “Style”
Dominic Sherwood appeared in the 2015 video “Style,” rumored to reference Harry Styles. The actor detailed how Taylor chose him:
“Taylor said I kind of fit the person they’d like in the video. I think I had a lot of the attributes that she wanted and that she described in her lyrics. And when we met and when we’ve hung out, a lot of the stuff I was wearing, that’s how I dress.”
At the time, Dominic was dating actress Sarah Hyland, later splitting and dating Decker Sadowski before a further split. His other credits include movies like Don’t Sleep, Haunted Wedding, and roles on TV shows Shadowhunters, Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, and Partner Track.
Sean O’Pry in “Blank Space”
Model Sean O’Pry starred in the 2014 “Blank Space” music video, where he had to maintain secrecy until the video’s release. Reflecting on the experience, Sean said,
“I could only talk to my manager and my dog.”
He recalled his on-set encounter with Taylor:
“She bit my lip, and I just remember I was really blushing, and I was trying to hide it. But that was the first thing—that was how I met Taylor…She did incredibly in the video. She’s gorgeous already, but she looks incredible in the video.”
Sean continues to work as a successful model.
Reeve Carney in “I Knew You Were Trouble”
Broadway and screen actor Reeve Carney took a break from playing Spider-Man on stage to star in the 2012 video “I Knew You Were Trouble.” Speaking about the collaboration, Reeve stated,
“I think I definitely got a lot more Twitter followers because of it. She was so kind to me. I mean, she’s just one of the most skillful artists out there in the popular music world. It was just a pleasure to be a part of that video.”
Reeve has since portrayed Dorian Gray on Penny Dreadful, Riff-Raff in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Tom Ford in House of Gucci, and played Orpheus in Broadway’s Hadestown alongside his fiancée Eva Noblezada. He is also the Emcee in London‘s revival of Cabaret.
Noah Mills in “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”
Canadian actor Noah Mills appeared as Taylor’s ex-boyfriend in the playful 2012 video
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.”
Describing the set, Noah told People,
“It was super goofy. I remember feeling like I was in Disneyland. Everything was super upbeat.”
Since then, he has secured roles on several TV series, including NCIS: Hawai’i, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, The Enemy Within, and The Brave.
Vladimir Perrin in “Begin Again”
French actor Vladimir Perrin took the role of Taylor’s new love interest in the 2012 Paris-set video for “Begin Again.” Following this, he has appeared in films and series such as My King, The Advent Calendar, and Résistance.
Zach Gilford in “Ours”
Known for Friday Night Lights, Zach Gilford was cast as Taylor’s army veteran boyfriend in the 2011 video “Ours.” Explaining the decision, Taylor said,
“He was someone that I had in mind because he’s really endearing in all the roles that he plays. I’ve seen in movies and in shows that he’s been in, and I was just always really impressed by when he’s onscreen. He always brings heart to it, and that’s what I wanted in this character.”
Zach praised Taylor, noting,
“Taylor’s super sweet and nice and I have a lot of respect for her as an artist. And so it cool that she wanted me to be involved in something. It wasn’t too hard of a sell. It was a pretty easy acceptance.”
Gilford later married his Purge: Anarchy co-star Kiele Sanchez, with whom he shares two children, before their 2025 split. His credits also include roles in shows like L.A.’s Finest, Good Girls, Midnight Mass, Criminal Minds, and The Fall of the House of Usher.
Guntars Asmanis in “Back to December”
Latvian model Guntars Asmanis portrayed the ex whom Taylor apologizes to in the 2011 “Back to December” video, inspired by her relationship with Twilight’s Taylor Lautner. Director Yoann Lemoine reflected on his casting:
“I wanted a boy that was fragile and beautiful. I didn’t want to go for a hunk or a perfect cheesy boy that would have killed the sincerity of the video. I just imagined a face that would enhance the fragility of the video. We did cast a couple of boys and both Taylor and I loved Guntars.”
Since then, Guntars has largely stayed out of the public spotlight.
Toby Hemingway in “Mine”
Taylor personally chose British actor Toby Hemingway to portray her waiter-turned-lover in the 2010 video “Mine” after admiring his performance in Feast of Love. She shared with MTV News,
“I just loved that movie and thought Toby was so great that I thought it would be perfect to put him in the video.”
Hemingway has gone on to appear in films such as Black Swan, In Time, The Silent Thief, and Battlecreek.
Caleb Campbell in “The Story of Us”
In one of Taylor’s early videos with a more mature and somber narrative, Caleb Campbell played her college boyfriend in the 2011 “The Story of Us.” The video was inspired by a real-life awkward encounter Taylor had with an ex at the CMT Music Awards. Unlike the subject of the song, Caleb has since stepped back from the public eye after his appearance in the video.
Stephen Colletti in “White Horse”
Stephen Colletti appeared as Taylor’s seemingly perfect boyfriend in the 2009 video “White Horse.” Taylor shared that he was her first choice because of his work on One Tree Hill and Laguna Beach. She recalled,
“He just looks so sweet… you never expect that they would lie.”
Colletti has continued acting and recently married Alex Weaver in 2025. He starred in the series Everyone is Doing Great alongside his former costar James Lafferty and is scheduled to appear in the upcoming season four of The Traitors and the Laguna Beach reunion special.
Lucas Till in “You Belong With Me”
After meeting on the set of Hannah Montana: The Movie, Lucas Till was cast as Taylor’s next-door neighbor and love interest in 2009’s “You Belong With Me.” Taylor praised his performance, saying,
“[He] plays my love interest in the video, and he does such a great job. He’s absolutely perfect for the part and really fun to be around, too.”
Lucas admitted to MTV News,
“Maybe I do [have a crush on her], maybe I have since I was 16.”
Although they briefly dated, Lucas explained,
“Most relationships work out ’cause you get along and then you don’t, and then you make up and it’s passionate, and with us, I really just liked her as a friend.”
Till later joined the X-Men universe as Havok and starred in the MacGyver reboot from 2016 to 2021. He is slated to star in the Netflix series The Abandons alongside Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson.
Justin Gaston in “Love Story”
Justin Gaston played the Romeo to Taylor’s Juliet in the 2008 “Love Story” video. Taylor revealed she chose him after seeing his photos, saying,
“I looked at his pictures and thought, ‘He is perfect for this video.’”
Gaston, then 20, made headlines due to his relationship with a 16-year-old Miley Cyrus at the time. After their split, he married Melissa Ordway in 2012, and the couple has two daughters. Professionally, Justin appeared in Days of Our Lives and films including God’s Country Song, Santa Bootcamp, and The Unauthorized Full House Story, portraying John Stamos.
Justin Sandy in “Picture to Burn”
Taylor selected former NFL player Justin Sandy as her cheating ex in the 2008 “Picture to Burn” music video, describing him as a “real-life Ken doll.” After retiring from football due to injury, Sandy transitioned into entrepreneurship focused on nutrition and networking. He fondly remembers his time as Taylor’s video boyfriend and once shared a photo signed by Taylor, reading,
“I love Justin and I would never burn his picture.”
Tyler Hilton in “Teardrops on My Guitar”
Tyler Hilton played Taylor’s high school crush in the 2007 “Teardrops on My Guitar” video. Their mutual admiration led to Tyler being invited on stage to perform together. He recalled,
“She’s like, ‘I wanted to wait until you were on stage to ask you because I didn’t want you to say no,’ but will you be in my next music video?”
The two maintained a close friendship; Tyler even stayed with the Swift family when he moved to Nashville. In 2018, he reunited with Taylor backstage during her Reputation tour. Tyler has since found love with Megan Park, married her, and they share two children. He continues his acting and music career, touring with Kate Voegele and starring in holiday films with fellow One Tree Hill alum Hilarie Burton.
Impact and Legacy of Taylor Swift’s Choice of Co-Stars
Taylor Swift’s deliberate selection of actors and personalities for her music videos consistently enriches the storytelling and deepens the emotional connection for viewers. From rising stars like Dylan O’Brien to established figures such as Scott Eastwood and Miles Teller, these collaborations create vivid cinematic moments that extend far beyond the music itself. Fans appreciate these cameos as extensions of Swift’s real-life experiences and artistic vision, which capture the intensity, vulnerability, and complexity of her songs.
As Swift continues to release new works while touring globally, it is likely that future projects will feature more film and television talents drawn to this creative intersection. Her ability to harness acting talent not only elevates the videos but also opens doors for performers who become associated with her evolving narrative world. This approach has turned each video into a highly anticipated event where Swift’s storytelling merges with Hollywood’s finest, offering new layers of meaning and excitement for her audience.
