Ryan Phillippe and His Son Take on Unexpected Roles in New Show

Ryan Phillippe opened up about working alongside his 21-year-old son, Deacon, in Prime Video’s upcoming series ‘Motorheads’ during an exclusive interview with People. The new drama marks a rare on-screen pairing for the real-life father and son, who portray brothers in the show.

Phillippe plays Logan Maddox, a former NASCAR mechanic navigating life in a small town, while Deacon appears in flashback scenes as Logan’s younger brother, Christian Maddox. Though they don’t share scenes, Phillippe shared that the experience of having Deacon on set was special.

“I didn’t mind being set dad for the days that he was there,” Phillippe told People. “And I would go and get him a snack from craft service or bring him a coffee if he needed it.”

Deacon is currently studying music at New York University, and Phillippe noted that the filming experience gave them a rare opportunity to reconnect.

“I was thrilled, because what that meant was he would come in and out throughout the production, and I would get to spend time with him,” he said. “This experience offered me that opportunity again to live together for a week.”

The casting came together organically. According to Phillippe, Deacon was approached independently and made the decision to join the series on his own terms. The actor said the chance to spend time with his son, especially after adjusting to an empty nest, made the experience even more meaningful. Phillippe shares Deacon and 25-year-old daughter Ava with ex-wife Reese Witherspoon, and he is also dad to 13-year-old Kai with Alexis Knapp.

A First Look at ‘Motorheads’: Cast, Creators, and What to Expect

According to TV Insider’s first look, the ten-episode coming-of-age drama stars Ryan Phillippe as Logan Maddox, a former NASCAR mechanic trying to rebuild his life in the Rust Belt town of Ironwood, Pennsylvania.

The show follows a tight-knit group of high school outsiders who bond over their love for street racing. Along the way, they navigate first love, heartbreak, and everything that comes with growing up behind the wheel.

Along with Ryan and Deacon, joining the cast are Michael Cimino, Melissa Collazo, Uriah Shelton, Nicolas Cantu, Mia Healey, Nathalie Kelley, Drake Rodger, Josh Macqueen, Matt Lanter, Audrey Gerthoffer, and Johnna Dias-Watson.

All ten episodes will be available to stream on Prime Video starting May 20.

Ryan and Reese’s Kids Are Making Their Own Mark in Hollywood

Phillippe also reflected on what it means to see both Deacon and Ava pursue careers in entertainment. In an interview with Access Hollywood, he said he feels proud of the paths they’ve chosen and is focused on supporting them as they discover their own creative voices.

Deacon’s role in ‘Motorheads’ marks his first major screen credit. Meanwhile, Ava made her acting debut in the ABC drama ‘Doctor Odyssey’, where she appeared alongside Joshua Jackson, a longtime friend and former co-star of her dad.

“She was great,” Phillippe said of Ava’s performance. “It was also funny to see her working with Josh Jackson, who I worked with many years ago. It’s cool, man—it’s all lovely.”