‘The Housemaid’ Star Brandon Sklenar Debuts Platinum Blond Look at the VMAs with ‘The Rescue’ Co-Star Hassie Harrison

Laura Bais
Brandon Sklenar Hassie Harrison
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Some actors are often recognized by a signature look, and Brandon Sklenar has cultivated his over the years. Known for his dark hair, rugged charm, and a series of brooding leading-man roles, he has become a staple in prestige TV and studio dramas. Therefore, when Brandon Sklenar and Hassie Harrison made their appearance together at the VMAs, the surprise wasn’t the pairing itself.

The two have been linked for months through Taylor Sheridan’s TV universe. Sklenar gained fame as Spencer Dutton in ‘1923,’ while Harrison portrayed barrel racer Laramie in the last three seasons of ‘Yellowstone.’ Fans of this universe have eagerly anticipated their on-screen collaboration.

On Sunday, September 27, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, Sklenar showcased a striking platinum, cropped blond haircut. His hair was notably shorter than usual, and he sported a clean-shaven face. The 36-year-old actor is best recognized for his dark-haired roles in ‘1923,’ ‘The Housemaid,’ and ‘It Ends With Us.’

His outfit was kept simple, featuring a black leather bomber jacket over a white tank top, paired with black trousers, oversized dark sunglasses, and snakeskin shoes. One outlet remarked that the understated styling allowed the platinum hair to take center stage in the ensemble.

Harrison, also 36, walked the carpet alongside him, wearing a black sheath dress with her blonde hair elegantly styled in an updo. Together, they created a sleek all-black look that stood out amidst the couture drama present on the carpet.

Their joint appearance was also significant for another reason. Both were set to take the stage, as Sklenar was part of a presenter lineup announced by CBS and MTV, which included Charli xcx, Teyana Taylor, Troye Sivan, Tyla, and David Corenswet. Just Jared also reported that Sklenar and Harrison would present together.

The reason for their appearance is tied to their upcoming film, ‘The Rescue.’ This modern Western thriller follows a former rodeo cowboy on a mission to rescue his daughter after she is kidnapped for ransom, accompanied by her loyal dog. Sklenar and Harrison portray a former couple who reunite to save their child.

Directed by Potsy Ponciroli, known for ‘Old Henry,’ the film is based on a screenplay by John Fusco. Paramount released the first trailer just days before the ceremony, and the film is slated for release in 2027, with reports suggesting a January theatrical debut.

The casting was significant news upon its announcement. Deadline highlighted it as a crossover of two popular shows from Taylor Sheridan, with Harrison joining Sklenar. This project was also one of the first films greenlit under Paramount’s new regime following the Skydance merger.

Sklenar has mentioned that his experiences in the Sheridan universe helped him prepare for this role. He noted that he participated in a cattle cutting competition with Sheridan and others from his shows, making him feel comfortable on horseback. This background lends credibility to the modern Western narrative.

Reactions to his new hair color were mixed but friendly. Some fans praised how the platinum look suited him, while others found it a bold change and appreciated his willingness to try something new. A third group expressed a preference for his dark-haired appearance.

Such division is common when an actor departs from a signature image. Sklenar has long been cast as a rugged, dark-haired hero, making this transformation particularly striking. Whether this is a temporary change or the start of a new chapter, it has certainly sparked conversation.

The timing appears intentional. With ‘The Rescue’ on the horizon and the trailer recently released, this memorable public appearance keeps him in the spotlight. It also provided Harrison an opportunity to shine at one of the year’s most significant music events.

In an industry where reinvention is a valuable asset, a platinum haircut serves as a low-risk method to shift the narrative. The pair’s polished, all-black attire suggested they were poised to promote their film with flair.

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