How long can Hollywood keep a talented guy stuck in the friend zone before he demands his moment in the spotlight? Well, honey, Joel Courtney just hit his breaking point—and we are LIVING for it.
After spending literally YEARS watching audiences swoon over other people’s love stories while he played the perpetually lovable best friend Lee Flynn in Netflix’s The Kissing Booth franchise, the 30-year-old hottie is finally getting his due. And girl, it’s about TIME. Now he’s stepping into the leading man shoes opposite the gorgeous Bailee Madison in the upcoming rom-com 40 Dates and 40 Nights, and we have to say, the glow-up is REAL.
Let’s be real—Joel absolutely OWNED the best friend role. Those puppy-dog eyes, that infectious charm, that way he made literally everyone root for his character’s happiness? *Chef’s kiss.* But fans have been SCREAMING for years wondering when this guy would finally get to be the main love interest instead of the sideline cheerleader. Well, the universe heard us, because 40 Dates and 40 Nights is about to change EVERYTHING.
Bailee Madison better watch out, because our boy is coming in hot and ready to prove he can carry a romantic comedy like nobody’s business. The chemistry between these two is reportedly off the charts, and insiders are already whispering that this could be the sleeper hit of the season. Translation: Joel’s about to become everyone’s new celebrity crush.
What’s particularly delicious about this career pivot is the irony—for years, Joel played the guy watching someone else get the girl. Now HE’S the guy getting the girl, and frankly, it’s the energy shift we didn’t know we needed heading into the new year. His fans are absolutely THRILLED that he’s finally taking center stage, and honestly? The man deserves every second of this spotlight.
The rom-com follows a premise that has all the makings of a feel-good hit—think charming, witty, and absolutely swoon-worthy. And with Joel’s proven ability to make audiences fall in love with him (even when he wasn’t supposed to be the love interest), this film is basically a recipe for success.
Real talk though—this is what happens when talent, timing, and opportunity collide. Joel Courtney paid his dues in the best friend trenches, and now he’s ready to show Hollywood he can do so much more. We cannot WAIT to see him finally get his moment.
What do you think? A) Joel deserves to be a leading man more often B) He was perfect as the best friend and should stick to supporting roles