Key Takeaways:
- Josh Hutcherson is embracing the possibility of reclaiming his "internet boyfriend" status with his new role in the HBO comedy "I Love LA."
- He was unaware of his previous internet boyfriend title but is willing to accept it.
- His "I Love LA" co-star Leighton Meester, whose husband Adam Brody is also an internet boyfriend, playfully advised him on the responsibilities.
- "I Love LA" follows the story of an ambitious young woman, Maia, and her complicated friendship with a college friend.
- The show has received positive reviews, with an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Josh Hutcherson, the actor who captured hearts in the mid-to-late 2000s with roles in family films like Zathura, Bridge to Terebithia, and Journey to the Center of the Earth, and later as Peeta Mellark in The Hunger Games franchise, is now starring in the new HBO comedy series I Love LA. At 33 years old, Hutcherson is facing renewed attention, particularly regarding his potential to reclaim his status as an "internet boyfriend."
The term "internet boyfriend" usually refers to a celebrity who garners significant online adoration, often becoming the object of widespread fantasies. Recent examples include Pedro Pascal, Jeremy Allen White from The Bear, Jonathan Bailey from Bridgerton (who was recently named "Sexiest Man Alive"), and numerous co-stars of Daisy Edgar-Jones. During an interview with Bustle, Hutcherson was directly asked if he was "ready to reclaim" his internet boyfriend title in the new show.
Hutcherson responded to the question with a laugh, admitting his ignorance of ever having held such a title. "I didn’t know I ever had that title, man. Sure. Yeah. Great, I’ll take it. I don’t know what it means or what it entails or what my responsibilities are to it." His playful response indicates a willingness to embrace the attention and expectations that come with the designation.
The interview took place alongside his I Love LA co-star Leighton Meester, who jokingly offered advice on the responsibilities of being an internet boyfriend. Meester, whose husband Adam Brody was also a popular heartthrob and internet boyfriend in the early 2000s, quipped, "You just have to be faithful to everyone on the internet for the rest of your life." Hutcherson’s lighthearted reply, "All right. Done. Easy," suggests he’s ready to take on the role. The success of I Love LA could amplify this, potentially leading to viral edits and increased online fascination with Hutcherson’s performance in the show.
I Love LA centers around Maia, played by Rachel Sennott (who also serves as creator and star), an ambitious young woman striving to become a talent manager. The series explores the complexities of her relationship with Tallulah, a college friend who resurfaces, challenging their established bond. The show has garnered positive reviews, currently holding a "fresh" 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, its long-term success will depend on whether it can attract a significant audience and achieve the same level of popularity as other HBO hits like The White Lotus or Euphoria. New episodes of I Love LA are available Sundays on HBO.