FridayOL

Gavin Casalegno, the rising star from Amazon Prime Video's hit series The Summer I Turned Pretty, has found himself in a unique and challenging position: playing a character – Conrad Fisher – who has become the internet's most debated and, for some, most disliked boyfriend. While the show has captivated audiences with its summery romance and coming-of-age story, Conrad’s brooding nature and on-again, off-again relationship with Belly (played by Lola Tung) have sparked intense online debate and a significant amount of criticism directed toward Casalegno himself.

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Casalegno addressed the phenomenon, acknowledging the prevalent negativity surrounding his character. “They tend to dislike him, yes,” he admitted, demonstrating a surprising level of composure and understanding regarding the public’s reaction. But how does an actor navigate such intense scrutiny and maintain a positive perspective when a significant portion of the internet seems to be rooting against their character?

The key, Casalegno suggests, lies in separating himself from the role. “You have to remember that you’re just an actor,” he explained. “You’re telling a story, and you’re not necessarily agreeing with everything the character does or says.” This detachment allows him to focus on the craft of acting and portraying Conrad authentically, even if it means embodying traits that some viewers find frustrating.

Conrad’s complexity is a significant factor contributing to the online discourse. He’s not a straightforward, charming hero; he’s flawed, emotionally unavailable at times, and often seems to push Belly away despite his underlying feelings for her. This ambiguity is precisely what makes him such a compelling character for many viewers, even if it also fuels the online criticism. Casalegno seems to recognize this complexity, acknowledging that Conrad’s actions are rooted in his own insecurities and past experiences.

The role of Conrad has undoubtedly presented Casalegno with a unique set of challenges. Dealing with online hate isn’t easy, especially for someone relatively new to the spotlight. However, his ability to separate his personal identity from the character, coupled with his understanding of Conrad’s complexities, allows him to navigate the situation with grace and professionalism. As The Summer I Turned Pretty continues to evolve, and Conrad’s story unfolds further, it will be interesting to see if public perception of the character – and Casalegno himself – shifts.

Beyond The Summer I Turned Pretty, Casalegno has several other projects in the works, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His ability to handle the pressures of a high-profile role and the often-unpredictable nature of online fandom suggests a promising future for this rising star. The internet might be vocal about their dislike of Conrad, but Gavin Casalegno’s career appears to be just beginning.