Joel Courtney is taking center stage in 40 Dates and 40 Nights, and in a new exclusive interview with Us Weekly, he reflects on making the transition from memorable supporting roles to leading a romantic comedy opposite Bailee Madison.

After winning over audiences as Lee Flynn in Netflix's The Kissing Booth trilogy, Joel now stars as Mason, whose unexpected connection with Leah (Bailee Madison) becomes the emotional heart of 40 Dates and 40 Nights. The film follows Leah as she agrees to go on 40 dates in exchange for a year of free rent, only to discover that love doesn't always follow the plan.

In the interview, Joel credits his experience on The Kissing Booth with preparing him for this next step in his career, saying he learned the rhythms of romantic comedies before finally stepping into the leading role himself. He also praised Bailee Madison as a collaborative scene partner and spoke about the importance of rehearsal in developing the natural chemistry between Mason and Leah.

Joel also discussed working with director Andy Delaney and writer Sarah "Howie" Howard, describing the screenplay as heartfelt and reminiscent of the classic romantic comedies of the early 2000s. He believes audiences are once again embracing stories centered on genuine human connection, making this the perfect moment for a film like 40 Dates and 40 Nights.

40 Dates and 40 Nights opened in select theaters on June 26 and is now available on demand.

You can read the complete Us Weekly interview here.

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Joel Courtney recently joined Popternative to talk about his new romantic comedy 40 Dates and 40 Nights, starring alongside Bailee Madison.

In the interview, Joel discusses how he approaches each role as its own story while still bringing a developed acting process to the work. He also talks about finding the heart of Mason, his character in 40 Dates and 40 Nights, and why grounded comedy works best when audiences can laugh with the characters while still caring about what they are going through.

40 Dates and 40 Nights follows Leah, played by Bailee Madison, who accepts her grandmother’s unusual challenge: 40 dates in 40 nights in exchange for a full year of rent. Along the way, awkward dates, unexpected sparks, and honest self-reflection force her to confront what may really be standing in the way of love.

The film stars Bailee Madison, Joel Courtney, Jack Schumacher, Luxy Banner, Eric Nelsen, Jai Rodriguez, and Annie Potts. It is directed by Andy Delaney and written by Sarah “Howie” Howard.

40 Dates and 40 Nights released in select theaters on June 26 and arrives On Demand on June 30.

Watch the short Joel-focused interview clip above, then continue below for the complete Popternative conversation with Joel Courtney and director Andy Delaney.

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Joel Courtney is giving fans a closer look at the chemistry at the center of 40 Dates and 40 Nights, the new romantic comedy now playing in theaters.

In a new Yahoo Entertainment interview, Joel discusses how the bickering between Mason and Leah is not just comic tension. It is part of what makes their connection work. He explains that the back-and-forth between the two characters gives the relationship its energy and helps build the story’s emotional payoff.

The film pairs Joel Courtney with Bailee Madison in a romance that leans into sharp dialogue, awkward moments, and the kind of push-pull that drives a good romantic comedy. Joel’s take on the characters adds another layer to the movie and helps show why the friction between them matters.

40 Dates and 40 Nights also stars Annie Potts and Jodi Lyn O'Keefe. The film opened in theaters on Friday, June 26, and the interview gives fans a better sense of how Joel approached the role and what he sees in the story.

Read the full interview at Yahoo Entertainment.