Joel Courtney recently spoke with UPI about 40 Dates and 40 Nights, the new romantic comedy starring Joel Courtney and Bailee Madison.

In the film, Bailee Madison plays Leah, a single woman who accepts an unusual offer from her grandmother Gigi, played by Annie Potts: go on 40 dates, and if none of them work out, Gigi will pay Leah’s rent for a year.

Joel Courtney plays Mason, Leah’s date No. 20. Their connection starts with tension after an awkward earlier encounter, but Joel told UPI that the bickering between Mason and Leah helps show the strength of their chemistry. What begins as frustration can become something much deeper when the emotional energy turns in a more honest direction.

The interview gives fans a closer look at Joel’s approach to the romantic comedy, including why the feuding between Mason and Leah was fun to play and why their relationship needed a full emotional arc. Joel also talked about the film’s lighter tone, the challenge of modern dating, and the way 40 Dates and 40 Nights explores connection, empathy, and growth.

40 Dates and 40 Nights is directed by Andy Delaney and written by Sarah “Howie” Howard. The cast includes Bailee Madison, Joel Courtney, Jack Schumacher, Luxy Banner, Eric Nelsen, Jai Rodriguez, and Annie Potts.

The film opened in select theaters on June 26 and arrived on digital video-on-demand on June 30.

Follow Joel Courtney on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X.

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.

Follow Joel Courtney on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X.