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.