Seth Rogen might arguably have the most solid career as a movie boyfriend of any actor working right now. You laugh, but I firmly believe any one of Rogen’s boyfriend or husband characters can go toe-to-toe with any traditionally hunky guy, showing them all up by reminding us that it’s not just how you look (and believe you me, this Canadian export is a looker) but who you are. Rogen has always been boyfriend material in the context of the romantic roles he takes on and his latest movie, Long Shot, only cements that fact even further.
Long Shot has a traditional “opposites attract” premise: Wildcard journalist Fred Flarsky (Rogen) is hired to be a campaign speechwriter meant to spice up Secretary of State Charlotte Field’s presidential campaign. As we find out in the Long Shot trailer, these two actually have some history because Charlotte used to be Fred’s babysitter. Still, Charlotte and Fred’s relationship is a slow bloom, with Rogen’s Fred eventually making it clear that he may not be what Charlotte was expecting in a romantic partner, but he’s exactly what she needs, from his very loving heart to his feistiness to his unmatched ability to keep her spirits up whenever she needs him to.
But it’s no surprise that Long Shot’s Fred is an extremely lovable dude because Rogen is able to bring that energy to every romantic male character he’s ever played. Think of Knocked Up, Neighbors, The Night Before, Pineapple Express, Like Father. Hell, think of Freaks and Geeks, Rogen’s breakout role. The common bonds between these roles are all the things we love about Rogen and what make the men, as romantic partners, so worthwhile. Yes, these guys mess up from time to time and sure, it’s not shocking if they’re called a slacker in a heated moment. But thanks to the way these characters have been written and the way Rogen chooses to play them, we see that these are men that are full of compassion, intelligence, perseverance, and full of a natural wit that makes them all ideal partners for the women they ultimately end up with. Even better, the romantic men Rogen ends up playing are never malicious, rude, or shady. Their romantic intentions always come from a place of good, asking the audience to seriously consider them a viable romantic prospect just as the character asks his love interest to do. What’s more, they’re always given the opportunity to grow.
And while there’s something uniquely unconventional about the way Rogen’s characters appear on screen or on the page, it’s also down to Rogen’s personality and acting instincts that make him the perfect actor to play literally any and every relatable movie boyfriend. In interviews, on Instagram, on the red carpet, and everywhere in between, Rogen’s warmth and charm shine through. Whether it’s his incredible laugh that you find endearing or his complete openness and honesty, Rogen is the real deal IRL and it’s time to admit that he’s a man truly suited to playing male romantic leads.
What we also need to realize is the value and necessity of continuing to cast Rogen as a romantic lead. For the duration of his career, Rogen has (whether it’s conscious or not) been subverting our expectations and Hollywood’s messaging about the kinds of people who are allowed to fall in love or be seen as attractive, worthy partners. Again, that’s no shade to Rogen, a man I have long crushed on and will always be here for. Even though we might get tired of Rogen playing yet another schlubby slacker with a heart of gold, it’s necessary he keeps doing it because he is going to continually reshape the face of romantic comedies or what an acceptable male romantic lead looks like. Screw six-pack abs or some high-falutin’ career and give me the man who will genuinely love you and support you until the cows come home.
Basically, Rogen has always been boyfriend material. We stan.
Long Shot is in theaters now. Get your tickets here.
