“I would’ve loved to. It would’ve been amazing!”
Shawn Mendes has admitted he would’ve loved to play the title character in the gay teen romance, Love, Simon.
During an interview with Elvis Duran, Shawn called the critically-acclaimed film an “incredible, incredible movie”, and praised the work of lead actor Nick Robinson.
The host then asks Shawn if the rumours of him auditioning for the lead character are true, to which the Canadian singer/songwriter responds: “I would’ve loved to. Unfortunately, timing didn’t work out. It would’ve been amazing!”
Based on Becky Albertalli’s book Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, the movie follows 17-year-old Simon Spier as he comes to terms with his sexuality, and is historically significant as the first major-studio teen rom-com to feature a gay protagonist, which is a massive step towards equal representation.
Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel star alongside Robinson as his parents.
13 Reasons Why’s Katherine Langford and Miles Heizer are also part of the cast, along with Logan Miller (The Walking Dead), Alexandra Shipp (X-Men: Apocalypse) and Flash actor Keiynan Lonsdale.
Since its release, the film has received widespread acclaim from critics and fans of the book.
The author – Becky Albertalli – praised the film, stating: “It’s funny and relevant and timeless and charming and honest and painful and so romantic. It says exactly what I wanted the book to say.”
Watch the clip below, and skip to 8:39 to hear Shawn spill the T.
Earlier today, Shawn Mendes returned with the first single from his upcoming new album – and it’s one of the most emotional and powerful songs of his career to date.
The 19-year-old co-produced In My Blood with Teddy Geiger, while they both co-wrote the track with longtime collaborators Scott Harris and Geoff Warburton.
The track hears him sing: “Just have a drink and you’ll feel better / Just take her home and you’ll feel better / Keep telling me that it gets better / Does it ever?”
It serves as the first taster from Shawn’s third studio album, which is expected to land later this year.
“I know I’ve been pretty quiet during this album process and I just wanted to thank you with all of my heart for being there and supporting me the entire time,” Shawn posted on Instagram.
“This song is the closest song to my heart that I’ve ever written and I hope you guys love it and all the new music coming your way.”
Throughout his career, Shawn Mendes has sold over 10 million albums to dates, as well as 100 million singles.
If that wasn’t impressive enough, he’s racked up over 11 billion song streams and 4 billion YouTube views.
Listen to In My Blood below.
Related: We have no doubt just how important Love, Simon will be for queer youth – review.
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