For Leo Woodall, embodying an on-screen heartthrob is a rollercoaster ride filled with its own highs and lows. The actor, who garnered widespread attention for his compelling performances in "The White Lotus" and "One Day," recently opened up to U.K. magazine RadioTimes about whether he ever feels "objectified" in his role as a leading man.
"It's a bit of a mixed bag, really," he replied. "In some ways, it's just part of the job."
"Yet, there are aspects of it that can leave you feeling incredibly vulnerable and exposed," Woodall continued, his tone shifting slightly. "That part isn't nearly as enjoyable. When you're portraying a character described in such a manner, you can't help but scrutinize yourself, wondering, 'Do I really fit that mold?' Sometimes, there's immense pressure to convince the audience of that very thing!"
In the second season of "The White Lotus," Woodall plays the charismatic but troubled Jack, while in "One Day," he stars as the endearing playboy Dexter. Now, he takes on the role of Roxster McDuff, the much younger love interest of Renée Zellweger's character, in the highly anticipated "Bridget Jones" sequel, "Mad About the Boy."
Elsewhere in the interview, Woodall also weighed in on the recent trend of films and TV shows featuring romantic relationships with significant age gaps, such as "Babygirl," "May-December," and "The Idea of You."
"This dynamic has always been a part of the real world," explained the "Prime Target" actor. "And for reasons I'm not entirely sure of, it's now being portrayed on screen. This is significant because filmmaking excels at depicting all walks of life."
"However, this particular 'Bridget' isn't solely about that," he clarified. "A large part of it revolves around her grief and motherhood. And thankfully, my character comes along to bring a smile back to her face."
"Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" premieres on Peacock on February 13th.
