Joel CourtNey

Imagine being an actor and getting the lead role in your very first movie. And then learning that you will play opposite Kyle Chandler, with J.J Abrams as the director and Steven Spielberg as producer. That’s Joel Courtney’s story. He made his debut with the sci-fi film “Super 8,” which lead to him winning a Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Young Actor. He said that getting that part was “one of the most life-changing moments in my life. I could feel it, too. I felt like I was glowing, like something was awakened inside of me: a purpose.”

True to his word, after “Super 8” Courtney went on to star in many more titles, many that saw him in a main role as well. But perhaps most evident and wellreceived was this year’s Netflix rom-com “The Kissing Booth.” “I never could have imagined the reception of ‘The Kissing Booth’ being so unbelievably huge,” he exclaimed. “This movie has optimism for love and kindness that I don’t feel most movies have anymore.”

Soon, we’ll be seeing him in a more diverse genres, from the supernatural thriller film “Empty Man” to a remake of the 1956 film “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” titled “Replicate.” So, what keeps the 22-year-old actor motivated? “The Bible,” he said matter-of-factly. “On my good days and bad days, when I’m shining or standing in the shadows, no matter what I face, God is my strength. My goal is to build a platform where I can spread the Gospel. Share the good news freely and to all who have ears to hear.”