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Nick Robinson grew up watching the classic high-school movies that inspiredLove, Simon.
[John Hughes] was prolific, Robinson says.
How did you get involved withLove, Simon?It was really the director, Greg Berlanti.
Wed discussed the concept behind it, how it was something we hadnt seen before.
It was a new idea: a mainstream coming-of-age film with a gay protagonist.
We also discussed the implications of that, how it could potentially be helpful to people.
After our conversation, it got me excited about this project and all the people involved.
I went back in to audition, we did chemistry reads with the rest of the cast.
The main takeaway was that everyone involved in this thing was doing it for the right reasons.
Greg is a gay man, and he had his personal story.
Everyone seemed to have a personal story that they were bringing to this.
I think it was a labor of love that made for a great work environment.
So, what was your personal story?There were a few things.
Members of my family have come out over the years, people close to me.
Not to say that this movie is representative of every LGBTQ experience, but its a start.
I thought Greg was the right person to shepherd this thing.
He had gone through this experience of coming out and being closeted in high school.
I guess it was just potential that I think this project had and hopefully achieved.
It was a very inclusive and welcoming film.
Have you spent a lot of time thinking about opening the movie in this political climate?
Im sure its much different from when you came onboard.I think that oftentimes the arts are reactionary.
Right now we have, unfortunately, a lot of hateful speech going on.
Its the right thing to do.
I dont think the current political climate is indicative of the United States.
We can do better, and were working toward different solutions.
I think that this movie was definitely aware of what it was coming into.
And, from what Ive seen, audiences are ready for something like this.
I think its important to give everyone an equal playing field.
Were seeing that more and more now, with the Times Up movement.
Right now is the time for equality and inclusion, and a leveling of the playing field.
Id prefer to be on the right side of history.
Tell me about filmingLove, Simons final scene with Jennifer Garner.
Its a heavy, emotional scene.
But then once we got started, it all kind of just clicked.
Everyone was emotional that day.
From our producers, grips to camera operators, everyone was getting kind of misty-eyed.
Regardless of your sexuality, I think those are important words to hear.
I think everyone was feeling that that day.
It was definitely an emotional day.
She gave a really touching performance.
Was that always a Whitney song?Thats a good question.
I think it was always a Whitney song.
I know that Greg is a big Whitney Houston fan.
Either it was always Whitney Houston, or it wasnt specified.
I think that Whitney definitely brought it out of everybody.
Tell me more about your high-school experience.
Were you popular?High school was super weird.
I went three different high schools, ultimately.
I began high school in my hometown, and left after freshman year.
Ninth grade I wasnt popular, but I had a couple of close friends.
I was popular-ish during that time.
It wasnt a real popularity, it was just an adaptability, being able to fit in.
But in hindsight, they were the dumbest people at the school.
They were the shallowest, I guess.
I dont think anyone has a great time in high school.
If you do, you might be in trouble.
Have you felt that way?Yes and no.
You have to just do your own interpretation, the best way I know how.
His experience really informed my experience.
Simons big celebrity crush when he was growing up was Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter.
Who was yours?I dont remember specifically, but maybe Xena.
I remember that being on TV when I was growing up.
She was a babe.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
