Logan Lerman Takes on a Complicated Role in "Oh, Hi!"
In his latest film, "Oh, Hi!", Logan Lerman portrays a character that many might describe as a "soft boy"—a young, entitled New Yorker who craves the benefits of a relationship, including companionship and intimacy, without any of the commitment. The film’s dark comedy centers around a particularly awkward moment when Lerman’s character, Isaac, reveals to his not-quite-girlfriend, Iris (played by Molly Gordon), that he doesn’t see them as a couple, at least not in his mind. Lerman delivers a performance so genuine and relatable that it’s hard not to wonder if he drew from personal experiences for the role.
Over breakfast at a cozy diner in L.A.’s Franklin Village, Lerman candidly shares, “I’m an Iris.” Reflecting on his dating history, he explains, “I’ve had relationships where I thought, ‘This is so great!’ only for it to unravel after a few months when they say it’s not working. You’re left questioning, ‘Wait, didn’t we have something special?’”
Despite being a familiar face since his breakout role in 2010’s "Percy Jackson & The Olympians," Lerman, now 33, maintains a surprisingly low profile. He avoids excessive media attention, managing to keep his personal life private while still attracting a dedicated fanbase that tracks his every move.
Growing up in West L.A., Lerman had a unique upbringing. He was once poised to follow in his family’s podiatry legacy; his great-grandfather founded an orthotics company. However, acting became his outlet during his parents’ divorce. “They figured I needed something to do,” he recalls, “and I’ve always loved performing.”
His passion for acting intensified when he was cast as Christian Bale’s son in "3:10 to Yuma" at just 14 years old. “That experience ignited a desire in me I didn’t even know I had,” he reflects. “Plus, I wanted to escape home.”
Although hits like "Percy Jackson" and "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" earned him a loyal teenage following, Lerman successfully transitioned into adult roles, appearing in films like "Fury," "Bullet Train," and the series "Hunters." “You reach a point in your mid-20s when you think, ‘I never want to be in a high school movie again,’” he admits.
When the script for "Oh, Hi!" finally landed in his lap, he was eager to take on the role, despite the character’s unique physical demands—Isaac often finds himself handcuffed to Iris’s bed post-sex, which is a pivotal element of the film. Lerman estimates he spent over 100 hours lying on set, and while he initially had concerns about the logistics, he soon adapted to the environment. “Once we figured out the bed frame’s movement, I just had to show up and hop into bed,” he says.
The film also allowed Lerman to explore his comedic side, something rarely showcased in his previous roles. He is set to continue this comedic journey with a guest appearance in the upcoming season of "Only Murders in the Building." Reflecting on his time working with legends Steve Martin and Martin Short, he confesses, “It’s intimidating to meet someone whose work you admire so much. They could easily ruin their filmography for you if they turn out to be unpleasant.”
Despite his recent comedic turn, Lerman emphasizes that he does not meticulously plan his career path. He enjoys the thrill of uncertainty, as evidenced by how he secured his role in "Only Murders in the Building" just a week before filming began. “I don’t really have a roadmap,” Lerman says. “I appreciate the excitement of not knowing what’s next.”
On the personal front, Lerman’s love life has taken a positive turn. He met ceramic artist Ana Corrigan just before the pandemic, and unlike the dynamics in "Oh, Hi!", their relationship is thriving. The couple got engaged two years ago, and Lerman shares, “I’m at a point where I want kids, and I’m contemplating how to balance that with my career.” He smiles, adding, “The irony is that now that I’m in a great relationship, it’s easier than ever to focus on my work because everything else feels solid.”
This article originally appeared in the July 23 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Subscribe for more insights and stories from the world of entertainment.
