Mar 31, 2026 2:10pm PT

Is Joel McHale Quietly Becoming a Leading Man?

Matt Donnelly

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Matt Donnelly

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@MattDonnelly

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Jessica Miglio

Veteran comic actor Joel McHale took a big swing this year, with a film role that showcased some incredible versatility. He played a doting dad, undercover lover, authority figure and action star all in one. He didn’t get any laughs, and that was the point.

Maybe one thing is funny about this showcase from McHale: it happened in “Scream 7.” Yes, it was the sixth sequel in Wes Craven’s iconic horror franchise (which just crossed $200 million in global box office) that unwittingly gave us this dynamic performance. It was a bit part that most actors couldn’t make a meal of, and it proves that the former host of “The Soup” has quietly been building momentum as a screen presence. Hear me out.