Throughout the years, many beloved Wattpad stories have taken the jump from page to screen. The Kissing Booth, Float and After are just a few movies that were originally written on the online reading and writing platform. Last year, Tubi released a film adaptation of Tay Marley’s Wattpad hit, Sidelined: The QB and Me, becoming the latest addition to this list.
The film stars Siena Agudong and Noah Beck as two high school seniors trying to balance romance, roadblocks and their post-graduation ambitions.
The film found huge success, with the streaming network reporting that it “held the #1 spot in both the US and Canada on Tubi. In both markets, the movie drew the biggest number of viewers of any title on Tubi in its first seven days and also brought in the most new viewers for a title to date.”
Due to its positive reception, Tubi is expanding the Sidelined universe with Sidelined 2: Intercepted.
Main cast members, including Agudong and Beck, as well as James Van Der Beek and Drew Ray Tanner, are returning for this sequel. New additions to the cast are Charlie Gillespie, Roan Curtis, Sage Linder and Kolton Stewart. Justin Wu also returned to direct.
Sidelined 2: Intercepted follows Dallas (Agudong) and Drayton (Beck) as they embark on their post-secondary life. Dallas is attending the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) to study dance, while Drayton is playing football for the University of Southern California (USC). The pair are determined to keep their spark alive as they navigate this new chapter in their lives.
However, Drayton encounters an unexpected complication, while Dallas’ life rapidly changes around her, straining their relationship. Between the physical distance and the pressures of university life, Dallas and Drayton have to decide whether they’ll truly be able to grow as individuals if they stay together.
This sequel serves as a sincere, heartfelt follow-up to the first film. Dallas and Drayton’s relationship is maturing alongside them, which inevitably means overcoming obstacles and opening up to emotional growth.
I admire that both of these characters are incredibly ambitious in pursuing their personal goals, and neither gives up on their dreams, regardless of what is happening in their relationship. They are clearly committed to each other, but they are equally committed to their futures.
The roadblocks that this couple faces feel incredibly realistic for their situation—given the distance between their schools, the personal growth they are experiencing and the avenues that are opening up for them. I think it was important for the filmmakers to ensure that their young adult audience understands that maintaining a relationship requires commitment, but that doesn’t mean choosing one person over a whole future of possibilities.
This film shows how quickly reality shifts from high school to post-secondary life, especially when you’re living in a new place and meeting new people. It’s important for viewers to see Dallas and Drayton putting effort into sustaining their relationship, while also understanding that both partners are unable to give 100% of themselves at all times.
In terms of new characters, I found Skyler (Gillespie) to be a lovely addition to this story. He comes into Dallas’ life at a time when she is unsure what the future holds. He presents new opportunities and perspectives for her to explore, and is ultimately a ray of sunshine. Gillespie brings such warmth and passion to his character, all while lending his musical gifts to the film.
I also enjoyed how this sequel incorporated the new and preexisting relationships in Dallas and Drayton’s lives. It’s enjoyable to see their university friendships blossom as they begin this new chapter, and to see how their friends and family continue to support them.
Agudong and Beck continue to share palpable chemistry, bringing their characters’ stories to life convincingly. Both Dallas and Drayton are forced to endure difficult situations throughout this film, and they don’t always make the correct decisions.
However, what I appreciate most about this film is that their actions feel true to the stage of their lives they’re at. These two characters are learning to step into this new phase while still seeking happiness for themselves and their partner.
Their adoration for one another is clear, but that doesn’t always mean pure bliss. Their story is messy and intense, as are those of any young couple in love. They’re in for a bumpy ride, but both Dallas and Drayton display remarkable strength and perseverance.
Sidelined 2: Intercepted is available to stream on Tubi.