A month prior to receiving some of the most incredible pop culture news I will ever receive in my life, I took my driver’s test. During this time, the 2022 Oscar nominations were also in the process of being announced. To motivate myself, I internally said “if I do not pass my driver’s test, Mike Faist will not be nominated for an Oscar for West Side Story”. Can you guess what happened next? I hit a curb and failed my test and Mike Faist was not nominated for an Oscar. Even though there is no evidence that I have actually caused this injustice, I still feel responsible. I’m sorry that I hit that curb, Mike.
It was the fateful day of March 13th, 2022 that made up for this robbery. I opened Twitter to a video of Mike Faist at the BAFTAs officially announcing to the world that he would be starring in Luca Guadagnino’s new film, Challengers, alongside Zendaya and Josh O’Connor. That week, I had my follow up driver’s test and can you guess what happened? I PASSED. Now, I’m not saying that Mike Faist and I are somewhat connected, but I’m also not NOT saying that.
I’m sure you all have seen the trailer by now, which also dropped the day before my birthday, might I add (happy birthday to me, I am connected to Mike Faist and you cannot deny it). The trailer showcases the tension-filled relationships between tennis players Tashi Duncan, Art Donaldson, and Patrick Zweig. This trailer not only features a beautiful shaggy blonde version of Mike Faist, it also features the song “S&M” by Rihanna. Luca Guadagnino, I know what you’re doing.
Seeing Mike Faist’s boyish charm on screen reminded me that he will soon be labeled as everybody’s new “White Boy of the Month”. Although I absolutely love the idea of more Mike Faist edits popping up on my FYP, I realized that many people don’t actually know Mike and his fascinating history as a performing artist. As an outspoken member of the Mike Faist nation, it is my job to push the Mike Faist agenda and tell you why you need to add this handsome triple-threat to your celebrity crush list.
Yes, everybody knows that Mike Faist is hot. But what you may not know is that he is an incredibly talented Tony-nominated actor who has a long history with musical theater. Our king got his start as Morris Delancy on Broadway’s Newsies where he charmed the stage with his magical tap dancing. He continued on to star in Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen where he played the pivotal role of Connor Murphy which inarguably showcased his range and earned him a Tony nomination. He then made his way into mainstream media in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story playing Riff who is the leader of the Jets. What’s better than a triple-threat musical theater boy who is going on to play a sexy tennis DILF?
Do yourself a favor and stan Mike Faist. You won’t regret it.