This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s summer editorial intern Ana Sofia Corral Morales. Find her on Instagram at @sofi.photographsss. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Between the soundtrack, versatility and amazing cast, Challengers has become THE MOVIE of 2024. The film has also triggered a new trend derived from their 2 lead male actors, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor, known as the “hot rodent boyfriends” of the Internet. If we go back a couple years we can see that the trend has evolved from a “hot ugly” man to a “hot rodent” man, and gen z is there for it. This article will point out several men in the entertainment industry that follow a hot rodent standard.
What is a rodent man?
We can refer to him as a man that looks like a mouse. If we dig a little deeper, a hot rodent boyfriend describes someone unconventionally attractive who seem to share common physical traits:
- Angular facial structure: Sharp, defined jawlines and cheekbones that gives their face a well-formed shape.
- Sunken or bulging eyes: Eyes that are either deeply set or bulging, adding an intimidating look and expressiveness to their gaze.
- Messy hair: The kind of hair that implies they don’t ever do their hair, they wake up and go to sleep with that messiness.
- Pale, to the point they’re one step to a calcium deficit.
- Tall, skinny and a proportionate silhouette that stands out in a crowd.
I mean, we could consider Thimothée a hot rodent, but that doesn’t stop him from being hot.
What about personality?
Is it mostly about the looks? It seems that physicality is tied to a certain vibe, stating that if you’re not stereotypically handsome or with traditional masculine traits (whatever that means), the man is less threatening. Following that logic, the “hot rodent boyfriend” trend could be compared to the Tik Tok trend of the “golden retriever boyfriend”, which describes someone who is openly affectionate. Otherwise, he seems like the Gen Z equivalent of what millennials would call a ‘hipster’ or ‘indie’ boy.
Other notable “hot rodent boyfriends”
Timothée Chalamet: His traits give a slightly androgynous appearance, with both feminine and masculine unique features: narrow nose, pointed chin, thin physique, pale face and a small moustache. It can’t be a coincidence that Timothée Chalamet’s character in Dune 2 chose Muad’Dib as a Fremen name: literally, desert mouse.
Jeremy Allen White: He has all the characteristics of the ‘hot rodent boyfriend’: long hair, prominent narrow nose, sunken eyes (with –extra factor– downturned eyelids), pointed chin, slumped shoulders, unmotivated walk…
Barry Keoghan: This Irish actor, Saltburn’s lead character and current Sabrina Carpenter’s boyfriend, tops every hot rodent boyfriend list. Keoghan’s distinct features, including his sharp cheekbones and intense gaze, perfectly fit the rodent man mold. His ability to portray complex, often troubled characters adds to his allure.
Austin Butler: According to the Internet, Austin Butler also resembles the protagonist of the “Flushed Away” movie. His angular and slightly raised lips are reminiscent of a mouse’s mouth.
Tom Hiddleston: He gathers the rodents elements by excellence: narrow and long nose, pointed chin and lanky appearance, etc.
Tom Holland: I thought his arachnid vibe from Spiderman never turns off but now he’s giving rodent boyfriend? It’s the eyes and lips.
Glen Powell: While Powell might initially seem an unconventional choice, his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Devotion reveal a more nuanced side to his charm. His clean-cut yet occasionally rugged appearance, combined with his tall and frame, align him with the hot rodent aesthetic.
How Do They Feel About It?
We have not gotten a single answer from the actors regarding their appearance in the trend. But do you know who has embraced a similar trend? Jacob Elordi, when he regained worldwide recognition as de no. 1 “babygirl”. “Me? I’m babygirl”, says the actor when hosting Saturday Night Live. The babygirl trend has also shown us that people find beauty in more soft spots.
The rise of the hot rodent boyfriend in the entertainment industry is proof of the evolving nature of beauty standards. The previously mentioned actors have redefined attractiveness through their distinctive looks and compelling performances. As this trend continues to gain momentum, it emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity and celebrating unconventional beauty in all its forms. Whether on the big screen or in the hearts of fans, the “hot rodent boyfriend” is here to stay, proving that charm and allure come in many different packages.
Tell me, who is your favorite hot rodent boyfriend? Let us know in the comments below!
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