Josh Heuston Shares His Thoughts on Justin Kohl: A Heartfelt Perspective from ‘Off Campus’ Star
Josh Heuston Brings a New Dimension to Justin Kohl in Prime Video’s Off Campus
In Season 1 of Prime Video’s adaptation of Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus series, Josh Heuston presents a fresh portrayal of Justin Kohl. Unlike the original football player who competes for Hannah Wells’ affections against Garrett Graham, played by Belmont Cameli, Heuston’s character introduces new layers to the narrative.
Music plays a pivotal role in Kennedy’s first book, The Deal, influencing multiple characters, including Hannah. However, in the series, Justin is the lead singer of the band After Hours, serving as the catalyst for Hannah’s decision to fake-date Garrett, ultimately leading to genuine feelings between them.
As the storyline progresses, Hannah confesses her feelings for Garrett, while Justin expresses his interest in her. The two collaborate on a song for the Pop Music Showcase, where Hannah hopes to secure funds for her tuition at Briar University. Tensions arise when Justin performs their song, revealing he has written the lyrics, prompting Hannah to request a fresh start. He encourages her to take initiative in her songwriting and be vulnerable.
“That scene in particular, he’s talking about the music, but he’s not just talking about the music. He’s very much saying like, ‘I’ve come to the table and put my heart on the line, and you more or less promised it and then took it away in a lot of ways,’” Heuston noted, reflecting the emotional depth behind their interactions.
To prepare for his musical role, Heuston learned to play guitar and piano, performing covers of popular songs by artists such as Ariana Grande, P!nk, and One Direction, alongside an original piece titled “Yellow Haze.” He expressed enthusiasm for the experience, stating, “Performing stuff on stage was my favorite. It was a little taste of what it would be like to be a real musician, which I’m grateful that I got to have that experience.”
Although Justin faces rejection from Hannah in this storyline, he finds his footing in other romantic pursuits within Kennedy’s book series. The potential for his character’s development in future seasons remains uncertain, but Heuston is open to exploring that avenue. “I guess we’ll see what happens with all that stuff, but I had a great time filming this with everyone,” he shared. “I love this show and the cast, and I’m very proud of what we made.”
