Pierson Fodé Makes the West Wild with Miranda Cosgrove in “The Wrong Paris”

Netflix’s latest romantic comedy, “The Wrong Paris,” has quickly become a fan favorite, blending classic rom-com tropes with contemporary sensibilities and a commitment to inclusion. The film, directed by Janeen Damian and written by Nicole Henrich, stars Miranda Cosgrove as Dawn, an aspiring artist who believes she’s joining a dating show in Paris, France, only to arrive in Paris, Texas. Pierson Fodé plays the charming cowboy bachelor whose authenticity sets the tone for a new kind of romance on screen .

For Pierson Fodé, the film marks a major milestone in his career. Drawing inspiration from Matthew McConaughey for his Texas-born character, Fodé brings both humor and emotional depth to the role. In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Fodé described the process of preparing for the part, emphasizing the importance of relatability and sincerity in romantic storytelling . The actor, known for his openness about challenging stereotypes in Hollywood, shared, “Representation is about honesty. When audiences see diverse characters living, loving, and making mistakes, it opens the door for all of us” .

While “The Wrong Paris” follows a heterosexual romance at its core, its cast and creative team have been vocal about their commitment to normalized inclusion both on and off screen. In press interviews, Cosgrove and Fodé highlighted the impact of working with a diverse crew and the value of platforming LGBTQ+ voices in the creative process . Director Janeen Damian noted, “We wanted every viewer to feel seen—whether through the main love story or the ensemble of contestants and crew on the show-within-a-show. It’s about reflecting the world as it is, not as it was” .

The film’s supporting cast includes LGBTQ+ actors and characters, woven seamlessly into the narrative rather than relegated to side plots or stereotypes. This approach reflects a growing trend in Hollywood, where authentic queer representation is increasingly recognized as essential, not optional .

“The Wrong Paris” has been praised for its warmth, humor, and genuine chemistry between its leads. Reviewers on IMDb and social platforms have emphasized Cosgrove’s evolution beyond her Nickelodeon roots and Fodé’s star-making performance . The film’s meta-commentary on reality dating culture and its subversion of rom-com clichés have resonated widely, with many viewers noting the comfort and satisfaction found in its predictability—while still offering fresh spins on familiar themes .

Crucially for LGBTQ+ audiences, the film’s background characters and ensemble cast reflect a spectrum of identities, portrayed without sensationalism. As one reviewer wrote, “It’s not about shouting diversity—it’s about living it, and ‘The Wrong Paris’ does that with heart” .

The creative choices behind “The Wrong Paris” underscore a shift in the entertainment industry. As Pierson Fodé and Miranda Cosgrove discussed in interviews, normalization of LGBTQ+ identities on screen can be as simple and powerful as including queer contestants in a dating show or having same-sex couples in the background—without making their identities the butt of jokes or plot devices . Cosgrove noted, “It’s about telling love stories—period. Everyone deserves to see their joy reflected back at them” .