In Boot Camp, Whitney signs up for an intense summer boot camp with the goal of reinventing herself, only to find herself unexpectedly falling for her off-limits personal trainer, Axel. What begins as a physical transformation quickly evolves into a journey of self-discovery, as Whitney learns to shed the weight of others’ expectations and embrace her true self.
Adapted from Gina Musa’s wildly popular Wattpad story, which has garnered over 27 million reads, Boot Camp is the latest offering from Wattpad WEBTOON Studios—a studio that has quickly made a name for itself in YA and Gen Z storytelling. The film deftly captures the heart of the original story, weaving a narrative that balances romance with themes of empowerment and self-acceptance.
Drew Ray Tanner brings depth and nuance to the role of Axel, the brooding and mysterious trainer. Reflecting on his experience playing Axel, Tanner shared, “It was something different for me. When you’re a young actor and you’re starting out, you get auditions; some will be these long monologues, eight-page scenes, and for some reason, you can memorize that easily, like, ‘I got this.’ But what people don’t know is that some of the hardest parts to play are when you have one line, and you’ve got to make that one line sound really good. I spent a large part of my career being a supporting character and focused on really coming into a scene and nailing that one little bit, so I had to adjust to playing a character where less is more—don’t reveal too much, let it unfold. The fear is you’re going to play somebody who, on the page, is brooding and dark and mysterious, and that is an archetype, a stereotype of these YA romance characters. The fear is you’re going to play that person and not do them justice, or not have enough brewing underneath the surface that it comes off as authentic. So I just wanted to focus on that and give him as much backstory and life, and fill up his well as much as I could to not make him seem so cliché and fall into that trap, because I knew that everyone else was bringing their A-game. Our cast is full of wonderful performers, so I just wanted to make sure I did my part and made sure Axel was a fully realized character.”
Tanner’s dedication to bringing authenticity to Axel pays off, as his performance avoids the common pitfalls of the brooding YA love interest. He and Rachel Boudwin, who plays Whitney, share a chemistry that feels both genuine and understated, which anchors the film in a way that elevates it above typical genre fare. Canadian actors Emmanuelle Chriqui and Ennis Esmer round out the cast, adding further layers of complexity to the story.
Directed by Mackenzie Munro (Salvation) and written by Gemma Holdway (Cardinal, The Murders), the film benefits from a strong creative team that knows how to bring the emotional beats of the story to life. Produced by a powerhouse collaboration between Wattpad WEBTOON Studios, Great Pacific Media, December Films, Junction Hammer Productions, and Channel Zero Studios, Boot Camp is more than just a summer romance. It’s a poignant exploration of personal growth, making it a must-watch for fans of coming-of-age stories and anyone who’s ever struggled to find their true self amidst the noise of others’ expectations.
Watch the rest of our interview with Drew Ray Tanner below: