The trend of comparing Hollywood men to rodents has taken social media by storm, with celebrities like Barry Keoghan, Matty Healy, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist being at the center of the conversation.
The trend, known as “hot rodent summer,” gained traction after the release of the hit film Challengers in April 2024, where O’Connor and Faist starred alongside Zendaya. Users online have been quick to point out the resemblance between these actors and various cartoon rodents, sparking a wave of memes and discussions on social media platforms.
According to The New York Times style team, a “rodent man” is described as a man who has angular and pointy facial features, often with big ears and a toothy smile. These men are considered edgy and elusive, with a certain charm that sets them apart from the traditional Hollywood heartthrobs.
In a Dazed article by Serena Smith, she notes that being a “rodent handsome” man is actually a compliment, with these men exuding a different kind of attractiveness that is not solely based on physical appearance. Instead, they are known for their unapologetic support of their partners and lack of toxic masculinity.
Stars like Matty Healy have embraced the trend, with Healy revealing during a show in Brisbane, Australia, that the character Roddy in Flushed Away was actually based on him. Other celebrities like Glen Powell and Timothée Chalamet have also been part of the conversation, with Powell humorously owning up to being compared to a capybara on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
As the trend continues to gain momentum on social media, it’s clear that the concept of “hot rodent summer” is here to stay, with fans and celebrities alike joining in on the fun and celebrating these unconventional yet endearing Hollywood men.
