Cooper Hoffman and Nico Parker have confirmed their blossoming romance during a candid interview, which has sparked interest ever since they were spotted together at the Toronto International Film Festival last year. The young stars met while working on Maude Apatow’s directorial debut, *Poetic License*, and it appears their on-screen chemistry extended off-screen as well.
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In a recent profile with *The Hollywood Reporter*, Hoffman shared details about their relationship. The 23-year-old actor disclosed that while he and Parker first crossed paths during the film’s production, they did not enter into a relationship until after filming wrapped. “She came to New York to meet my mum [costume designer Mimi O’Donnell], and I asked her to be my girlfriend,” he recalled fondly. Hoffman’s affection for Parker was evident, as he described the moment as “very sweet.”
Speculation surrounding their relationship began when the pair showed a playful rapport at a TIFF event, where they were seen cuddling puppies. At that time, Hoffman reportedly told Parker, “No, we’re not getting a dog,” which further fuelled the curiosity of onlookers regarding their relationship status.
*Poetic License* is portrayed as a “hilarious and generous college comedy” that explores the dynamic friendship between two college seniors and a mature woman auditing their poetry course. The film features Hoffman in the role of Ari, alongside Andrew Barth Feldman as Sam. The plot reveals the contrasting personalities of the duo, with Ari being somewhat goofy and self-absorbed, while Sam is more conservative and focused on a finance career.
The story takes a twist when they encounter married mother Liz, portrayed by Leslie Mann, who is attending their class. Liz, grappling with her own family dynamics and her daughter’s desire to return to the city, ends up becoming the object of affection for both boys, leading to comical yet complicated situations that threaten their friendship.
Nico Parker, aged 21, comes from a talented lineage, being the daughter of actress Thandiwe Newton and filmmaker Ol Parker. She made her film debut in Tim Burton’s live-action *Dumbo* in 2019 and recently portrayed Astrid in the live-action adaptation of *How to Train Your Dragon*. Her burgeoning career is closely watched, and her role in *Poetic License* is anticipated to resonate with audiences.
Hoffman, the son of the late Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, has also emerged as a prominent young talent. Having made his breakout performance in 2021’s *Licorice Pizza*, he has been involved in various projects since then, including portraying Dick Ebersol in the recent *Saturday Night*. His latest work includes the long-awaited adaptation of Stephen King’s *The Long Walk*. Currently, he is in theatres with the raunchy comedy *I Want Your Sex*, alongside Olivia Wilde.
Reflecting on the legacy of his father, Hoffman expressed mixed feelings about his own burgeoning acting career. He stated, “He’s my favourite actor, but he’s also my dad.” He conveyed both pride in his lineage and anxiety about being judged by a parent who was also an esteemed actor. Nevertheless, he hoped his father would support him, underscoring a desire for connection rather than scrutiny.
*I Want Your Sex* is currently screening in cinemas, while *Poetic License* is scheduled to release on October 16, 2025. Both films are anticipated to highlight the evolving talents of these young actors, who are gaining recognition not only for their familial backgrounds but for their own achievements in the competitive film industry. As audiences await the release of *Poetic License*, interest in the personal lives of its stars continues to grow, weaving a narrative of young love alongside their evolving careers.