The internet is no stranger to memes that blow up and take on a life of their own; however, the “Not My Rodrick”meme stands out for its unintended consequences, particularly for the Diary of a Wimpy Kid actor involved. Launched in 2007 by renowned author and cartoonist Jeff Kinney, the Diary of a Wimpy Kid franchise has since expanded to 18 books that maintain the humorous diary-style format that fans love. The film adaptations too have grown, with a total of seven movies released, comprising four live-action and three animated features.
The heart of the series revolves around various characters, including Greg Heffley, his loyal best friend Rowley Jefferson, and his family members—parents Susan and Frank, younger brother Manny, and the older brother Rodrick. Notably, Rodrick is portrayed as an insensitive punk who plays the drums in the band Löded Diper and often finds amusement in pranking Greg. Over the course of the franchise’s evolution, the Heffley family has seen multiple cast changes, with Rodrick’s character attracting particular scrutiny.
The Emergence of the Not My Rodrick Meme
Fan Discontent Over Casting Changes
The “Not My Rodrick”meme took off in March 2017, following the release of the trailer for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul by 20th Century Fox on YouTube (KnowYourMeme).The online reactions were swift and overwhelmingly negative, particularly in the comments section where fans expressed outrage over the change in casting. Having previously been portrayed by Devon Bostick, Rodrick’s new portrayal by Charlie Wright did not sit well with many viewers.
The backlash indicated a deeper emotional connection fans had with the original cast, leading to an influx of comments and sharing of the #NotMyRodrick hashtag, which echoed the politically charged #NotMyPresident social media movement prevalent at the time. This discontent escalated to the point where a petition against the casting gathered over 10, 000 signatures in just 72 hours. Though Bostick extended his best wishes to Wright, the fanbase’s frustration persisted.
Charlie Wright’s Experience with the Meme
Wright’s Struggles with Online Backlash
While many engaged with the meme in a lighthearted manner, the reality was quite different for Charlie Wright, who shared his emotional struggles stemming from the negative attention in a YouTube video posted on March 25, 2024. In his video on the channel @chawlie, he opened up about the darker side of the experience:
“I did go through a depressive episode for almost 3 years, um afterwards. And it kind of ruined my acting career, but I’m still alive. I’m still here.”
Wright’s experience highlights the darker aspects of fandom culture and online behavior. It evokes parallels to the mistreatment faced by young actors like Jake Lloyd from the Star Wars saga, who were similarly bullied for their portrayals. Charlie Wright’s performance as Rodrick was commendable, yet he faced unwarranted backlash, reflecting broader issues present within internet communities. However, he has shown resilience in his journey, now reflecting positively on his role:
“…that experience is still the greatest acting experience I’ve had.”
This statement showcases his commendable strength of character in overcoming adversity, demonstrating a maturity that is inspiring for both aspiring actors and fans alike.
Charlie Wright’s Career After Rodrick
Limited Roles Following the Controversy
Since his stint in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, Charlie Wright has only taken on two roles: one in an episode of Yellowjackets as Kevyn, and a brief appearance as a special guest judge in the short film The Great American Mud Wrestle. His absence from significant acting roles since 2021 is likely linked to the harsher criticism experienced during his portrayal of Rodrick. Nonetheless, Wright remains active in the digital realm, frequently updating his Instagram account, which boasts over 71.2K followers, primarily featuring memes. Additionally, he serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the meme page @poxworldwide.
Devon Bostick’s Post-Rodrick Career
Bostick’s Noteworthy Film Appearances
Since his role in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days, Devon Bostick has carved out a busy and diverse acting career. His notable film roles include Roy Gray in Regression, Silver in Okja, Billy in Tuscaloosa, and Seth Neddermeyer in Oppenheimer. Moreover, Bostick gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Jasper Jordan in the popular TV series The 100. He has also appeared in various other series, including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, A Teacher, Most Dangerous Game, and FUBAR.
Bostick has four upcoming films that have generated anticipation. These include Salvation, which focuses on a snake-handling Pentecostal community; Mile End Kicks, centered on a music critic involved with her subjects; Crime 101, revolving around a detective and a strict jewel thief; and a Western film featuring a high-society woman who finds herself catfished by a teenager.
Future of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Franchise
Exciting Developments Ahead
The Diary of a Wimpy Kid franchise has consistently captivated audiences for nearly two decades since the initial book’s release. Although interest in live-action adaptations appears to be waning, the animated film series has seen success on Disney+, proving to be a fitting home for these adaptations. Given Kinney’s artistic style, animation aligns well with the humor and spirit of his stories.
Hunter Dillon voices the character Rodrick in the recent animated films, and exciting news is on the horizon regarding new content. Kinney hinted at plans for further animated adaptations in an exclusive interview with OneTakeNews. He stated:
“Yeah, I don’t know how much I’m allowed to say but I will say that yes, The Last Straw is in the works and I’m hoping to do lots and lots of [animated Wimpy Kid films] over time.”
This interview, conducted in December 2022 prior to the release of Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever, signals a continued commitment to expanding the franchise. With a total of 19 books available and Kinney’s ongoing enthusiasm, fans can likely expect more Diary of a Wimpy Kid films to arrive without the negative attention that Charlie Wright faced with the “Not My Rodrick”meme.
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