'Off Campus' star Belmont Cameli says playing Garrett Graham made him nervous as BookTok watched

Belmont Cameli is opening up about the pressure of stepping into one of BookTok’s most beloved hockey romance heroes.

In an exclusive interview with People, the 28-year-old actor admitted he felt nervous about portraying Garrett Graham in Prime Video’s adaptation of The Deal, the first installment in Off-Campus. Cameli said he immediately connected with Garrett and knew he wanted the role, but also understood how much the character meant to fans of the bestselling books.

“I have a lot of love for Garrett,” Cameli told the outlet, explaining that he spent time preparing for the audition and even isolated himself to focus on landing the part. He said becoming what many fans now call “BookTok’s favourite hockey boyfriend” was initially intimidating, but ultimately rewarding.

The new series follows Garrett, Briar University’s star hockey player, as he begins a fake dating arrangement with music student Hannah Wells, played by Ella Bright. What starts as a mutually beneficial deal gradually develops into a deeper romance.

Cameli said filming in Vancouver helped him grow as an actor and allowed him to bond with castmates including Antonio Cipriano, Stephen Kalyn and Jalen Thomas Brooks, who play Garrett’s teammates and closest friends.

Prime Video renewed Off Campus for a second season before the first season premiered, a sign of confidence in the adaptation and its passionate fan base. Season 1 is now streaming on Prime Video.