Off Campus’ Belmont Cameli’s Age Sparks Backlash, On-Sceen GF, Ella Bright Defends, ‘So Close…’

Off Campus is the new young adult romance obsession in town. It found a place in the hearts of people whose watchlists feature shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty and XO, Kitty. Off Campus Season 1 premiered on Prime Video on May 13, 2026 and has already generated a widespread buzz. The first season of the series focuses on opposites attract dynamics between two main characters, ‘Hannah Wells’ (Ella Bright) and ‘Garrett Graham’ (Belmont Cameli). Though many loved Ella and Belmont’s pairing, some were unhappy about Belmont’s age. Amid that, his supportive co-star, Ella, defended him.

Why is Belmont Cameli’s age in focus amid Off Campus‘ success?

Belmont Cameli‘s age is in the spotlight due to the significant age gap between him and his on-screen love interest, Ella Bright. While their college-aged characters, ‘Garrett’ and ‘Hannah’, are both roughly 20 years old in the Prime Video series, the actors’ actual ages have sparked online discussions. Belmont was born on February 28, 1998 and is 28 years old as of May 2026, whereas Ella Bright is only 19 years old (born November 27, 2006). This creates a nearly nine-year age difference between the lead stars of Off Campus. Many viewers found it uncomfortable after learning about it, given that the two share some sizzling scenes in the series.

Ella Bright defended Belmont Cameli against the age gap concern

During a recent chat with Vanity Fair, Ella opened up about her work process, her bond with Belmont, and her overall feelings about her role. The teenager was asked by the interviewer about the much-talked-about age gap between her and her co-star, Belmont Cameli. She handled the question like a sport and laughed it off. Ella clarified that she and Belmont became “best friends” while working together, indicating that the age difference didn’t matter to them and they felt at ease with each other. She was quoted by the media outlet as saying:

“When we spend that much time together on set, it is very, very easy to just become so close. He’s one of my best friends.”

Belmont Cameli and Ella Bright talk about their romance in Off Campus

Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli discussed the show’s opposites attract angle and their characters’ on-screen chemistry. Ahead of Off Campus Season 1’s launch, Ella told Deadline that ‘Garrett Graham’ and ‘Hannah Wells’ unexpected connection seemed “really fun” to her and the viewers. Ella liked how they shared a “real understanding” despite their very different backgrounds. Talking about the uncertainty and thrill of the characters’ fake dating situation, she said:

“I think what’s really fun is that they connect in so many ways that surprises themselves and maybe the audience as well. They find these moments of connection and real understanding with each other that they really don’t expect, because, obviously, they’re in a fake dating situation, and they don’t think anything real is going to come out with that.”

Belmont Cameli echoed similar sentiments and shared how amazing it is when two people discover similarities despite being polar opposites. He cited the example of music uniting ‘Hannah’ and ‘Garrett’ and the latter developing a crush on the former in the process. Belmont’s exact words were:

“There’s nothing more fun than when you meet somebody and you start to discover that you have the same taste in music. There’s nothing better than [when] you meet somebody you have a crush on, you suspect they have a crush on you. Usually, it helps if you have a similar taste in music [which] is like a good catalyst to get along. And it’s that way for our characters.”

Images Credit: Prime Video

What are your thoughts on Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli’s close bond despite an age difference of almost a decade? Let us know.

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