Reese Witherspoon’s handsome son Deacon lands gig in Netflix’s next book-to-screen adaptation

Reese Witherspoon‘s eldest son is following in her footsteps. Deacon Phillippe, 22, the son of Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe, is starring in Netflix’s highly anticipated book-to-screen adaptation. 

Deacon is part of the young adult romantic adaptation “Better Than The Movies.” Netflix describes the movie as a “love letter to romantic comedies” that will be directed by Julia Hart. 

“Liz’s obsession with the genre proves very helpful when she schemes with her annoying but cute next-door neighbor to get the attention of her untouchable crush. Better Than the Movies pays homage to all the romance tropes — fake relationship, enemies to lovers, boy next door — but turns them on their heads in this new take on what happily ever after looks like,” reads TUDUM. 

The cast will be led by Beatrice Kitsos and David Iacono, with the cast rounded out by Deacon, Nicole Bruner, Luke Kirby and Judy Greer. 

© GettyImages

Deacon shared the news on his Instagram story, writing, “beyond grateful.” He’s been committed to the arts in past years, starring in various projects, including Mindy Kaling’s TV show “Never Have I Ever,” and the show “Motorheads.” He’s also released EDM music since he was 16 years old, releasing his first album in 2023 called “A New Earth.” 

“All I can say is that it came from pure love, for what I do and for the people that listen,” Deacon wrote at the time. “This is a story of my life, our lives, and of love and life in general; it carries thoughts and emotions that I’ve accumulated, felt, observed, bottled up, and dealt with through the last 19 years of my life. This project was created in my dorm, made by three college kids with big dreams and bigger hearts.”

Deacon’s parents are very proud of him 

© Ryan Phillippe

Deacon’s parents, Witherspoon and Phillippe, were one of the most famous couples in the ’90s and the 2000’s, divorcing in 2007. Still, the pair share a friendly co-parenting dynamic and have two kids: Ava, 26, and Deacon. 

Phillippe has talked about his son and how proud he is of his artistic pursuits.  “I am so proud,” he said in 2022. “He’s about to go to college for music. That’s his primary focus. The acting thing he likes to do, and he will do according to what his appetite for it is, but his focus is primarily music.” 

© Variety via Getty Images