Intercepted Review - Cast interviews, new story arcs, and how the sequel stacks up

IN Overruled 2: Intercepteddirector Justin Wu takes the Wattpad-born universe that captivated millions of viewers in 2023 and expands it into a richer, more emotionally layered sequel. While the original film leaned toward the high school charm of first love, the sequel boldly steps into college life, where ambition, identity, and real stakes collide with romance in ways that the first film only hinted at.

The result? A sequel that feels more confident, more grounded and ultimately more meaningful.

A crucial creative choice in the sequel is its dual-universe structure: Drayton (Noah Beck) now navigating the pressure cooker world of USC football, while Dallas (See Agudong) enters the intense, competitive ecosystem of a dance program at CalArts—complete with new friends, new routines, and new emotional challenges.

Director Justin Wuspeaking with ThePlayerLounge, explained that this change wasn’t just cosmetic — it was at the heart of how the sequel unfolded:

“We’re still capturing the spirit of the characters that everyone fell in love with, but we’re also throwing them new challenges that manifest in a different way. Now you have two separate worlds that have their own language, their own characters, their own dynamic.”

And honestly, it’s there Wiretapped lights up. The film doesn’t just raise the stakes; it shows how love strains, twists and adapts when thrown into completely different environments. It’s a film about connection — but just as much about independence.

Joining the cast this time is Roan Curtiswhich gives a new spark to the series. Although she had heard of Set asideshe admits she didn’t initially realize the viral wave behind it:

“I’m a dinosaur — I’m not on TikTok. I knew the movie was big, but I didn’t know the scale of it. My sister had to tell me, ‘This is a thing.'”

Curtis enters the universe with an appealing mix of innocence and chemistry, noting that the viral “nice catch” cheers from the original was her favorite scene – and part of what made her happy to be in it.

Her character’s introduction broadens the story’s emotional tapestry without overshadowing the leads – a delicate balance the film manages well

If the first film was about falling for someone unexpectedly, the sequel is about something more universal and more grown-up: redirected by life.

thematically, Wiretapped leans towards the idea that detours are often the beginning of discoveries. Both Wu and Curtis connected deeply with this message when discussing the film.

Curtis shared:

“I’ve lived many lives – acting, studying, working abroad. All these diversions became valuable. You don’t always know where it will take you until later.”

Wu echoed the sentiment from a creator’s point of view:

“The journey to becoming a director is long, with many pivots. Chasing a dream involves sacrifices and balancing priorities. That balancing act is the heart of the film.”

These quotes aren’t just heartfelt — they’re embedded in every frame of the film. Drayton and Dallas both face moments that could reshape their futures, and the film explores the tension between ambition and love with surprising emotional clarity

On the supporting side, Charlie Gillespie returns with an energy that fans will immediately gravitate towards. Speaking about his own character’s arc, he joked:

“You’re not going to win her over by singing a cry-me song… spice it up!”

Drew Ray Tanner, meanwhile, anchors the film with a warm, emotionally mature performance as an older brother navigating responsibility, self-doubt and personal growth. His reflection on drawing inspiration from real family experience makes his scenes particularly resonant:

“I don’t think you ever stop being loving or wanting to be there for them… but you also have to find your identity outside of your kids.”

It is small but crucial insights like this that elevate Wiretapped from teenage romance territory to something with a genuine coming-of-age foundation.