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Burt Reynolds’s 1972 centerfold in Cosmopolitan was, simply put, a major moment in pop culture. It was our magazine’s—any magazine’s—first time featuring a man in that kind of spread, and it cemented Burt’s status as one of America’s sexiest men. In homage, we’re launching the Cosmo Centerfold series, in which we take cheeky pics (and ask cheeky questions) of the hottest celebs of our time. To get the printable, hang-on-your-wall version, you’ll have to pick up an actual Cosmo to see it in the flesh (sorry, had to). Enjoy!

It's been 84 long years ('kay, more like seven, but still!) since we were first introduced to the Stranger Things crew, which, back then, was comprised of a group of then-bbs...who just so happened to be fully capable of battling one of the greatest villains in TV history. Since then, the actors behind our fave Hawkins heroes have grown up, gotten engaged, and are low-key hot now, I can confirm. Enter: 22-year-old Caleb McLaughlin, aka Lucas Sinclar on the long-running hit show (notable) and an overall tour de force of hotness (also notable).

Because of said notable qualities, Caleb is the perfect person for this centerfold. He not only obliged us by taking his shirt off—you're welcome!—but shared all the pertinent details on the exciting projects he's got in the works, including his new movie The Book of Clarence and the final installment of Stranger Things. Yes, we also get incredibly nosy about his love life in the name of journalism.

You showcase tons of different talents in all the roles you play— whether it's being a great ex who provides tons of emotional support while Vecna is out here trying to kill people on Stranger Things or being a basketball star in your movie Shooting Stars. What would you say your best-kept secret talent is IRL?

I mean, as of right now, a lot of people don't know that I can actually sing.

Oh, tell me more!

Yeah, I dropped two songs last year and that was really just a tease for the world so I could see their reaction and how they would take it. But right now, I'm in the process of making more music and getting it all together so I can drop an EP or maybe another single. I'm really excited to step into the artist lane.

Listen to Caleb's music here

There are so many great soundtracks that come along with movies and TV shows, so that's also kind of a good way to potentially mix business with pleasure down the line.

Yeah, that would be so fire.

But getting back to business—for now, at least—your new movie The Book of Clarence is coming out today. Can you tell us a bit about what appealed most to you about the role?

When I first heard about it, I actually had a meeting with Jeymes Samuels, the director. I've been a fan of his ever since The Harder They Fall, so just being able to speak with him and learn about his creativity was dope. And he was telling me about this project he was doing in Italy, and he kind of just convinced me into believing in it.

I actually hadn't even read the script yet. He just told me about it and I was like, "Sign me up." Whatever he's doing I was like, "I want to be a part of it." The Harder They Fall was just an inspiring, dope film that we haven't really captured in Hollywood before, and he was telling me that this is something else that no one would ever even dare to think of or see. Only Jeymes could even do something like this, so I was like, "Bet, I'm down. Let's do it."

What was the audition process like? Or was it a meeting of the minds and you both were full steam ahead?

Yeah, it was actually more like that. I wouldn't say I didn't audition because I've been auditioning my whole life to get to where I am right now, so I feel that anyone who's asked, "Hey, you want to do this project?" is because I've been auditioning my whole life.

I've auditioned by playing Lucas on Stranger Things, Cole on Concrete Cowboy, Ricky in The New Edition Story, and Dru in Shooting Stars, so I feel that my work has shown I have versatility and that people can trust me in their projects. It's really rewarding to have gotten to the point where someone could even say, "Hey, do you want to do this?" because that means my work is proving and speaking for itself.

What was new and unique about the experience of filming this movie compared to your other roles, including that of Lucas on Stranger Things?

It was actually my first time playing an adult so I had to grow out my beard for the film, versus in Stranger Things where I'm in middle school and somehow fighting Demogorgons, so it's two totally different projects in every sense.

Speaking of Stranger Things, a lot of people—myself included—are excited about the final part of season 5 coming out, but also understandably sad that the show's ending. How are you feeling about the series coming to a close?

It is really sad. I mean, Stranger Things has been a big part of my life. The Duffers have done so well creating this classic and delivering each season, but I think it makes sense that the show is ending. We don't want to ruin a classic or keep milking the cow. I feel like we're going to end on a good note and that's where we should end.

You've all become such huge stars throughout your journey on the show. When's the last time you thought to yourself, "Oh, I'm famous famous."

It's interesting because it changes all the time. Since I've gotten most of my fame through Stranger Things, I feel that every time a season comes out, it just gets greater—the fans and I guess my notoriety, in a way. Recently I was in Paris and when I was going into my hotel there was so much paparazzi out there and fans just screaming "Caleb, Caleb, Caleb!"

Oh my God.

And it's times like that where I'm like Whoa. Dang, I'm actually a celebrity. Usually, I don't really see it like that because I'm home and working and everything, but when I'm out in public or if I'm working and I'm going overseas and people are waiting for me and they know I'm there, they're going to pull up.

I mean, there were a lot of people who stayed in the same hotel as me, but the fact that I still walked out and a majority of the people knew who I was was inspiring because I'm like, Alright, I'm making these people happy. They're coming out of their way to come see me. It's a big deal. So, it's a big thing. And not even just career-wise. I know who makes me happy. I know my family makes me happy, and seeing my siblings or my mom and dad makes me happy. And I love being around them, but for a person who doesn't know me on that level—the fact that they're going out of their way to come see me because I make them happy and because they like me on-screen is on a different level. It's so heartwarming.

I love that! Switching gears a bit to your life off the screen, though. What is your version of a perfect night in with a significant other?

I'm more of an adventurous type of person. If it's like 2:00 in the morning, I'm the type of person to be like, "Hey, you want to go in the woods and jump in the lake?" I'll do stuff like that, you know.

I like doing spontaneous stuff, so I'm always down to go for a joy ride or listen to music on the highway or something like that, or even book a random trip and ask, "Hey, you want to stay here?" I don't know. But if we're sticking inside, I'm down to order some food, kick it, listen to some music, and vibe. You know what I mean?

Speaking of dates, have you been taking people out on any? Are you single?

No dates recently. I don't have a girlfriend. I mean, I've been in situations, but I've never had a girlfriend. It's hard. It's hard having a girlfriend right now.

I think you simultaneously just broke so many of our readers' hearts, but maybe also gave them hope?

Yeah, having to focus on work and then also trying to focus on the person and being there for them emotionally—it's a lot. You know what I mean? Then sometimes people don't understand other people's schedules and it can be too much, so I'm cool right now.

Listen, people love a challenge! So let's say someone's in the business of wanting to get to know you—busy schedule and all. What should they know about dating you?

Probably that I like to joke around. I don't really understand it when people are like "I'm too big to be acting like that." Like, okay, and? I describe life as a video game in a way. There are different levels to it. Sometimes you fail some levels, but you always have a chance to restart. Unless you get X'd out of the game, then it's clipped. But even then, there are other lives to experience as well. But in this life, I'm like, just live life and have fun. Work for me is fun. Of course it gets stressful at moments, but I just don't like people when they don't like to have fun. I love a person who knows themselves, is confident, and enjoys having fun.

Okay, so I have to ask for the people: Are you really tabling dating for now or are you open to it if someone really special catches your eye?

I think if the right person sparks my interest, I would find the time. I'm busy and I'm really focused on work too, but if someone's really interesting to where and I find myself being like, I'll take a pause on the script and I'll come back to it, that's a good sign.

We obviously have to talk about the centerfold. The photos look incredible. How does it feel to look that great on camera?

*Laughs* I mean, it feels good! I feel this is a great way of stepping into my adulthood in the industry. I've been an adult at home, but a lot of people have been seeing me in person more recently and they're like *mimics adult voice* "Wow, you're a grown man. Look at you!" But it's like, I've been like that for a minute. A lot of people just don't know my lifestyle and who I am, and I feel like this is the next stage of getting to know who Caleb is. Growing up in the industry as a kid, I didn't believe in flashing my whole lifestyle and what I was doing because I was young. I didn't understand who I was. And I still don't fully understand, but I'm learning more every day.

As a kid, I wasn't trying to be outside and post pictures with all of my friends and show everything I was doing because I felt that the world didn't need to know at that time. But as of right now, I'm over 21. I've entered a new stage in my life and I'm allowing people in the door with me, so this is a perfect way to do that.

What were your feelings when you heard that Cosmo wanted you to be in the centerfold?

I thought it was really dope. It's great that Cosmo is on the same page and understands that, No, he's not a kid anymore. He's an adult. And it's nice that it sees my growth and recognizes my talent, what I'm doing in my career, and how focused I am on getting to where I want to be and my goals. I was happy I was able to do this centerfold.

How did you feel doing the photoshoot itself?

I actually felt more like myself. I mean, I love playing younger roles, but being able to just walk into a room and have people recognize that I've grown up was amazing. It felt like I was showing up for myself—like I was showing up for Caleb, the adult. It felt great and I felt welcomed, and the team that worked on the shoot in New York was amazing.

I love that you felt so comfortable in that environment. Is there anywhere else where you feel that way? Like where you can be the most confident and yourself.

Definitely when I'm with my family—when I'm at home. I feel the most comfortable with the people I love and who I'm around the most, have fun with, and who know me. I don't have to continue to tell people, "This is how I am, or that is how I am." Of course, you meet new people every day, but the people who know me and who understand who I am I feel the most comfortable around.

Do you have a self-care routine or things you do that generally make feel grounded?

Prayer. But I also love my skincare routine! I love doing that. It's very therapeutic for me.

Photographer: Mikey Asanin. Stylist: Cassie Anderson. Creative Director: Mallory Roynon. Entertainment Director: Maxwell Losgar. Interview: Gretty Garcia. Manicurist: Frances Lang. Barber: Reggae. Groomer: Nicole King.Visual Director: Kristin Giametta. Production: Ruben Chamorro.

More Centerfolds, You Ask?

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