Ah, young love. The kind that makes you think strolling down the streets of New York with a coffee in hand is the peak of human existence. Well, Sebastian Stan, who you might know as Bucky Barnes or “that guy with too many jackets in the MCU,” is reminiscing about a simpler time—his romance with Gossip Girl co-star Leighton Meester.
For those who missed the early 2000s (or were too busy with their flip phones), Sebastian and Leighton were an on-screen-meets-off-screen couple from 2008 to 2010, back when The CW ruled teen angst like a monarch on a caffeine-fueled bender. Leighton was a mainstay as Blair Waldorf (aka queen of headbands and snark), while Sebastian made 11 charming guest appearances, likely with hair that was perfectly tousled by a wind machine.
Now, in a new interview with Variety, Sebastian took a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Spoiler alert: this is where the feels start to creep in. Apparently, while filming Gossip Girl, Sebastian was also deep in the throes of his “first serious love.” That’s right, guys—while some of us were discovering our love for pizza or finally realizing Crocs are a crime against fashion, Sebastian was all starry-eyed for Leighton.
“It was the first time I was in serious love with somebody,” Sebastian said, likely with a far-off gaze that made everyone in the room swoon. “Walking around the city, seeing these same buildings and streets — life seemed simpler.” Ah yes, simpler times—when the biggest problem was whether Chuck and Blair would ever just get together already.
But wait, there’s more! This isn’t the first time Sebastian has gushed about Leighton. Back in 2009, during the golden age of magazine interviews and awkward red carpet moments, he dished about her to People, describing her as “the most interesting, sophisticated, talented, and extremely funny person I know.” Wow, talk about an all-you-can-eat buffet of compliments! He even threw in that she’s “really hilarious,” because clearly, being beautiful, smart, and talented just wasn’t enough.
So, while Sebastian is out here battling supervillains in the MCU and Leighton is living her best life, it’s nice to know that somewhere in his heart, there’s a soft spot for those Gossip Girl days. Maybe next time he’s back in NYC, he’ll walk past those same streets and buildings, only this time with a knowing smirk and a superhero suit stashed in his bag.
XOXO
