Inside the Gen Z Film Publicity Stunt That Had Manosphere Poster Boy Kyle University Stationed Outside L.A., London Studios (Exclusive)
A viral social media character called Kyle University, a hyper-masculine "manosphere" figure who amassed over 60 million views and 30,000 Instagram followers before being banned from TikTok, has been revealed as an elaborate publicity stunt. The Hollywood Reporter can exclusively confirm the persona, played by US bodybuilder Mike O'Hearn, is actually a satirical campaign devised by 22-year-old British director Noah Caplan to promote his debut film Impressionable, which critiques manosphere culture.
The campaign culminated this week when costumed "Kyle" recruiters, played by various young comedians including Rufus Rice and Auden Barnes, appeared outside major studios and talent agencies in Los Angeles and London, including the BBC, Lionsgate, UTA, WME, Working Title and Channel 4, distributing leaflets pitching a fake online course. The targets were handpicked by Caplan as "dream collaborators" for Impressionable, which is currently seeking financing and distribution, with the stunt designed to capitalise on industry interest generated by the viral hoax.
- "Manosphere" star Kyle University was secretly a satirical film marketing stunt.
- Director Noah Caplan used it to promote his debut film, Impressionable.
- Costumed "Kyles" targeted top studios and agencies in LA and London this week.