Are Madelyn Cline and KJ Apa Dating? Rumors, Explained
Madelyn Cline and KJ Apa are sparking major dating rumors thanks to a recent Cosmopolitan interview promoting their upcoming romance movie The Map That Leads to You. The pair’s undeniable chemistry, flirty banter and even a few declarations of love have fans wondering — is this just clever promotion, or is there something real happening between them?
Here’s what we know so far about their relationship, both on and off-screen.
Are Madelyn and KJ Really Dating?
At this point, it doesn’t look like either star has officially confirmed anything beyond having a very close bond. Still, their Cosmopolitan interview in August left fans buzzing with speculation.
The article describes the pair’s friendship as playful and chaotic, filled with constant teasing and finishing each other’s sentences. Madelyn herself admitted: “I always know that whenever KJ and I are going to be doing something together, it’s going to be an absolute mess and a really good time. We’re like Mr. and Mrs. Smith—if it was mixed with Dumb and Dumber.”
KJ shared similar sentiments, saying: “With Madelyn, I felt like we’d known each other for a while. Everything was just easy. I wish it was like that working with most actresses. What can you say? Look at her, she’s an absolute monkey beast.”
For the record, he also gushed about her energy on set. “She has such a lightness about her that makes coming to work so enjoyable, because you smile every time you look at her. I’m moody, but I can’t not be in a good mood around her—it’s infectious. It’s really a blessing for me to be with people like her. It makes my job easier, it makes my life easier, and it makes my life more enjoyable.”
And when asked about how their on-screen romance affected him, KJ didn’t hold back. “You know what? That’s why I love what I do, because I get to live it. I get to experience it through someone else and so it is my reality at some point. I’m not going to lie, I fell in love with Madelyn on this movie in many ways that, one, are part of my job, and two, happened because she’s an amazing person. You lean into it because it’s f***ing fun, and it’s life, and I like feeling great.”
Madelyn kept the theme going, cheekily adding: “I highly recommend the friends-to-lovers pipeline.”
Still, despite the flirty comments, KJ also admitted to going on a date with someone else while filming, which makes it seem likely that their connection is strictly platonic — though certainly very close.
Who Have Madelyn and KJ Dated?
Madelyn’s last relationship was with comedian Pete Davidson, whom she dated for about a year before splitting in 2024. Before that, she was romantically linked to her Outer Banks co-star Chase Stokes. She seems to be single for now.
KJ, meanwhile, was in a long-term relationship with model Clara Berry beginning in 2020. The two share a son, Sasha Vai Keneti Apa, born in September 2021. Clara confirmed their breakup in 2024, but the pair appear to maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship.
ICYMI, both stars made their names on fan-favorite teen dramas: Madelyn on Netflix’s Outer Banks and KJ on the CW’s Riverdale, which ran for seven seasons. Now, their paths cross in Prime Video’s romantic drama The Map That Leads to You, which premieres on August 20.
Madelyn plays Heather, a straitlaced student who meets KJ’s free-spirited Jack on a European adventure that quickly turns her trip upside down. “It turns her girls’ trip upside down in the best way possible,” Madelyn explained. “They say opposites attract, and together Heather and Jack form one very complete Venn diagram.”