Honestly, if you grew up in the 2010s, you probably spent a significant amount of time screaming into a pillow about Beck and Tori. It's been over a decade since Victorious wrapped, yet the internet’s obsession with Avan Jogia and Victoria Justice is still weirdly alive.
Maybe it’s the chemistry. Or those grainy 2009 YouTube vlogs where they looked way too comfortable together. Whatever it is, "Vavan"—the fan-made portmanteau for the pair—remains a top-tier ship in the nostalgia department.
But here’s the thing: while we were all waiting for a wedding announcement, they were busy being just... friends. Really, really good friends.
The "Vavan" Era: More Than Just Scripted Chemistry?
People often forget these two actually met before they were Hollywood Arts royalty. They first shared a screen in the 2009 Nickelodeon musical movie Spectacular!. By the time the Victorious pilot aired in 2010, they already had a shorthand that most co-stars take years to build.
You remember that pilot episode, right? The theater class kiss? It was supposed to be a one-off "acting exercise," but it set the tone for four seasons of "will-they-won't-they" tension that never actually resolved because, well, Jade West existed.
Off-camera, though, things were arguably more interesting.
Victoria has been vocal about how much she trusts Avan. She once told J-14 that he’s one of the few people she tells everything to. "I don't even have to wear makeup around him," she joked in an old interview. That kind of platonic intimacy is rare in Hollywood, especially when you're two incredibly attractive teenagers being pushed as a "power couple" by a massive network.
The Outcasts and the Smooch That Never Was
In 2017, long after they hung up their Hollywood Arts lockers, the duo reunited for a movie called The Outcasts. Fans lost their minds. Finally, the "Bori" energy was back!
They played Jodi and Dave—a nerd and a slacker who (shocker) fall for each other. While promoting the film, Victoria dropped a massive bombshell: they actually filmed a huge kiss in the Victorious pilot that Dan Schneider ended up cutting.
"Fans never got to see it," Victoria explained during the press tour. "They chose to go a different direction."
Imagine. We could have had a full-blown Beck and Tori endgame from day one, but it stayed on the cutting room floor. Despite the "making out in closets" scenes in The Outcasts, both actors maintained that working together was just "another day at the office."
Where Are They Now? (It’s 2026, and Things Have Changed)
If you’re still holding out hope for a real-life romance, I’ve got some news that might sting.
Avan Jogia is officially off the market. As of early 2026, he is still happily engaged to singer Halsey. The couple went public back in 2023 and have been pretty inseparable since. Avan has spent the last few years leaning into his "alt-renaissance man" era—writing poetry books like Mixed Feelings and his 2025 release Autopsy (of an Ex-Teen Heartthrob), directing indie projects, and basically distancing himself from the "teen heartthrob" label he earned at nineteen.
Meanwhile, Victoria Justice has been focusing on her music and a string of thriller roles. She recently starred in Depravity (2024) and has been teasing her long-awaited studio album for what feels like forever.
The Hollywood Arts Sequel: A Reunion?
The big news for 2026 is the Victorious spin-off, Hollywood Arts, which is currently in production for Netflix. The show focuses on Daniella Monet’s character, Trina Vega, returning to the school as a (mostly unqualified) teacher.
Both Avan and Victoria have officially commented on the possibility of cameos:
- Avan's take: He told Esquire in 2025 that he’s down to return, but only if the role is "silly." He’s over the brooding, serious boyfriend trope.
- Victoria's take: She’s been supportive from the jump, mentioning in interviews that she’d love to pop in and see what Tori Vega is up to as an adult.
Why the Rumors Won't Die
Why do we still care about Avan Jogia and Victoria Justice dating?
It’s probably because they represent a specific type of friendship that feels like more. They post birthday tributes. They defend each other in the press. They have that "ex-couple energy" without ever actually being an ex-couple.
Actually, it's kinda refreshing. In a world where every co-star pairing is either a PR stunt or a messy breakup, these two have managed to stay close for nearly 20 years without the drama.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- They were never officially a couple. Despite the "Vavan" rumors and the deleted kiss scenes, they've always maintained they are best friends.
- Avan is engaged to Halsey. The two are frequently spotted at events together and seem incredibly solid.
- A reunion is likely. With the Hollywood Arts spin-off filming in Vancouver through March 2026, keep your eyes peeled for those inevitable set selfies.
If you're looking to keep up with them, your best bet is following their career shifts rather than their dating lives. Check out Avan’s latest poetry collection if you want to see his darker, more introspective side, or keep an eye on Victoria’s Spotify for that elusive debut album. They’ve grown up, and honestly, we probably should too—even if a small part of us still wants to know what was in that deleted pilot footage.
Next Steps for the Nostalgic:
- Watch The Outcasts on VOD to see them finally play a couple.
- Check the Netflix 2026 lineup for the Hollywood Arts premiere date to catch potential cameos.
- Follow Avan Jogia’s directorial work for a glimpse into his creative evolution beyond Nickelodeon.
