Behind the scenes of ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’: A journey from page to screen
The long wait and the quick decision
Imagine waiting five months after an audition, only to get a callback that changes your life in a matter of days. This was the reality for Taylor Zakhar Perez, who stars as Alex Claremont-Diaz in the film adaptation of Red, White & Royal Blue. Perez recalls, “I was at my cousin’s wedding when I got a call from David Rapaport. He said, ‘Sarah Schechter wants to chat with you about this project.’ I had auditioned for it so long ago that I almost forgot about it.”
After a series of conversations with producer Sarah Schechter and co-writer, director, and executive producer Matthew Lopez, Perez found himself on a Zoom call with co-star Nick Galitzine. “They asked me the next day, ‘Can you get to London in four days?'” Perez shared.
Adapting a beloved novel
During a discussion hosted by Prime Video, Perez, Schechter, and Lopez delved into the process of bringing Casey McQuiston’s 2019 novel to the big screen. Red, White & Royal Blue tells the story of the first son of the United States (Perez) and the Duke of Cambridge (Galitzine), who are forced to pose as friends after a public altercation. What starts as a reluctant friendship blossoms into a heartfelt romance.
Lopez first encountered the novel through his agent, who suggested it could be adapted into a musical. However, Lopez felt it was destined to be a feature film. “I loved the book from the moment I started reading it. I loved the characters, Casey’s writing, everything about it. I knew I couldn’t sleep until I got to make the film,” Lopez said.
The journey to securing the rights
Schechter was aware of Red, White & Royal Blue even before its publication. One of her executives, Mike McGrath, was hesitant to email her the synopsis due to its R-rated content. “He came into my office and said, ‘I read this book. I’m a little nervous to email you about it because it’s kind of dirty,'” Schechter recalled. After reading it, both she and Greg Berlanti fell in love with the story. They teamed up with Amazon, and McQuiston trusted them with the adaptation.
Meeting fan expectations
With a dedicated fanbase eagerly awaiting the film, Perez felt the weight of expectations. He referred to the script and the novel as his “Bible” and “second Bible,” respectively. “I reread the book to find those little specific things that Alex would do. It’s so much fun as an actor because it gives you all those extra details to focus on,” Perez explained. “It’s tantalizing for the fans because they can see those moments and think, ‘That’s so Alex.'”
A deeper dive into the characters
The chemistry between Perez and Galitzine was crucial for the film’s success. Their characters, Alex and Henry, navigate a complex relationship that evolves from animosity to deep affection. The actors’ commitment to their roles and the source material shines through in their performances.
For those unfamiliar with the story, Red, White & Royal Blue offers a refreshing take on romance and politics. The film explores themes of identity, love, and the pressures of public life, making it a compelling watch for a wide audience.
Watch the trailer
Curious to see how the novel translates to the screen? Check out the trailer for Red, White & Royal Blue and get a glimpse of the chemistry and drama that awaits.
Final thoughts
Red, White & Royal Blue is more than just a romantic comedy; it’s a story about finding love in unexpected places and the courage to be true to oneself. The dedication of the cast and crew to honor the source material while bringing their unique vision to the screen is evident in every frame. Whether you’re a fan of the novel or new to the story, this film promises to be a memorable experience.
For more insights and behind-the-scenes stories, stay tuned and immerse yourself in the world of Red, White & Royal Blue.