5 Major Changes in the ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ Movie from the Book

5 Major Changes in the 'Red, White & Royal Blue' Movie from the Book

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After four long years of waiting, fans of Casey McQuiston’s best-selling debut novel, Red, White & Royal Blue, finally got a feature film adaptation with the same name. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. In fact, it skyrocketed to the top, becoming the No. 1 movie globally on Prime Video during its premiere weekend. This rom-com has exceeded all expectations and has become a must-watch for anyone in need of a feel-good love story.

However, for die-hard fans of the book like myself, there were some noticeable differences in the movie. While these changes may seem minor on the surface, for us book enthusiasts, they’re anything but. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with all the juicy details.

First things first, let’s talk about the chemistry between the leads. Some early interviews and photoshoots had me a little worried, but boy, was I proven wrong. Taylor Zakhar Perez and Nicholas Galitzine were perfectly cast as Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry, respectively. Their on-screen romance was nothing short of adorable and had me swooning in that quintessential rom-com way we all love.

Now, let’s dive into some of the biggest changes between the novel and the film. Director Matthew López, in an interview with People, explained that the focus of the movie had to be solely on Alex and Henry’s love story. Anything that didn’t directly contribute to their relationship had to be left behind.

One major character omission that left me a little disappointed was June Claremont-Diaz, Alex’s hilarious and supportive sister. In the book, June plays a significant role, even pretending to date Henry to help keep their secret. She’s a fully realized character and adds depth to the story. It would have been amazing to see someone like Jenna Ortega bring her to life on the big screen.

Another change that caught my attention was the more defined portrayal of Alex’s sexuality in the film. In the book, Alex’s bisexuality is a gradual self-discovery facilitated by his friend Nora. However, the movie took a slightly different approach, presenting Alex as already confident in his bisexuality. While this alteration made the storytelling more efficient, I felt a deeper connection to his journey in the novel.

However, it’s important to remember that book-to-film adaptations always require some adjustments. And despite my quibbles with the changes, both the novel and the movie stand as remarkable pieces of art in their own right.

So, if you haven’t already, grab a copy of Red, White & Royal Blue and dive into the beautiful world crafted by Casey McQuiston. And after you’ve finished the book, be sure to watch the movie on Amazon Prime Video. Trust me, it’s a rom-com you don’t want to miss.