Matthew López’s Red, White & Royal Blue is a groundbreaking film that explores the complexities and challenges of queer love on an international scale. Adapted from Casey McQuiston’s bestselling novel, the movie follows the story of Alex Claremont-Diaz, the first son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Britain. Their lives become intertwined when a mishap with a royal wedding cake leads to a fake friendship to boost the approval ratings of Alex’s mother, President Ellen Claremont, and restore the dignity of the Crown.
As a queer, Latinx playwright and Tony-winning artist, López makes his directorial debut with Red, White & Royal Blue. He also takes on the role of screenwriter alongside Ted Malawer, another respected stage scribe. Both López and Malawer were avid fans of McQuiston’s novel, and were grateful for the opportunity to bring the story to life on the big screen. Producer Sarah Schechter commends McQuiston for writing such an incredible book and trusting them to do justice to the adaptation. The devoted and loving fan base of the book also played a significant role in getting the film made.
Red, White & Royal Blue is a significant addition to Amazon Studios’ library of LGBTQ-led or inclusive productions. It is the second LGBTQ rom-com directorial debut in two years for Prime Video, following the success of Billy Porter-helmed Anything’s Possible. Schechter praises Amazon for their unwavering support of LGBTQIA stories and celebrates their commitment to diverse perspectives and fresh points of view. The studio provided the necessary resources for the film to fully realize the grand scope of the story.
López’s transition from stage to screen was smooth thanks to the guidance and collaboration of his producers and the studio. Cinematographer Stephen Goldblatt worked closely with López, introducing him to cinematic techniques and helping him understand the visual aspects of storytelling. López’s theater background and deep connection to the source material allowed him to treat the text as a living thing, always examining and shaping it around the performers. Editors Kristina Hetherington and Nick Moore appreciated López’s focus on performance, story, and flow, comparing his approach to that of an editor who writes with images.
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As a queer filmmaker of color, López recognizes the privilege he experienced throughout the process of making Red, White & Royal Blue. He never felt that he wasn’t being set up for success and acknowledges the support and priority given to the movie by the people involved. He understands the importance of representation and hopes that his film can contribute to the increasing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ stories in mainstream cinema.
Berlanti-Schechter Films, led by Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter, played a critical role in bringing Red, White & Royal Blue to fruition. Berlanti, known for his work in mainstreaming LGBTQ stories through films like Love, Simon and TV shows like My Policeman and Broken Hearts Club, provided invaluable guidance and advice to López. Schechter, a talented producer, was actively involved in every step of the production process, ensuring the film’s success and resource allocation.
López’s previous experience in Broadway allowed him to explore diverse characters and themes of self-determination, a concept that resonates strongly in Red, White & Royal Blue. For López, storytelling is all about connecting with people and expressing a shared humanity. Every story, whether it is about Daphne in Some Like It Hot or Alex and Henry in this film, holds a piece of the storyteller’s own experiences and emotions. López believes that the power of character is what drives a narrative forward and allows audiences to deeply connect with the story being told.
In conclusion, Red, White & Royal Blue is a groundbreaking film that explores the complexities of queer love on an international scale. With Matthew López at the helm as director and screenwriter, the movie embraces diverse perspectives and offers a fresh point of view. Supported by the experienced producers at Berlanti-Schechter Films and the resources provided by Amazon Studios, López was able to bring this powerful story to the screen while staying true to the source material and delivering an authentic and compelling narrative. Through its representation and exploration of self-determination, Red, White & Royal Blue aims to make a significant impact in mainstream cinema and contribute to the ongoing conversation surrounding LGBTQ stories.
