Here we go! Thefilm adaptation of LGBTQ+romanceRed, White & Royal Blueby Casey McQuiston is finally here, and we cannot be more excited. In the book community,Red, White, & Royal Bluehas been one of the most talked-about and hyped-up novels out there. The quirky adult romance follows Alex Claremont-Diaz, the son of the President of the United States, and his ongoing “beef” with England’s Prince Henry. However, after a chaotic media circus, the two are forced into an on-screen friendship that ultimately leads to more.
Romance lovers are in for a treat because, today, Prime Video’s film adaptation of the beloved novel comes out. Matthew Lopez directs this film, and lovers of the book will finally see the irresistible tension between Henry (Nicholas Galitzine) and Alex (Taylor Zakhar Perez), their heartwarming romance, and a plot that is sure to give you butterflies come to life on screen. Before you hit play, here is our cast and character guide forRed, White & Royal Blue.
Aneesh Sheth as Amy
The role of a trusted Secret Service agent named Amy will be fulfilled by transgender actressAneesh Sheth. When Henry and Alex find themselves in a whirlwind romance, the two have to navigate a relationship that is sure to blow up the tabloids, something neither one is keen on dealing with. Therefore, having people on both sides that you’re able to trust, or at least know well enough to keep secrets from them, is an asset they cannot afford to lose. Sheth is an Indian-American actress and transgender activist that is sure to fit perfectly into this role.
Related:Red, White, & Royal Blue: Moments We Hope to See From the Book
Clifton Collins Jr. as Senator Oscar Diaz
Alex’s complicated relationship with his father is one of the deeper plot lines of McQuiston’s novel. Senator Oscar Diaz is played byClifton Collins Jr.in the film adaptation, and although many things in the film adaptation could stray away from the novel, this dynamic is something that we are excited to see. Some ofCollins' previous projectsinclude the 2009 filmThe Perfect Gameand the sci-fi showWestworld, which ran for four seasons.
Sarah Shahi as Zahra Bankston
Back to having people in their corner, high-profile characters like Alex and Henry both have their fair share of people to deal with as they fall in love. International relations are complicated and not everyone is equipped to deal with it all, but Zahra is. Zahra is the Deputy Chief of Staff for President Claremont and will be played bySarah Shahi, who starred in Netflix’sSex/Lifeand playedIsis inBlack Adam.
Stephen Fry as King James III
In the royally complicated love story, Prince Henry is British royalty. Therefore, there has to be a king in this rom-com, right? Despite the novels having a Queen as the leading royal, the film does something different. And with that, we haveStephen Fryplaying King James III.King James IIIis not a character in the novels, so this particular role is an exciting change that we all get to explore during the film’s release.
Ellie Bamber as Princess Beatrice
A film like that could never overdo it with the royalty. In the novel, Princess Beatrice has been through a lot. Grief can take the form of different things for each person, but for Beatrice, it turned into a party girl reputation that had her coined “The Powder Princess,” a play on words for her drug addiction. Despite her past struggles, Bea ends up being Henry’s most trusted ally. Princess Bea will be played by English actressEllie Bamber. Bamber has made her presence known in the acting space in projects like the Disney+ showWillowand the drama thrillerNocturnal Animals.
Related:20 All-Time Best Gay Characters in TV History
Rachel Hilson as Nora Holleran
Book-to-movie adaptations are sometimes unpredictable, no matter how familiar you are with the source material. By the looks of the cast list for this film, Alex’s sister June is absent. Alex, June, and Nora, played byRachel Hilsonare the White House’s unstoppable trio. Nora is the granddaughter of Vice President Mike Holleran. To make things a little more complicated, Nora in the book also happens to be Alex’s ex-girlfriend. Hilson is known for her recurring roles in both CBS’sThe Good Wifeand NBC’sThis Is Us.
Uma Thurman as Ellen Claremont
Round of applause for a woman President! Alex’s mother, Ellen Claremont, is not your typical mother. She is fun, energetic, easy-going, and also happens to be the President of the United States. President Claremont is a huge role to fill in this film. Therefore, who better to play her than the one-of-a-kindUma Thurman? Thurman is one of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Titles likeKill Bill, Pulp Fiction, andGattacaare huge to have in your filmography, and Thurman’s just speaks for itself.
Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Henry
Is perfect casting an overstatement? Not in this case. Playing Prince Henry inRed, White & Royal Blueis the jaw-droppingNicholas Galitzine. Prince Henry is proper and poised, classic British royalty. However, he is hiding a very important part of himself that he fears might not bode well in the eyes of the press or the public. This vulnerability and heart is such a fitting role for an actor like Galitzine. Galitzine is no stranger to the romance genre having starred in Netflix’sPurple Heartsand even played a prince in 2021’sCinderella!
Taylor Zakhar Perez as Alex Claremont-Diaz
While we’re on the train of perfect casting,Taylor Zakhar Perezis our Alex Claremont-Diaz. Being the first son and an emerging name in the political sphere is not an easy fleet for any young man. However, Alex handles himself with all the confidence in the world. Perez entered the storm that is pop culture when he played the beloved and swoon-worthy Marco in Netflix’sThe Kissing Boothtrilogy. By thelooks of the trailers, the chemistry between Perez and Galitzine is undeniable, and that sort of relationship is key to making this film just as special as the novel is.
