The intervening months between Taylor Zakhar Perez's audition and callback for the coveted role of Alex Claremont-Diaz in "Red, White & Royal Blue" stretched to a seemingly endless five months. Yet, once he engaged in conversation with producer Sarah Schechter and the multifaceted creative, Matthew Lopez—who wore the hats of co-writer, director, and executive producer—his destiny as Alex was sealed within mere days.
"I was in the midst of celebrating my cousin's wedding when David Rapaport's call interrupted the festivities. He said, 'Hey, Sarah Schechter is eager to discuss this project with you.' My initial reaction was, 'Wow, that audition feels like ages ago.' He chuckled and replied, 'Indeed, but they're still on the hunt for their perfect Alex. They want to hear from you.'" Perez recounted with a smile.
The conversations that ensued between Perez and both Schechter and Lopez were nothing short of revelatory. The synergy was palpable, and just two days later, he found himself virtually face-to-face with Nick Galitzine, their leading man counterpart, for a camera read via Zoom. The following day, the thrilling news arrived: "We need you in London in four days."
Gathering under the auspices of Prime Video's Variety Streaming Room, Perez, Schechter, and Lopez sat down with senior TV features editor Emily Longeretta to delve into the intricate process of transforming Casey McQuiston's 2019 novel into a cinematic masterpiece.
"Red, White & Royal Blue" weaves a tale of unlikely camaraderie turned into romance, centered around the eldest son of the United States (embodied by Perez) and the Duke of Cambridge (Galitzine). Their worlds collide after a public spat thrusts them into an awkward alliance, disguised as friendship. Initially resentful, the duo gradually uncovers a genuine bond that blossoms into something deeper, igniting a global sensation.
Lopez's journey with the novel began serendipitously when his agent suggested adapting it into a musical. However, upon immersing himself in its pages, Lopez knew instantly that this was destined for the silver screen. With unwavering determination, he embarked on a mission to helm the film, turning a mere suggestion into a cinematic reality.
"I essentially embarked on a relentless charm offensive with Sarah Schechter, inadvertently setting the course for our entire professional dynamic, I daresay. I shamelessly campaigned for the role, almost shamelessly," Lopez quipped, his eyes twinkling with humor. "From the very first page, I was smitten with the book. The characters captivated me, Casey's writing enchanted me, and every aspect of it enthralled me. I knew I wouldn't rest until I brought this story to life on screen."
Schechter, on the other hand, had wind of "Red, White & Royal Blue" long before its 2019 debut. It was Mike McGrath, one of her trusted executives, who first whispered of this literary gem, albeit hesitantly, mindful of its R-rated nature. "He tiptoed into my office, a touch apprehensive, saying, 'I've read this book, and I'm a bit wary to email you about it—it's, well, a bit naughty,'" Schechter recounted with a chuckle. "And then I read it, Greg [Berlanti] read it. We were all smitten. The competition for Casey's rights was fierce, for it was evident that, in the right hands, this could be a cinematic masterpiece. We were blessed to have Amazon by our side, and Casey's trust in us was nothing short of miraculous. Amazon's unwavering support and instant grasp of the story's potential were invaluable."
Amidst the towering expectations of thousands of avid fans, Perez approached the project with a reverence akin to holy scriptures. He deemed the script and novel his "Bible" and "second Bible," guiding lights to success. His preparation for "Red, White, & Royal Blue" was meticulous, delving deep into the source material to uncover the essence of Alex. "I reread the book meticulously, seeking those subtle nuances that define Alex, a process that, as an actor, is pure joy—it fills your mind with a treasure trove of intricate details to ponder and perfect," Perez elaborated, his eyes alight with passion. "And it's a thrill for the fans too, when they see those moments and think, 'Ah, that's so Alex. I knew Henry would do that. It's spot on!'"
