Renowned actor Stephen Fry revels in his portrayal of a homophobic king in Amazon Prime’s screen adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s best-selling LGBTQ+ novel, Red, White & Royal Blue. The film, eagerly anticipated by a devoted queer audience, chronicles the love story between former political adversaries turned paramours, Prince Henry and Alex Claremont-Diaz. Noteworthy alterations from page to screen include the transformation of Henry’s grandmother into King James, a character essayed by Fry himself.
In a candid interview with The Metro, debut director Matthew López extolled Fry’s skillful rendition of the unlikable monarch. López humorously mused that if a fictional heterosexual homophobic king were to be cast, Fry would be the perfect fit. Fry’s acting prowess, evident across a range of projects from Wilde to The Hobbit, contributed to the film’s nuanced exploration of LGBTQ themes. The openly gay actor embraced the “subversive” aspect of his role, deriving immense satisfaction from the complexity it offered.
López maintained that the adaptation, though it echoes certain parallels with the British royal family, purposefully diverges to create a fantastical realm rather than a reflection of reality. He underscored the escapism and fantasy inherent in the narrative, aiming to preserve this quality throughout the film.
Red, White & Royal Blue also features the exceptional performances of Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez, who intricately embody their characters, adding depth and authenticity to the LGBTQ romance. The film stands as a testament to both the evolving landscape of LGBTQ representation in media and Fry’s unceasing dedication to diverse and compelling roles.
As streaming platforms continue to host narratives that celebrate LGBTQ stories, Red, White & Royal Blue brings an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of love, politics, and identity to audiences worldwide.