In a revealing chat, stars Dave Franco, Scott Eastwood, and Mason Thames pull back the curtain on the highly anticipated Colleen Hoover film adaptation, ‘Regretting You.’ They dissect the novel’s intricate, dramatic plot, share their most cherished romantic film inspirations, and even delve into the realities of filming those much-talked-about shirtless scenes, offering fans an unparalleled glimpse into the movie’s heart and humor.
The world of Colleen Hoover is coming to the big screen once again with the adaptation of her novel ‘Regretting You,’ hitting theaters this Friday. Known for narratives that delve into complex and often tumultuous human relationships, Hoover’s work has consistently resonated with a massive audience. This latest cinematic venture promises to be no different, bringing a whirlwind of emotions and intricate family dynamics to life.
At its core, ‘Regretting You’ unravels a plot that is, in the words of star Dave Franco, “a little wild.” The story is a tapestry woven with threads of romance, a clandestine affair, deep unrequited love, tragic death, and even the mystery surrounding a baby’s paternity. Franco humorously recounted a fan’s reaction, likening the convoluted storyline to “what in the Maury Povich was that?”—a testament to the novel’s gripping, tabloid-talk-show-esque drama that keeps readers hooked.
Colleen Hoover’s Hollywood Reign: A Deeper Look
The success of Hoover’s adaptations in Hollywood is undeniable. Her previous film, ‘It Ends With Us,’ was a massive box office hit, reportedly making over $350 million worldwide against a modest $25 million budget, as reported by the Associated Press. This financial triumph has paved the way for several other big-screen adaptations, solidifying her status as a powerhouse author whose stories translate seamlessly to film. Fans eagerly anticipate how ‘Regretting You’ will continue this legacy.
Dave Franco, who plays a pivotal role in the new film, highlighted Hoover’s unparalleled talent for crafting these narratives. “I think Colleen Hoover is incredible when it comes to dealing with these messy family dynamics that feel relatable,” Franco explained in an interview with the Associated Press. “I think anyone who sees this film can attach themselves to at least one of the characters. It’s juicy, it’s dramatic.” This emphasis on relatability amidst heightened drama is a hallmark of Hoover’s appeal.
The intricate plot involves Franco’s character, who has long held affections for Allison Williams’ character, only to find himself with a child by her sister. Adding another layer of complexity, Williams’ sister is having an affair with Williams’ husband, portrayed by Scott Eastwood. Meanwhile, Mason Thames steps into the shoes of a high school student who begins dating Mckenna Grace, the teenage daughter of Eastwood and Williams’ characters, after a devastating car crash claims the lives of her dad and aunt. The narrative promises emotional depth and twists at every turn, far beyond a simple romance.
Behind the Scenes: Romantic Inspirations and Unexpected Revelations
The Associated Press gathered the men behind the drama, Franco, Eastwood, and Thames, for a candid discussion encompassing their experiences with ‘Regretting You,’ their personal romantic movie inspirations, and even some lighthearted banter about shirtless scenes and Eastwood’s unexpected past as a Taylor Swift music video star. Their conversation revealed a mix of classic influences and modern sensibilities.
The “Wildest Dreams” Connection
One of the more surprising revelations during the chat centered around Scott Eastwood’s appearance in Taylor Swift’s iconic “Wildest Dreams” music video. Dave Franco recounted a moment on set when Mckenna Grace, a fan of the video, recognized Eastwood. “Mckenna didn’t realize that you were the guy,” Franco shared. “Like this is a video dear to her heart, and she put it together in the moment: Scott’s the guy from the “Wildest Dreams” video. She immediately called her mom. She goes ‘Scott’s the guy.’ And we hear her mom through the phone go, ‘No!'”
Eastwood himself recalled the serendipitous nature of the collaboration. “I’d never met Taylor Swift before. She called me out of the blue. She said, ‘Hey this is Taylor.’ I’m, like, Taylor who?” he reminisced. This viral moment has cemented his place in many fans’ hearts, an example of his extensive romantic credits, as noted by the Associated Press.
Crying at the Movies: Actors’ Romantic Touchstones
When asked about romantic dramas that deeply affect them, the actors shared their personal favorites, revealing a diverse range of emotional cinematic experiences:
- Scott Eastwood: Unsurprisingly, given his romantic filmography, Eastwood named ‘The Notebook.’
- Mason Thames: In a more unconventional choice, Thames picked ‘Spider-Man 2,’ highlighting that emotional impact can come from unexpected genres.
- Dave Franco: Franco opted for ‘Stand By Me,’ praising its timeless quality and blend of drama, laughter, and tears. He also mentioned ‘Jerry Maguire,’ though Eastwood playfully countered it was more of a “tear” than a “cry” movie.
Franco also noted that director Josh Boone’s influences for ‘Regretting You’ seemed to align with filmmakers like Cameron Crowe, who masterfully blend various elements into timeless stories like ‘Jerry Maguire,’ ‘Almost Famous,’ and ‘Say Anything.’ These films serve as a blueprint for creating movies that offer a rich, multifaceted emotional journey.
Crafting Characters: Reference Points and Vulnerability
The actors also discussed their process of developing their characters, drawing inspiration from various cinematic and television works:
- Mason Thames: For his role, Thames and co-star Mckenna Grace watched beloved teen romances such as ‘The Notebook,’ ’10 Things I Hate About You,’ and ‘The Fault in Our Stars.’ He emphasized wanting to capture “the magic and the passion between two love interests” that feels reminiscent of a modern Romeo and Juliet, a sentiment echoed by Franco. Thames felt his character in ‘Regretting You’ most resembled himself, describing him simply as “just a dude.”
- Dave Franco: Franco looked to the critically acclaimed show ‘Normal People’ for its portrayal of characters evolving through peaks and valleys in their relationships, showcasing subtle, real, and vulnerable performances. He also offered high praise for Thames’ portrayal, comparing his “super vulnerable” and “sensitive side” to classic actors like James Dean and Montgomery Clift.
- Scott Eastwood: When pressed for his reference characters, Eastwood humorously stated, “Mostly all of my romantic movies.”
The “Heartthrob” Factor and Shirtless Scenes
Being part of a Colleen Hoover adaptation often means stepping into roles that audiences view as heartthrobs. The actors candidly discussed their comfort levels with this aspect of their public personas, particularly leading into the topic of shirtless scenes—a staple in many romantic dramas.
Scott Eastwood took the lead, expressing a laid-back attitude. “It’s a two. But the scale is one to three. So it’s in the middle. I don’t pay attention to that stuff,” he said. “I just think we made a cool movie. That’s all we can really do. Try to pay tribute to the books.” Despite his nonchalance, Franco quickly interjected, playfully confirming that Eastwood does indeed have a shirtless scene “on the beach” in the film.
Mason Thames joined in, enthusiastically encouraging viewers to see ‘Regretting You’ to witness both his and Eastwood’s shirtless moments. Franco, however, revealed with a laugh that his own shirtless scene had unfortunately been cut from the final edit. These lighthearted exchanges offer a peek into the camaraderie among the cast and the often-discussed fan-favorite elements of romantic films.
The cast’s insights, combining genuine affection for classic cinema with a grounded approach to their heartthrob status, paint a compelling picture of ‘Regretting You’. As the film prepares for its theatrical release, fans are sure to appreciate the layers of thought and personality brought to this highly anticipated Colleen Hoover adaptation, a story poised to deliver both intense drama and heartfelt romance.
