Stars of ‘Regretting You’ Discuss Complex Romance and Adaptation

The film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, “Regretting You,” opens in theaters on March 15, 2024. The story weaves a tangled tale of romance, infidelity, and familial drama, showcasing a narrative that resonates deeply with audiences. In an interview, the film’s stars, including Dave Franco, Scott Eastwood, and Mason Thames, reflected on the emotional depth of the project and the universal themes present in Hoover’s work.

Franco portrays a character who has long harbored feelings for Allison Williams’ character but ultimately finds himself entangled with her sister, who is involved in an affair with her brother-in-law. The plot thickens further with themes of unrequited love, death, and a baby whose paternity is uncertain. Franco humorously recounted a viewer’s reaction to the film: “What in the Maury Povich was that?” This speaks to the dramatic twists that characterize Hoover’s storytelling.

Hoover’s novels have proven to be lucrative, with “It Ends With Us” grossing over $350 million globally against a budget of only $25 million. With “Regretting You” among several adaptations in the pipeline, the author’s ability to depict intricate family dynamics resonates with both readers and filmmakers. Franco emphasized, “Colleen Hoover is incredible when it comes to dealing with these messy family dynamics that feel relatable. Anyone who sees this film can attach themselves to at least one of the characters. It’s juicy, it’s dramatic.”

Eastwood plays Franco’s best friend and Williams’ husband, who is secretly having an affair. Thames portrays a teenager who becomes romantically involved with Williams’ daughter, played by Mckenna Grace, after a tragic car accident claims the lives of her father and aunt. The complexity of the relationships is evident, and the actors engaged in a candid discussion about their roles and the romantic influences that shaped their performances.

Romantic Influences and Character Development

During the conversation, Eastwood’s experience in romantic roles was highlighted, including his appearance in a Taylor Swift music video. Franco shared a light-hearted moment from the set, revealing that Grace was surprised to learn Eastwood was the male lead in “Wildest Dreams.” Eastwood recounted the unexpected phone call he received from Swift herself, saying, “Hey this is Taylor.”

The actors also discussed their personal romantic movie favorites. Eastwood cited “The Notebook” as his touchstone, while Thames mentioned “Spider-Man 2”. Franco chose “Stand By Me,” appreciating its blend of drama and humor. They agreed that timeless romantic films often evoke strong emotions, connecting deeply with viewers.

When asked about character inspirations, Thames pointed to films like “10 Things I Hate About You” and “The Fault in Our Stars”. Franco noted the strong, passionate connection between the characters in “Regretting You,” drawing parallels to Romeo and Juliet. Eastwood mentioned a variety of romantic films that influenced his portrayal, stating, “This is a long list,” underscoring the depth of inspiration that informed their performances.

Character Portrayals and Audience Connection

Thames expressed that his character serves as a positive role model for young audiences, emphasizing authenticity. “At the end of the day, he’s just a dude,” he said, adding that this character most closely resembles his own personality. Franco praised Thames for capturing the vulnerability seen in iconic actors like James Dean and Montgomery Clift, noting, “Mason has that in spades.”

The conversation took a lighter turn when the actors discussed their comfort levels with being perceived as heartthrobs. Eastwood humorously rated his comfort on a scale of one to three, stating, “It’s a two.” Franco chimed in, mentioning Eastwood’s shirtless scenes in the film, to which Eastwood playfully protested, “When am I shirtless in the movie?” Their banter highlighted the camaraderie among the cast as they reflected on their roles.

As the actors prepare for the film’s release, the excitement surrounding “Regretting You” continues to build. With its intricate plot and relatable characters, the adaptation promises to captivate audiences and contribute to the ongoing fascination with Colleen Hoover’s stories.