A sequel to a romance that doesn't have a book
In short: How does a film studio expand a story when the original source material was never intended to be a series? The upcoming Red, White & Royal Wedding explores this unique creative pivot, moving from a standalone novel into an expansive cinematic universe of fictional royalty and politics.
The production of Red, White & Royal Wedding represents a distinct shift in adaptation strategy. While the first film was based on Casey McQuiston's 2019 novel, this sequel exists without a corresponding book. Because the original novel was designed as a standalone work, Amazon MGM Studios is creating an original screenplay to continue the narrative arc of Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry.
The project gained momentum in May 2024 when Matthew López confirmed the sequel's development during a Q&A session. It was officially greenlit and titled in October 2025. The story continues to navigate the friction between private intimacy and public duty for the two leads, who serve as figureheads for their respective fictional nations: the United States and the United Kingdom.
Interestingly, the title itself sparked significant fan speculation regarding a wedding between the primary protagonists. However, actors Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez clarified in a January 2026 clip that the ceremony actually centers on Prince Henry's younger sister, Princess Beatrice. This distinction highlights the film's move toward expanding the fictional world beyond its central couple.
The production is a major collaborative effort featuring director Jamie Babbit, who previously directed But I'm a Cheerleader in 1999. The cast features several returning favorites, including Uma Thurman and Stephen Fry, alongside new additions like Lena Headey and Chloe Fineman. Principal photography took place in the United Kingdom, beginning in January 2026 and wrapping in March 2026.
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