Red, White & Royal Blue, a queer rom-com, has left a lasting impact on the genre by avoiding common stereotypes and creating a joyful and warm experience for fans. The film, based on the best-selling novel of the same name, tells the story of Alex Claremont-Diaz, son of President June Claremont-Diaz, and his unlikely romance with England’s Prince Henry. The film was a massive hit when it debuted on Prime Video, and the sequel announcement was met with both joy and surprise.
The film avoids many frustrating stereotypes, including the tragic narratives that often plague queer movies. Instead, it focuses on the romance and joy of the characters’ relationship. It also avoids modern gay stereotyping, opting for a more nuanced and realistic approach. The film’s use of sensuality is treated with a sense of beauty, romance, and comedy, which is refreshing and rare.
Red, White & Royal Blue also avoids the “one and done” execution that often befalls great gay movies. With the announcement of a follow-up, it has also steered clear of this fate. Sequels to LGBTQIA+ movies are rare, and the return of the original stars and writer/director Matthew Lopez has broken this cycle.
A Still From ‘Red, White and Royal Blue (Via IMDB)
The sequel could explore new and exciting storylines, such as a royal wedding, which would be an additional fantastic twist on the rom-com trope. The announcement of the sequel was met with excitement, and fans are eager to see what the future holds.
Red, White & Royal Blue has broken ground by shedding stereotypes and creating a joyful and warm experience for fans. The announcement of a sequel is a victory for queer cinema, and the story has endless possibilities. The film’s success and the announcement of a follow-up demonstrate that queer rom-coms can be both joyful and successful.
