Taylor Zakhar Perez has come to the defence of his Red, White & Royal Blue co-star Nicholas Galitzine from ‘rude and unprofessional’ questions about his sexuality.
Earlier this month, Galitzine expressed “guilt” over taking on queer roles “as a straight man”.
As well as his beloved performance in the Prime Video rom-com, the British actor has played queer in Legends (2015), Handsome Devil (2016), The Craft: Legacy (2020) and Mary & George (2024).
“I identify as a straight man, but I have been a part of some incredible queer stories,” he told British GQ.
“I felt a sense of uncertainty sometimes about whether I’m taking up someone’s space, and perhaps guilt. At the same time, I see those characters as not solely their sexuality.”
While Galitzine has received acclaim and adoration for these roles, he has also been criticised by those who believe that cis-het actors should make room for LGBTQIA+ actors to play characters of a similar experience.
In a recent interview with Men’s Health, Perez reflected on the ongoing debate by referencing a quote from Cate Blanchett, who has continuously defended cis-het actors playing LGBTQIA+ roles.
“‘We must fight to the death to suspend disbelief,'” said Perez.
“And that just always stuck with me, because if you’re watching a film and there’s nothing outside the room that matters, the actors are doing their jobs.”
He continued to defend Galitzine: “Nicholas was just asked the other day about his sexuality, and I just find it so rude. It’s unprofessional and no one’s business. That’s someone’s personal life.
“And so I’m grateful to be part of a project where, yes, it is a love story, but again, it’s not the sole focus. These people have robust, full lives. They’re educated. Alex is in law school.
“Henry is crazy smart and he’s a prince, and his sense of duty is unparalleled. The less people focus on sexuality and see what these people are capable of, that’s when we’ve created real change.”
Based on Casey McQuiston’s championed novel of the same name, Red, White & Royal Blue follows the blossoming romance between a British prince (Galitzine) and the son (Zakhar-Perez) of America’s first-ever female president (Uma Thurman).
For its faithfulness to the source material and the aforementioned chemistry between the two leads, Red, White & Royal Blue received universal praise from longtime fans and newcomers.
After months of edging fans, a sequel was confirmed on 9 May at a special screening for the OG film in Culver City, Calif, which was attended by Galitzine, Perez, Thurman, Sarah Shahi, Clifton Collins Jr. and Rachel Hilson.
Galitzine and Perez will return to their iconic roles as Prince Henry and Alex Claremont-Diaz, with Matthew Lopez once again taking the reigns as director. He will co-write the script with McQuiston.
Visit here for everything we know so far about Red, White & Royal Blue 2.
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