When director Josh Boone read the script for Regretting You, the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel, he knew he had to be part of it.
“Regretting You is a coming-of-age story about the relationships between parents and children as they grow up, much like my previous films Stuck in Love and The Fault in Our Stars,” Boone shares. “I’ve always been drawn to stories about families, especially that moment when kids realize their parents are human and fallible. That’s such a defining point in anyone’s life.”
The film stars Allison Williams and Mckenna Grace as mother and daughter Morgan and Clara Grant. After a devastating accident exposes a shocking betrayal, both are forced to confront long-buried secrets, redefine what love means, and rediscover each other. Also starring Dave Franco, Mason Thames, and Sam Morelos, with Scott Eastwood, Willa Fitzgerald, and Clancy Brown, Regretting You is a story of growth, resilience, and the enduring bond between a mother and her daughter.
According to Williams, the story resonates on many levels, which makes it relatable for a wide audience. “There’s so much contained within this movie,” she explains. “When I talk to another mother, I say it’s about a woman watching her daughter go through something that once changed her own life, hoping she’ll make different choices but never regretting having her. When I talk to younger people, I tell them it’s a story about love, about two couples who are meant to be together, about new beginnings and emotional discovery. That’s what made it so rich and such a joy to work on.”
For Mckenna Grace, the film’s emotional depth was one of the main reasons she wanted to join the cast. “The script hit all the right places,” says Grace. “It’s sad but also fun. When I read the book, I immediately connected with Clara. The dialogue felt so real that I found myself adding a few lines from the book that weren’t in the script but felt true to her. Josh created such a safe and playful environment that acting felt effortless. Plus, he’s much funnier than I expected!”
When Boone approached Dave Franco to play Jonah, Morgan’s love interest, the actor was eager to take on the role. “I’ve played a lot of morally questionable characters lately,” Franco admits with a laugh. “So when Josh asked if I’d be open to playing a nice guy, I jumped at the chance. It’s refreshing to play someone the audience can root for.”
Franco describes Regretting You as a film filled with both heartbreak and warmth. “There’s a lot of drama and romance,” he says. “Mckenna once joked that she’s either crying or kissing or both in every scene, and that’s not far from the truth. This movie really takes you through the full range of emotions.”
Mason Thames, who plays Miller, Clara’s love interest, agrees wholeheartedly. “This movie can be very sad, but it’s also really sweet, often funny, and ultimately a journey,” Thames says. “I hope audiences leave the theater in tears, in the best way. It’s an emotional roller coaster, so bring plenty of tissues.”
Author Colleen Hoover, known for her emotionally charged and character-driven novels, believes fans will experience something truly special. “Audiences will have a fun yet deeply emotional experience,” Hoover says. “It’s the kind of movie you can watch with friends or family, feel all the emotions, and then come back to again. It’s just a real feel-good story.”
While the film does not shy away from heartbreak, Boone hopes it ultimately leaves viewers uplifted. “No matter what happens, life keeps going,” he reflects. “Even after loss or pain, you’ll laugh again, and I say that from experience.”
Regretting You opens in cinemas nationwide on October 22.
