‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ Author Casey McQuiston Clarifies Sequel Status Amid Fan Speculation

Few LGBTQ+ love stories in recent years have captured the global imagination quite like ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’. The 2023 film adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s bestselling novel rose to become Prime Video’s number one movie worldwide for three consecutive weeks, earning a place among the top three most-watched romantic comedies in the streamer’s history. The film’s portrayal of the transatlantic romance between Alex Claremont-Diaz, son of the U.S. president, and Prince Henry of the United Kingdom resonated deeply with LGBTQ+ communities and beyond, inspiring a wave of fan engagement and calls for a sequel .

Momentum for a sequel has grown steadily since Amazon MGM Studios officially greenlit the project in May 2024, following the film’s breakout success. During a recent Arlington Public Library event, McQuiston—who identifies as non-binary—addressed the status of the sequel, stating, “I think it’s safe to say our pencils are kind of down for now and we’ll see what comes next as far as moving forward” .

This phrasing, while ambiguous, quickly ignited concern among fans, many of whom interpreted “pencils down” as an indication of stalled production or creative uncertainty. Social media platforms lit up with speculation, prompting McQuiston to clarify their remarks directly.

Responding swiftly to the swirling rumors, McQuiston took to Instagram Stories to address the confusion. “I don’t know who needs to hear this, but ‘pencils down’ is a figure of speech that refers to when you’re taking the SAT or something and it’s time to put your pencil down because the section of the test is done. I’ve used this expression, like 100,000 times to describe the feeling of turning in a manuscript, it’s not that deep!” .

Their clarification reassured fans that the script phase has concluded and that development is progressing. Both McQuiston and director Matthew López, who co-wrote the screenplay, remain actively involved. While McQuiston is not at liberty to reveal further plot details at this stage, they emphasized the enthusiasm and commitment of all parties involved .

Although there has yet to be an official announcement from Amazon MGM Studios regarding the cast, McQuiston’s recent comments strongly hint that both Taylor Zakhar Perez (Alex Claremont-Diaz) and Nicholas Galitzine (Prince Henry) will reprise their roles. The anticipated return of these actors—whose chemistry was widely praised in the original film—has been a focal point of fan hopes for the sequel .

Fans have expressed excitement across social media, with posts celebrating the news that the “script is finished” and that the beloved “firstprince” pairing may soon be back on screens . These reactions underscore the cultural impact of the film and the significance of positive, affirming LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media.

Unlike the original film, which was adapted from McQuiston’s novel, the upcoming sequel will be based on an original screenplay, as no second book exists in the series. In interviews, McQuiston has hinted at plans to explore Alex and Henry’s life after the events of the first movie, offering audiences a look at the couple’s evolving relationship post-fairytale ending .

“I think what you can expect from the sequel is a glimpse into Alex and Henry’s life after the confetti has finished falling from the first movie,” McQuiston shared with Yahoo! Queer Voices . While plot specifics remain under wraps, the creative team’s commitment to authenticity and heartfelt storytelling is clear.

The continued journey of Alex and Henry is more than just a romantic plotline; it represents a broader movement toward nuanced, joyful LGBTQ+ stories in film. The success of ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ has been held up as a landmark moment, demonstrating the appetite for diverse queer narratives and the importance of seeing LGBTQ+ characters in leading, complex roles.

For many viewers—especially those who rarely see themselves reflected in mainstream romantic comedies—the film has become a touchstone for positive representation. The upcoming sequel, by further exploring the challenges and triumphs of an openly queer couple in the public eye, promises to expand on these themes and foster even greater visibility .

While there is some uncertainty about production timelines and release dates, industry analysts note that such pauses are not uncommon for high-profile projects, especially those balancing creative ambition with the expectations of a passionate fanbase. The collaborative effort between McQuiston and López, coupled with the likely return of the original stars, bodes well for the sequel’s prospects .

Amazon MGM Studios’ ongoing investment in LGBTQ+ content is also seen as a positive sign, reinforcing the platform’s reputation for championing diverse storytelling.

As the wait continues, fans and LGBTQ+ communities worldwide remain hopeful and engaged, eager to see Alex and Henry’s love story continue. McQuiston’s reassurances and the creative team’s dedication have helped to quell fears, shifting the conversation from uncertainty to anticipation .

With the script complete and enthusiasm running high, the next chapter of ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ appears poised to make as much of an impact as the original—both as entertainment and as a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in film.