Regé-Jean Page is set to revisit the romantic-comedy space with You, Me & Tuscany, and the Bridgerton star says the ongoing debate around the genre’s decline played a role in his decision to take on the project.
Addressing the notion that romantic comedies have lost their place in modern cinema, Page dismissed the idea, calling it a misconception. “It might have been that. The idea that the rom-com is dead,” he told People, adding, “Love definitely isn’t dead. Love will save us. And I think that I’m happy to wave that flag.”
The upcoming film pairs him with Halle Bailey in a story set against the scenic backdrop of Italy. The narrative follows Anna, who impulsively travels to the Tuscan countryside and ends up staying in a stranger’s villa without permission. When confronted, she claims to be engaged to the owner’s son, only for the lie to grow complicated as she develops feelings for Michael, his cousin, played by Page.
Reflecting on the shoot, Page described it as an experience in itself. “We shot in Tuscany. It was Rome, five or six weeks in Tuscany. We were just out in the sunshine, driving through vineyards,” he said, fondly recalling moments on set. “I ran my hand through that field of wheat that Russell Crowe goes through at the beginning of Gladiator. Food was incredible.”
He also spoke about the joy of working alongside Bailey. “And I got to work with Halle Bailey every day,” he said. “So we were just having a great time… making a movie about stepping into your best life.”
For Page, that idea lies at the heart of romantic comedies. He explained that the genre often centres on growth and emotional connection rather than conflict. “They’re about having aspirations… about trusting other people, discovering how to solve your problems, and how to talk through your problems,” he said, adding, “Every movie doesn’t have to be about who punches hardest… It was a joy to do that.”
Directed by Kat Coiro and backed by Universal Pictures and Will Packer Productions, the film is based on an original idea by Ryan Engle and Kristin Engle. You, Me & Tuscany is slated to hit theatres on April 10.
