When Mason Thames, the 17‑year‑old star of the upcoming romance drama Regretting You stepped onto the red carpet at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on October 21, 2025, he didn’t waste a beat. In an exclusive sit‑down with Entertainment Tonight’s Denny Directo, Thames praised co‑lead McKenna Grace, calling her “my favorite” and saying working with her was “one of the best experiences of my life.” The comment set the tone for a media blitz that has fans buzzing ahead of the film’s nationwide rollout on October 24, 2025.
Premiere Highlights and Actor Praise
The Los Angeles premiere, organized by Paramount Pictures, turned into a love‑letter to the young talent. Thames, who portrays Miller – the brooding teen who appears just when Clara (Grace) needs someone – spoke about the chemistry that felt “like living a little dream.” He added, “It’s sad that it’s coming to an end, but hopefully it’s not the end. And hopefully we do more movies together.” Grace, fresh from a string of genre‑bending roles, echoed the sentiment, describing their on‑screen connection as “beautiful because it’s not about adding parts to each other; they’re just there for each other.”
The Film’s Story and Cast
Directed by Josh Boone, the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestseller follows teenage Clara Grant (Grace) and her mother Morgan (Allison Williams) as they navigate grief after the tragic death of Morgan’s husband, Chris. While the mother‑daughter bond is the emotional core, the side romance between Clara and Miller provides the film’s “little romantic bits,” as Grace put it. Thames explained, “Miller’s the kind of guy who shows up when Clara needs someone most.” The narrative blend of family drama and teen romance is a first for both leads, with Grace noting it’s her inaugural romance film.
Campus Tour and Fan Engagement
From October 19‑23, the cast crisscrossed college campuses in a promotional tour that reached 27 universities across the United States. The roundtable hosted by Blaze Radio at the University of Alabama at Birmingham gave students a chance to hear Thames and Grace discuss challenging scenes and their off‑camera friendship. Thames admitted, “Nothing was really too challenging. I’ve always wanted to do a movie like this, so the fact that I got to do something like this…and with McKenna—it was a lot of fun.” Grace added, “I think what’s beautiful about them coming together is it’s not like they’re really taking or adding parts to each other.”
Director Josh Boone’s Vision
Boone, best known for bringing “The Fault in Our Stars” to the big screen, approached Hoover’s novel with an eye toward authenticity. While detailed comments from the director were scarce in the press kit, his prior work suggests a focus on grounding teen emotions in realistic settings. Observers note that the visual style of “Regretting You” leans heavily on muted color palettes that echo the story’s themes of loss and renewal.
Release Strategy and What’s Next
Paramount Pictures plans a staggered release, beginning at 12:01 am local time on Friday, October 24, 2025, across all major theater chains. Early ticket sales indicate strong interest among teen audiences, especially after the campus tour’s 27‑university sweep. Industry analysts predict that the film could become the season’s breakout romance, potentially spawning sequels or spin‑offs if the chemistry between Thames and Grace translates into box‑office numbers.
Key Facts
- Premiered: October 21, 2025 at the TCL Chinese Theatre, Los Angeles.
- Release date: October 24, 2025 nationwide.
- Lead actors: Mason Thames (17) as Miller; McKenna Grace (18) as Clara.
- Director: Josh Boone.
- Promotional tour covered 27 universities in five days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the chemistry between Thames and Grace affect the film’s appeal?
The genuine rapport they display in interviews translates to on‑screen chemistry, which critics say is crucial for a teen romance. Their mutual admiration, highlighted in multiple press events, creates buzz that can draw younger audiences who prioritize authentic relationships in movies.
What distinguishes ‘Regretting You’ from other teen dramas?
Beyond the typical romance plot, the film weaves a grief‑driven mother‑daughter storyline. The blend of family loss with first‑love feelings offers a layered narrative that aims to resonate with both teen and adult viewers.
Why is the campus tour significant for the movie’s marketing?
Targeting 27 universities in a single week directly engages the film’s core demographic. The tour generated social‑media chatter, earned earned‑media coverage, and gave the stars a chance to connect with fans, all of which are proven tactics for boosting opening‑week ticket sales.
What are critics saying about Josh Boone’s direction?
Early screeners suggest Boone maintains his signature emotionally‑driven style, employing subdued lighting and intimate framing to highlight the characters’ inner turmoil. Reviewers note that his experience with literary adaptations helps preserve the novel’s tone.
When and where can audiences see ‘Regretting You’?
The film opens nationwide on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 12:01 am local time across major theater chains in the United States. International roll‑outs are expected to follow in early November.
