Ritesh Sharma
Hallmark’s ‘Royally Ever After’ is a delightful romantic comedy that follows the journey of Sara and Daniel, a seemingly perfect couple whose love story takes an unexpected turn. What starts as a charming, fairy-tale romance quickly transforms into something far more extraordinary when Daniel confesses that he is, in fact, a prince. The revelation catapults them into a whirlwind adventure as they travel to Daniel’s grand castle, where Sara’s excitement soon gives way to confusion. She is thrown into the complexities of royal life, which are nothing like what she imagined.
The Lee Friedlander directorial blends humor and heart as Sara becomes familiar with the royal world, resulting in a series of hilarious and touching moments. What sets the 2018 rom-com apart is its infusion of a fresh twist on the traditional Hallmark formula. The story thrives not only through its endearing characters but also through its stunning visuals and diverse locations that add an extra layer of energy to the narrative. This film encapsulates everything Hallmark does best, with the added magic of royal intrigue and a captivating new setting that elevates the classic romance story to new heights.
Where Was Royally Ever After Filmed?
‘Royally Ever After’ was filmed primarily in Ireland, particularly in several locations in County Sligo, with additional filming done in County Wicklow. The production team thoroughly captured the region’s picturesque landscapes and regal architecture. The shooting began in March 2018 and wrapped up by the end of the month. The enchanting Irish setting added an authentic fairy-tale charm to the movie, making the royal romance feel even more magical.
County Sligo, Ireland
‘Royally Ever After’ found its perfect fairy-tale setting in the breathtaking landscapes of Ireland, elevating the film’s royal romance with its historic charm. The movie was primarily shot at Markree Castle, located at Collooney in County Sligo. This stunning 17th-century castle, known for its grand architecture and lush surroundings, is a popular wedding destination, further enhancing the film’s regal atmosphere. The production also explored other scenic areas in Sligo, a region famed for its rugged coastline, rolling green hills, and historical landmarks.
Reflecting on her experience filming in Ireland in a conversation with Media Village, lead actress Fiona Gubelmann shared, “(Ireland) really is that beautiful. But it was really cold while we were there. It was an incredible location and the castle was stunning, so I see why it’s a wedding destination. Not only did we get to film at the castle, we stayed at it! I got to live like a princess — that never happens. My room was beautiful and like my character I would actually go running in the morning, so I got to live what I was filming.” With its fairy-tale castles, lush green landscapes, and timeless beauty, Ireland added an unparalleled sense of magic to ‘Royally Ever After,’ making it a truly enchanting royal romance.
County Wicklow, Ireland
Additional filming for ‘Royally Ever After’ took place in Enniskerry, a picturesque village in County Wicklow that exudes old-world charm. With its cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and breathtaking landscapes, Enniskerry provided an enchanting backdrop that perfectly complemented the film’s royal narrative. The village’s timeless beauty and serene atmosphere enhanced the romantic fairy-tale essence of the movie, making it an ideal setting for key scenes.
Royally Ever After Cast Details
‘Royally Ever After’ is led by Fiona Gubelmann as Sara and Torrance Coombs as Daniel, bringing charm and authenticity to this fairy-tale romance. Fiona has built a diverse acting career over a decade, with multiple movies and shows to her name. In the Hallmark production, she seamlessly embodies Sara’s journey from a schoolteacher to a future princess, thus demonstrating her acting prowess. Torrance brings his signature charisma and elegance to the role of Prince Daniel, making their on-screen romance feel magical and heartwarming.
Fiona Gubelmann as Sara
With a career spanning over two decades and an extensive list of credits in film and television, Fiona Gubelmann beautifully steps into the role of Sara Angela Dimarco, the warmhearted schoolteacher who finds herself on an unexpected royal journey in ‘Royally Ever After.’ She is recognized for her performances in ‘New Girl’ as Val, ‘Daytime Divas’ as Heather Flynn-Kellogg, and ‘Mad Men’ as Eve. Beyond her popular roles, Fiona has showcased her comedic talent in numerous sitcoms, including ‘One Day at a Time,’ and ‘Modern Family.’ Her other popular credits include ‘Christmas Next Door,’ ‘Lucifer,’ ‘Easter Under Wraps,’ and ‘CSI: NY.’
Torrance Coombs as Daniel
Best known for his captivating performances in historical dramas, Torrance Coombs takes on the role of Prince Daniel, bringing his signature charisma and elegance to Royally Ever After. With over 15 years in the industry, he has built a strong reputation for playing regal characters. His most popular roles include Sebastian “Bash” de Poitiers in ‘Reign,’ Thomas Culpepper in ‘The Tudors,’ Declan in ‘The Originals,’ and Chase Powers in ‘Heartland.’ However, his versatility extends beyond period dramas, with standout roles in ‘Endgame’ and ‘Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome.’ Apart from this, he is also a part of ‘Still Star-Crossed,’ ‘Supernatural,’ and ‘Royally Wrapped for Christmas.’
Alongside the leading duo, ‘Royally Ever After’ boasts a talented supporting cast that adds depth and charm to the film’s royal setting. Barry McGovern takes on the role of King Edmond, with Carmen Du Sautoy portraying Queen Patricia. Fiona Bell and John Guerrasio play Marie and Bert Dimarco, respectively, while Rebekah Wainwright appears as Princess Fiona. The cast includes Paul Byrne as the Reporter in the Café, John Carty as the Gardener, Louisa Dolan as Tessa, and Peter Doyle as the Chauffeur. Rounding out the ensemble are John Faulkner as Jackson, Senan Jennings as Simon, Kimberly Leemans as Caitlin, Donna Anita Quinn as The Countess, Sadhbh O’Donovan as Willa, and Stephen Blind as a guest at the Royal Ball. With their performances, this diverse cast brings the fairy-tale world of ‘Royally Ever After’ to life, making it a heartwarming and entertaining watch.
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