In the early 2000s, The Prince & Me charmed audiences with its whimsical tale of a pre-med student, Paige Morgan, who unexpectedly falls in love with a Danish prince, Edvard. Starring Julia Stiles and Luke Mably, the film blended romance, comedy, and a touch of royal intrigue. While the movie remains a beloved classic, there’s more to its cast than meets the eye. Here are five surprising facts about the talented ensemble behind The Prince & Me.
1. Julia Stiles Almost Turned Down the Role
Julia Stiles, known for her roles in 10 Things I Hate About You and the Bourne series, was initially hesitant to take on the role of Paige Morgan. In interviews, Stiles revealed she was concerned about the film’s romantic comedy tone, fearing it might be too formulaic. However, after reading the script and connecting with the character’s strong-willed nature, she decided to embrace the challenge. Her decision paid off, as Paige’s independence and determination became a standout aspect of the film.
2. Luke Mably Was a Last-Minute Casting Choice
British actor Luke Mably, who played Prince Edvard, wasn’t the first choice for the role. Originally, another actor was cast, but scheduling conflicts led to a last-minute change. Mably, who had previously appeared in 28 Days Later, stepped in and brought a unique blend of charm and vulnerability to the character. His chemistry with Stiles was so natural that it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role.
Fun Fact: Mably actually learned Danish for the role to make his character’s accent and mannerisms more authentic, though most of his dialogue was in English.
3. Ben Miller’s Improvisational Genius
Ben Miller, who played Edvard’s royal assistant, Soren, was a scene-stealer with his dry humor and impeccable timing. What many don’t know is that Miller improvised several of his lines, adding an extra layer of comedy to the film. Director Martha Coolidge encouraged the cast to experiment, and Miller’s background in improv comedy (he co-founded the UK’s Comedy Store Players) made him a natural fit for the role.
4. Eliza Bennett’s Early Start in Acting
Eliza Bennett, who played Paige’s younger sister, Princess Kara, was just 12 years old when she filmed The Prince & Me. Despite her young age, Bennett delivered a nuanced performance that showcased her talent. She later went on to star in Inkheart and Sweet/Vicious, proving that her early start in acting was no fluke. Interestingly, Bennett’s character was initially written as a more minor role, but her chemistry with the cast led to expanded scenes.
5. The Cast’s Real-Life Royal Connections
While The Prince & Me is a work of fiction, some members of the cast have surprising real-life connections to royalty. For instance, Miranda Richardson, who played Queen Rosalind, has portrayed aristocratic characters in numerous films, including The Young Victoria and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Additionally, Luke Mably’s portrayal of a prince was so convincing that he was once mistaken for actual royalty at a charity event in Europe.
Key Takeaway: The cast of *The Prince & Me* brought more than just acting chops to the table—they infused the film with authenticity, humor, and unexpected depth, making it a timeless favorite.
Who was the original choice for Prince Edvard?
+The original actor cast as Prince Edvard is not publicly disclosed, but scheduling conflicts led to Luke Mably taking over the role.
Did Julia Stiles and Luke Mably date in real life?
+No, Julia Stiles and Luke Mably did not date in real life. Their on-screen chemistry was purely professional.
What other films has Eliza Bennett appeared in?
+Eliza Bennett has appeared in films like *Inkheart* and TV shows like *Sweet/Vicious* and *Dynasty*.
Did Ben Miller really improvise his lines?
+Yes, Ben Miller improvised several lines as Soren, drawing from his background in improv comedy.
What inspired Julia Stiles to take the role of Paige?
+Julia Stiles was initially hesitant but was drawn to Paige’s strong-willed and independent personality, which resonated with her.
The cast of The Prince & Me not only brought the story to life but also added layers of depth and humor that have kept audiences returning to the film years later. From last-minute casting changes to improvisational genius, these surprising facts highlight the magic behind the scenes of this beloved romantic comedy.
