Robinne Lee, the author of The Idea of You, is clarifying her initial statement that the story was solely inspired by Harry Styles. In a recent interview, Lee expressed her disappointment with the comparison to fan fiction and emphasized that the character Hayes Campbell is a mix of various real-life individuals, not just the former One Direction member.
According to Lee, Hayes Campbell is not merely a portrayal of Harry Styles, but rather a blend of different personalities. She described him as having the charm of JFK Jr. during his relationship with Daryl Hannah, the allure of Michael Hutchence while dating Helena Christensen, and the influence of the members of Duran Duran, whom she admired in her youth.
The debut novel, released in 2017, was adapted into a film starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine. Lee acknowledged that Styles’ popularity at the time played a role in people resonating with the character inspiration choice. However, she stressed that Hayes Campbell is a unique character in his own right, not a replica of Harry Styles living his life.
Lee defended her creative process, emphasizing the importance of crafting characters based on personal vision rather than mere associations with real-life figures. While acknowledging the influence of various individuals, she highlighted the need for readers and viewers to interpret and appreciate the character for his distinct traits and narratives.
Despite initial comparisons and assumptions, Robinne Lee stands by her creative decisions and character development choices in The Idea of You. She encourages audiences to delve deeper into the complexities of Hayes Campbell’s character, recognizing the multidimensional influences that went into crafting a character that transcends simple categorizations and superficial associations.
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