The captivating world of “Me Before You” extends beyond the pages of its beloved story, revealing a fascinating array of connections, anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes details that enrich the narrative’s background.
As we delve into the intricate tapestry surrounding the book and its film adaptation, woven with intricate threads of coincidence, creativity, and collaboration, we uncover a series of intriguing insights that further illuminate the tale.
“Me Before You,” the poignant romantic drama film released on June 3, 2016, in the United Kingdom and North America, featured a cast whose ages ranged across the spectrum.
Emilia Clarke, taking on the role of Louisa “Lou” Clark, and Sam Claflin, who portrayed the complex character of William “Will” Traynor, were both 29 years old when Me Before You was released in 2016.
Janet McTeer, who masterfully embodied Mrs. Traynor, brought her talents to the screen at 54, while the seasoned Charles Dance, in the role of Steven Traynor, was 69. Brendan Coyle, cast as Lou’s father, brought his character to life at 53.
In the book “Me Before You,” which you can buy on Amazon, Lou Clark gets a tattoo of a bumblebee. Interestingly, Emilia Clarke’s first tattoo was also a bumblebee on her finger, a choice she made after completing filming for the movie.
Following the release of the film trailer, the book experienced a significant surge in popularity, climbing from #141 to #3 on USA TODAY’s Best-Selling Books List within a week.
Emilia Clarke persuaded Matthew Lewis to undergo leg waxing for his role. Coincidentally, co-stars Matthew Lewis and Sam Claflin share the same birthday.
Matthew Lewis was born on June 27, 1989, while Sam Claflin was born on June 27, 1986. This means they share the same birthday, but Sam Claflin is three years older than Matthew Lewis.
The exterior scenes in the castle town were filmed in Pembrokeshire, Wales, over five days in May 2015.
Despite the town’s tranquility being interrupted by road closures and an influx of fans, disruptions were minimized. Interior scenes were later shot at Pinewood Studios.
Game of Thrones Connections in Me Before You
Emilia Clarke (Louisa Clark), Charles Dance (Steven Traynor), and Samantha Spiro (Lou’s mother) had previously appeared together in the American fantasy drama television series Game of Thrones, though they didn’t share scenes.
Additionally, Richard Madden, Jenna Coleman’s ex-boyfriend, starred in Game of Thrones, and Sam Claflin had auditioned for roles on the show.
Emilia Clarke and Jenna Coleman: Real-Life Sisters Who Are Only Months Apart
Janet McTeer, who portrays Will’s mother, had previously played a character similar to Emilia Clarke’s Lou in the movie “Hawks” (1988).
Despite playing siblings, Emilia Clarke (Louisa Clark) is only slightly younger than Jenna Coleman (Katrina Clark), her on-screen sister.
Emilia Clarke was born on October 23, 1986, while Jenna Coleman was born on April 27, 1986. This means there is only a difference of about 5-6 months between their birthdates.
Janet McTeer and Charles Dance: A Power Couple on and Off-Screen
Emilia Clarke (Lou Clark) and Jenna Coleman (Trina Clark) both portrayed queens on TV shows, in “Game of Thrones” and “Victoria” respectively.
Janet McTeer and Charles Dance, who play a couple in the movie, have other notable roles – McTeer as Jaquetta Woodville in “The White Queen” and Dance as the father of Cersei Lannister in “Game of Thrones.”
Ed Sheeran’s songs “Thinking Out Loud” and “Photograph” are featured in the film, and both Clarke and Dance appeared in “Game of Thrones,” though not in the same scenes as Sheeran.
Ed Sheeran made a surprise cameo appearance as a Lannister soldier in the first episode of the seventh season of Game of Thrones, titled “Dragonstone.”
Former “Home and Away” star Stephen Peacocke plays Nathan in the movie.
Emilia Clarke’s role in the film involves falling in love with a paralyzed young billionaire. Interestingly, she had turned down the role of Anastasia Steele in “Fifty Shades of Grey.”
The film reunites Emilia Clarke with Charles Dance from “Game of Thrones.” Jenna Coleman, another co-star, played Clara Oswald in “Doctor Who,” and Matt Smith (The Doctor) starred opposite Clarke in “Terminator Genisys.”
Emilia Clarke’s “Game of Thrones” co-star Maisie Williams appeared in “Doctor Who.” Later, Matt Smith portrayed an ancestor of Emilia Clarke’s character in “House of the Dragon,” called Daemon Targaryen.
Emilia Clarke Stuns in Ruffled Frock at Me Before You World Premiere
In May 2016, the movie adaptation of Jojo Moyes’ best-selling novel Me Before You kickstarted its world premiere in New York.
Emilia Clarke dressed in an elegant pale lavender tiered dress from the Chloe Fall 2016 collection (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)
The event was graced by Emilia Clarke, who shed off her Khaleesi image for a moment to take on the role of Louisa Clark.
In the adaptation, Louisa is a small-town girl who eventually becomes the caregiver of Will Traynor, a disabled man intent on suicide. Mockingjay actor Sam Claflin plays the role of Will.
Emilia Clarke stepped onto the red carpet donning a Chloe Fall 2016 ensemble – a pale lavender and white lace embroidered dress with ruffled tulle layers and a tiered hem (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)
This was Emilia’s first starring role in a romantic drama film, and by the looks of the trailer, they couldn’t have picked a better actress.
Emilia Clarke’s dress was a customized variation of the runway version, featuring a shorter length and lacking lining (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)
We expected a lot from the famous ‘Game of Thrones’ actress, and she didn’t disappoint with the ruffled dress she wore to the event.
Emilia Clarke promoting her new film at the world premiere of Me Before You at AMC Loews Lincoln Square in New York City on May 24, 2016 (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)
The then-29-year-old chose a sweet and feminine Chloé old rose-ruffled hem gown.
Surprisingly, the frilly dress didn’t look too sweet or overwhelming on Emilia’s petite stature. We also love how she opted for simple metallic sandals with the dress.
Emilia Clarke played Louisa Clark and Sam Claflin played Will Traynor in the movie Me Before You (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)
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