The upcoming film adaptation of “The Idea of You” has stirred heightened speculation about whether the character Hayes Campbell, portrayed by Nicholas Galitzine, draws direct inspiration from the renowned pop sensation Harry Styles.
The 2017 novel, penned by Robinne Lee, revolves around the unconventional romance between Soléne, a 40-year-old divorced mother, and Hayes Campbell, the 24-year-old lead singer of the fictional boyband August Moon.
While comparisons between Hayes and Harry Styles have been inevitable, both the author and the actor have been keen to emphasize the distinctiveness of the character. Lee has consistently maintained that Hayes was not intended as a fictional portrayal of Styles. In a 2020 interview with Vogue, she asserted, “This was never supposed to be a book about Harry Styles.” Instead, Lee underscores that the narrative aims to explore themes of self-discovery, sexuality, and societal expectations for women approaching 40.
Nicholas Galitzine, who steps into the shoes of Hayes Campbell in the film adaptation, echoes this sentiment. Addressing the speculation in an interview with BuzzFeed UK, Galitzine stated, “We tried to create a character that felt maybe akin to Harry in the sense that he is a younger man dating an older woman.” He emphasizes the importance of crafting a character that is new, original, and not a mere imitation of a well-known figure like Styles.
The character of Hayes Campbell appears to be a fusion of various influences, as shared by author Robinne Lee. In a 2017 interview with blogger Deborah Kalb, Lee disclosed that the inspiration for the story struck her late at night while watching music videos on YouTube. Although she did not explicitly name Harry Styles, she noted, “I came across the face of a boy I’d never seen in a band I’d never paid attention to.” This discovery prompted Lee to delve into research, revealing that the mysterious boy often dated older women, planting the seed for the novel.
Furthermore, Lee’s characterization of Hayes involves a blend of personal experiences and influences. She revealed to Vogue that Hayes was partly borrowed from the male lead of her previous novel, a concoction of her dream guy with elements of Prince Harry and Harry Styles. Additionally, Hayes drew inspiration from a couple of Lee’s ex-boyfriends, a touch of her husband, and a dash of actor Eddie Redmayne.
Despite these connections, Lee is quick to clarify that the term “inspired” is strong, indicating a more nuanced and layered process of character development. The intention was not to create a thinly veiled representation of Styles but rather to explore the dynamics of an unconventional relationship and the rediscovery of self.
As the film adaptation nears its release, the comparisons between August Moon and One Direction, as well as the speculation around Hayes Campbell’s inspiration, continue to capture the attention of fans and critics alike. The ambiguity surrounding the character’s origins adds an intriguing layer to the anticipation surrounding “The Idea of You.”
In essence, while the character may share some surface-level similarities with Harry Styles, the collaborative efforts of author Robinne Lee and actor Nicholas Galitzine have ensured that Hayes Campbell stands as a unique and multifaceted creation, inviting audiences to delve into the complexities of age, desire, and self-renewal.
