Author Robinne Lee, known for her novel “The Idea of You,” recently clarified her earlier statement regarding the inspiration behind one of her main characters, Hayes Campbell. Initially linked to Harry Styles, Lee expressed regret over the portrayal of Campbell solely as a reflection of the former One Direction member.
In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Lee emphasized that Campbell, portrayed by Nicholas Galitzine in the Prime Video adaptation, is not solely based on Styles. She stated, “I don’t consider it fan fiction at all. Harry was one of multiple people who went into creating Hayes Campbell.” Lee elaborated on Campbell’s inspiration, citing influences from various real-life figures such as JFK Jr., Michael Hutchence, and members of Duran Duran.
Lee’s debut novel, released in 2017, gained attention for its unique premise, which follows a 40-year-old woman’s romance with a boy band member. The subsequent film adaptation starred Anne Hathaway and Galitzine in the lead roles.
Reflecting on Styles’ impact on the character’s perception, Lee acknowledged his resonance with audiences due to his popularity at the time. However, she stressed that Campbell is not a direct representation of Styles, asserting, “He is not Harry and he’s not living Harry’s life. He’s very much his own person to me.”
Lee’s comments offer insight into the creative process behind her acclaimed work, dispelling misconceptions about the character’s origins and underscoring the depth of his characterization beyond any single influence.
