“Me Before You” drew a crowd of many for the world premiere of the film adaptation of Jojo Moyes‘ bestseller Monday at AMC Loews in Lincoln Square in New York. Stars Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin walked the red carpet for the romantic feature, which could also be read as an anomaly within the industry by having a female writer, director and star.
Director Thea Sharrock spoke to the lack of female directors in Hollywood. “I think it’s absolutely insane,” she said. “I don’t think I’ve ever gotten a job because I’m a woman, and I really hope that I’ve never not gotten a job because I’m a woman, but those figures need to be addressed,” adding, “If we can turn the dial in the positive direction, that would be great.”
The film’s screenplay was adapted by Moyes from her book of the same name, and the writer revealed that she was very hands-on for the film adaptation. She said that she worked closely with director Sharrock on set, changing lines and adjusting the script on the fly.
“They were so cheerful, and so naughty. I’m going to miss them,” Moyes said about working on the film project. “We all cried on the last day because none of us wanted to leave.”
Co-stars Clarke and Claflin have been showing their silly side on social media. In one recent Instagram post, Clarke captioned “the pranks continue” while she pretended to stick her finger up Claflin’s nose in a promotional photo.
“My last prank is I’ve got an amazing picture of him wearing one of my costumes,” she said slyly.
Claflin, meanwhile, has been showing behind-the-scene shenanigans in a 50-photo countdown on his Instagram, leading up to the film’s release.
“I’ve got a very, very, very busy schedule filming something else at the moment,” he said. “I’m not being able to do as much promotional work as I’d like to. So it was my way of keeping fans in the know, and keeping in touch.”
Claflin flew out of New York that same night, and couldn’t stay for the after party, which took place at the Boathouse in Central Park. Many other cast members and notable guests attended to celebrate, including MGM’s CEO and chairman Gary Barber, and MGM’s president of the motion picture group, Jon Glickman. The buffet spreading included plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, and a full dessert bar offered chocolate in various forms. Clarke and Sharrock stood chatting and laughing as top 40 music played in the background.
Earlier in the evening, the director talked about her special relationship with the star. “Emilia still calls me mom,” she said, and joked, “I like to think I look pretty good for someone who has a thirty-year-old daughter.”
