Filipino-American talent Sam Morelos brings charisma, comedy, and heart to the big screen as Lexie in Regretting You, the emotionally charged adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. Directed by Josh Boone, known for the YA classic The Fault in Our Stars, this new film is poised to captivate both loyal Hoover fans and newcomers alike.
And when it came to casting Lexie—the witty, no-nonsense best friend of Clara Grant—Boone knew exactly who he wanted from the start.
“About 900 people submitted tapes for Lexie,” says Boone. “Sam Morelos was our first and only choice. They’re one of the most popular characters in any screening. They always get the most laughs.”
A Story of Secrets, Healing, and Reconnection
At the heart of Regretting You is the story of a mother and daughter navigating the painful aftermath of loss. Allison Williams stars as Morgan Grant, a woman grappling with betrayal and heartbreak, while Mckenna Grace plays Clara, her teenage daughter discovering hidden truths about love and family.
Rounding out the cast are Dave Franco, Mason Thames, Scott Eastwood, Willa Fitzgerald, and Clancy Brown, making this ensemble drama one of the season’s most anticipated releases.
Watch the Trailer Here:
Lexie: The Ride-Or-Die Best Friend You’ll Wish Was Yours
Morelos’s character, Lexie, is Clara’s best friend since childhood—and the emotional support system she leans on when things fall apart.
“Lexie is just a fun, light presence,” says Morelos, a proud first-generation Filipino-American. “In a movie where there’s a lot of tension, Lexie is the knife that cuts it. I was laughing whenever I was on set – mostly at my own jokes.”
Want a sneak peek of Lexie in action?
Watch the “Bestiecore” Reel:
From Casting Call to Colleen Hoover Convert
Interestingly, Morelos wasn’t a Hoover reader before being cast—but filming Regretting You changed that fast.
“I have been familiar with Colleen Hoover’s work for a very long time but to be completely honest, I haven’t considered myself an avid reader since middle school,” they share. “My attention span has dwindled as I get older, so to get this job was such a gift because it gave me the opportunity to rediscover my love for reading. Since then, I became a very quick fan of Colleen and her storytelling. Lexie immediately piqued my interest because of how fun and magnetic she was in the audition scenes – it felt as though she was jumping off the page. I was so drawn to her and the story she had to tell that I knew I wanted this job.”
Behind the Scenes: Slang Lessons and Set Bonding
Morelos also had a blast off-camera, forming strong connections with the cast.
“Everyone was a joy to work with,” says Morelos. “Allison was so interested in Gen Z vernacular and I became her guide. She started saying things like, ‘Slay the house down, Boots. Houston, I’m deceased.’ Dave Franco is so sweet and so curious.”
A Movie Meant to Be Shared
For Morelos, Regretting You is more than a tearjerker—it’s a conversation starter.
“Everyone should watch Regretting You in theaters with their moms, their best friends, and their partners,” they say. “Watching this film in a cinema filled with that much love will make you want to hold your people closer, it’s that infectious. I want audiences to walk into the lobby talking about their own relationships – remembering the moments that you and your best friend got drunk after a big fight with your boyfriend, that night you had your first kiss and called your mom about it, and all the little moments that shaped your relationships in the long run. It’s a story of love that everyone can relate to in their own little way, which is what will make Regretting You so special to so many people.”
Regretting You, from Paramount Pictures, is now showing in Philippine cinemas. #RegrettingYouMovie
