If you’re seeking evidence that there’s no such thing as negative publicity, look no further than the case of Purple Hearts.
Upon its release in July 2022, this romantic drama sparked a whirlwind of discussions primarily fueled by the notable backlash it received across social media platforms. For the uninitiated, Purple Hearts unfolds the story of Cassie Salazar, played by Sofia Carson, a liberal musician, and Nicholas Galitzine, a conservative U.S. Marine. Both in urgent need of financial assistance, they concoct a plan to enter a faux marriage, aiming to share the benefits reserved for military spouses.
Beyond the conventional romantic narrative of two individuals with disparate backgrounds and personalities falling in love, Purple Hearts added a unique layer of political undertones. Cassie and Luke’s relationship grapples with their opposing views, injecting controversy into the storyline. Left-leaning viewers criticized the film, claiming it leaned towards Luke’s conservative ideology, and specific scenes were labeled as “racist” and “sexist.”
Despite the controversy, Purple Hearts defied the odds, emerging as the third most-watched Netflix movie globally in 2022. The movie’s success was likely attributed to a compelling love story, charismatic lead actors, and the infectious tunes contributed by Sofia Carson to the soundtrack. However, the burning question remains: will there be a sequel to Purple Hearts?
As of the latest update, more than a year and a half since Purple Hearts debuted on the streaming platform, Netflix has not officially announced any plans for a follow-up. This situation, in some aspects, is surprising, especially considering Netflix’s tendency to transform successful romantic films into franchises, as seen with titles like To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before and 365 Days.
On the other hand, the lack of a sequel aligns with the movie’s source material; Purple Hearts is an adaptation of Tess Wakefield’s book of the same name, and with only one novel in the series, a single film seems logical. The busy schedules of the lead actors may also contribute to the absence of a sequel, with Sofia Carson balancing her music career alongside film and TV appearances, such as her upcoming role in the action-thriller Carry-On with Taron Egerton. Meanwhile, Nicholas Galitzine’s career has flourished post-Purple Hearts, featuring in notable films like Red, White, & Royal Blue and Bottoms in 2023, and joining Anne Hathaway in the highly anticipated The Idea of You in 2024.
While the controversy didn’t thwart the success of Purple Hearts, it appears that the film might not be destined for a sequel. Director Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum has hinted at some “casual chatting” about a potential follow-up, leaving room for speculation. In the interim, fans can explore a plethora of films with a similar vibe while keeping an eye out for any updates on the Purple Hearts sequel front.