Robinne Lee Explains Inspiration Behind Fictional British Boy Band Member

Robinne Lee, the author of The Idea of You, recently expressed regret over initially connecting her story to Harry Styles. In a new interview with EW, Lee clarified that the character Hayes Campbell was not solely inspired by the former One Direction member. Despite the comparisons and accusations of writing fan fiction, Lee emphasized that Harry Styles was just one of many influences in creating the character of Hayes.

According to Lee, Hayes Campbell is a complex character molded from various real-life individuals. Drawing inspiration from icons like JFK Jr. while dating Daryl Hannah in the Hamptons, as well as Michael Hutchence’s allure during his relationship with Helena Christensen, Lee crafted a character with layers of depth and charisma. Additionally, Lee’s fondness for Duran Duran in her youth seeped into Hayes, with elements of Simon, John, and subtle references to the band scattered throughout the book.

Lee’s debut novel, The Idea of You, was published in 2017 and later adapted into a film featuring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine. Despite initial connections to Harry Styles generating buzz, Lee affirmed that the character of Hayes was a unique creation not tethered to any specific individual. The adaptation of her novel further solidified the distinctiveness of Hayes as a character separate from any real-world celebrity.

While acknowledging Harry Styles’ popularity and the resonance he had with readers upon mentioning his influence on Hayes, Lee maintained that she did not envision Styles while writing for the character. Refuting claims of fan fiction, Lee stressed that Hayes was a product of her imagination, blending elements from various personalities to construct a multifaceted and captivating figure. The misinterpretation of Hayes solely as a Harry Styles derivative overlooks the intricate mix of inspirations that contributed to his creation.

Robinne Lee’s explanation sheds light on the intricate process of character development and the misconceptions that can arise when drawing inspiration from real-life figures. The essence of Hayes Campbell in The Idea of You transcends mere celebrity parallels, embodying a tapestry of influences that culminate in a dynamic and compelling portrayal.