Corey Mylchreest, celebrated for his captivating performances, has firmly established himself as a prominent romantic lead in contemporary cinema. At 27, Mylchreest articulates a profound appreciation for the storytelling inherent in romantic films, viewing them as a form of cinematic medicine that provides much-needed escapism in a complex world. He emphasizes the therapeutic power of rom-coms, particularly their ability to offer audiences a welcome respite from daily challenges, allowing for a temporary immersion into lighter narratives.

Mylchreest’s ascent in the romance genre is underscored by his memorable portrayal of a young King George in the critically acclaimed Netflix spinoff, “Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story,” which premiered in 2023. This role was swiftly followed by his casting as Jamie in “My Oxford Year,” another anticipated Netflix project. These roles have cemented his reputation as an actor capable of bringing depth and nuance to romantic narratives, showcasing his versatility within the genre.

While both “Queen Charlotte” and “My Oxford Year” are infused with comedic beats and moments of levity, they also delve into significant tragic themes, with Mylchreest often at the emotional core of these narratives. In “Queen Charlotte,” he navigated the complexities of a blossoming royal romance alongside the King’s developing illness, delivering a performance that balanced charm with profound heartbreak. Similarly, in “My Oxford Year,” Mylchreest portrays a brilliant young professor whose burgeoning love story is shadowed by a terminal illness.

Mylchreest finds immense professional fulfillment in exploring the full spectrum of human emotion, from comedy to tragedy, within his roles. He notes that characters like King George and Jamie offer extensive scope for an actor, providing opportunities to “flex your muscles and challenge yourself and learn.” This embrace of complex, multi-faceted characters allows him to portray authentic human experiences, making his performances particularly resonant with audiences.

A critical element in any successful romantic film is the on-screen chemistry between costars, an area where Mylchreest consistently excels, as evidenced by fan reactions to his dynamic with India Amarteifio. Mylchreest, however, approaches chemistry not as an exact science but rather as a product of mutual commitment and vulnerability. He emphasizes the importance of actors meeting each other with similar levels of passion and dedication, metaphorically “holding each other’s hands” through the exposed nature of giving one’s best performance.

Discussing the nuanced process of creating on-screen sparks, Mylchreest contrasts his perspective with that of his “My Oxford Year” costar, Sofia Carson. While Carson views chemistry as an “intangible thing,” Mylchreest leans towards it being a result of independent commitment to the role and a willingness to diligently explore the specific dynamics of the relationship. This involves understanding what precisely draws two characters together, whether it’s a shared passion or a desire for escapism.

The actor also commends the pivotal role of intimacy coordinators in the industry, highlighting their essential contribution to creating a safe and professional environment for sensitive scenes. Having worked with an intimacy coordinator on both “Queen Charlotte” and “My Oxford Year,” Mylchreest likens their role to that of a fight or dance coordinator, underscoring the skillful and crucial work they perform in translating script into tangible physical interactions while ensuring actor comfort and interpretation.

Ultimately, Mylchreest expresses a hope that “My Oxford Year,” like all successful romance films, will enable viewers to momentarily “lose themselves” within the narrative. He aspires for audiences to fully experience the lightness and joy of the ‘rom’ and ‘com’ elements, embarking on the characters’ journey to feel a profound emotional connection by the story’s conclusion. He also playfully suggests viewers might inadvertently gain an appreciation for Victorian poetry, and more importantly, an awareness of the value of embracing the present moment.