Does anyone else remember those early 2010s, big-budget romantic comedies featuring a bunch of A-list movie stars in multiple storylines that all somehow connected? You know, like “Love Actually” and “He’s Just Not That Into You.” The one that’s probably on your mind this time of year, 2010’s “Valentine’s Day,” hosted the most significant actors of the decade in one cliche, yet enjoyable, mess. This film follows an ensemble of lovelorn, lovesick, and love-repulsed individuals living in Los Angeles, all trying to make it through February 14.
With a whopping 20 main characters, the individual storylines aren’t the most detailed, but they are fun. During a recent rewatch, a thought occurred to me: what if a remake was made, but with a majority API cast in the roles?
Thus, this article was born. In our humble opinion, this recast is a bit of an improvement, as the original “Valentine’s Day” only included three people of color and only one had an actual romance. But that’s beside the point.
Darren Barnet as Reed Bennett (Originally played by Ashton Kutcher)
In the original film, Reed Bennett is a sentimental florist who runs around Los Angeles in a pink jumpsuit and matching cap, trying to spread Valentine’s cheer like some himbo Santa. But his own love life takes a downward spiral when his girlfriend rejects his proposal and he learns a close friend’s boyfriend is cheating on her. Back to the main point—Darren Barnet is an easy sell for this role. Barnet has the effortless charisma and swoon-worthy looks that would make slipping into this role almost too easy.. And his comedic portrayal of Paxton in “Never Have I Ever” shows that he’s more than ready to take on this character.
Simone Ashley as Julia Fitzpatrick (Originally played by Jennifer Garner)
Julia Fitzpatrick is a soft-spoken grade school teacher who’s been left behind by her…
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