The Princess Switch (film series) explained

The Princess Switch
Studio:Netflix Original Films
Distributor:Netflix
Released:2018–2021
Country:United States
Language:English

The Princess Switch film series consists of American Christmas romantic-comedies, including three feature films.[1] Starring Vanessa Hudgens in multiple roles, alongside Sam Palladio and Nick Sagar, the plot is based loosely on the 1881 novel The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain. Hudgens stars as Stacy De Novo and Lady Margaret Delacourt Dutchess of Montenero, two strangers who discover that they look exactly alike and decide to trade places and roles for Christmas. The films show their experiences while doing so, while Hudgens additionally portrays Lady Fiona Pembroke in the sequels.

The series is produced by Netflix and released exclusively through its streaming services as Netflix Original Films. The first film, released in 2018 was received with positive critical reception. Following its success, Netflix quickly began developing sequels.[2] The second was released in 2020, to mixed critical reception. The third film The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star, was released November 2021, again to mixed critical reception.[3]

Films

FilmU.S. release dateDirectorScreenwriter(s)Producers
The Princess SwitchMike RohlRobin Bernheim & Megan MetzgerAmy Krell, Brad Krevoy and Linda L. Miller
Robin Bernheim Burger & Megan MetzgerSteven R. McGlothen, Vanessa Hudgens and Brad Krevoy
Robin Bernheim BurgerVanessa Hudgens and Brad Krevoy

The Princess Switch (2018)

See main article: The Princess Switch.

Stacy DeNovo, a talented young baker, with a type-A personality with a habit of planning and creating schedules, takes a spontaneous trip during Christmastime at the suggestion of her sous-chef and best friend, named Kevin. Upon arriving in Belgravia, Stacy commences enjoying the holiday festivities. While preparing for the local Royal Christmas Baking Contest, she meets her identical doppelgänger who has a personal request. Lady Margaret Delacourt, who serves as Duchess of Montenaro, a free-willed and spirited woman with obligations to her position of power, asks that the pair change places for the event so that she can enjoy her last chance at normalcy before accepting her bethrothal to the Crown Prince of Belgravia. When the women swap roles, they soon discover that their interests lie with each other's respective men.[4]

The Princess Switch: Switched Again (2020)

See main article: The Princess Switch: Switched Again.

Following unexpected events, Lady Margaret Delacourt inherits the throne to the kingdom of Montenaro. As she struggles with her new responsibilities and duties as Queen, a series of cumbersome events convince her that she needs help from her look-alike friend Stacy DeNovo. Longing to spend time with Kevin who she met while previously living as Stacy, she asks Stacy to once again switch places with her. As the women trade positions and assume their roles in impersonating each other, Lady Margaret's party-life cousin named Lady Fiona Pembroke, who also looks remarkably like the two other women, comes to visit Montenaro for the Christmas season. The three women are involved in a comedic series of events, while trying to gain control of their respective love lives.[5]

The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star (2021)

Once again during Christmas preparations, a priceless heirloom of the kingdom of Montenaro is stolen. Queen Margaret and Princess Stacy work together, with the help of Fiona and her ex-boyfriend, to retrieve the relic. While each of the women trade places, events of adventure and romance ensue.[6]

Main cast and characters

CharacterFilms
The Princess SwitchThe Princess Switch:
The Princess Switch 3:
Stacy De Novo-Wyndham
Vanessa Hudgens
Lady Margaret Katherine Claire Delacourt
Vanessa Hudgens
Lady Fiona Pembroke Vanessa Hudgens
Prince Edward WyndhamSam Palladio
Kevin RichardsNick Sagar

Additional production and crew details

FilmCrew/Detail
Composer(s)Cinematographer(s)EditorProduction companiesDistributing companyRunning time
The Princess SwitchTerry FrewerViorel Sergovici
& Lulu de Hillerin
Charles NorrisNetflix Original Films,
Motion Picture Corporation of America
Netflix102 minutes
Alan LazarFernando Argüelles FernandezLara MazurNetflix Original Films,
MPCA,
Brad Krevoy Television
98 minutes
Jina Hyojin An & Shirley SongLee Haxall106 minutes

Critical reception

FilmRotten TomatoesMetacritic
The Princess Switch71% (14 reviews)[7] (0 reviews)[8]
58% (24 reviews)[9] (2 reviews)[10]
50% (14 Reviews)[11] [12]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: MacTaggart . Catriona . Here's What You Didn't Know About The Princess Switch Movies . NickiSwift . 16 July 2022.
  2. Web site: Vanessa Hudgens' 'The Princess Switch' Sequel Sets Premiere Date, Plus a Third Movie Is Coming . ET Online. Ng . Philiana. October 7, 2020. October 25, 2021.
  3. Web site: Netflix Sets Release Dates for ‘Princess Switch 3’ and More Holiday Movies. Variety. Rubin, Rebecca. October 6, 2021. October 25, 2021.
  4. Web site: Can You Double Your Holiday Pleasure With Netflix's 'The Princess Switch'?. NPR. Holmes, Linda. November 16, 2018. October 25, 2021.
  5. Web site: ‘The Princess Switch: Switched Again’ Review: It’s Vanessa Hudgens Times Three in Cozy Netflix Sequel. Variety. Harvey, Dennis. November 19, 2020. October 25, 2021.
  6. Web site: What To Expect From The Princess Switch 3. Screen Rant. Hough, Q.V.. November 19, 2020. October 25, 2021.
  7. Web site: The Princess Switch (2018) . October 25, 2021 . . Fandango Media.
  8. Web site: The Princess Switch Reviews. CBS Interactive. Metacritic. October 25, 2021.
  9. Web site: The Princess Switch: Switched Again (2020). Rotten Tomatoes. October 25, 2021.
  10. Web site: The Princess Switch: Switched Again Reviews. Metacritic. October 25, 2021.
  11. Web site: The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star (2021). Rotten Tomatoes. Jan 2, 2021.
  12. Web site: The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star Reviews. Metacritic. October 25, 2021.