> At a Glance
> – Emily Henry told Emily Bader and Tom Blyth to “have fun” on set
> – People We Meet on Vacation lands on Netflix Jan. 9
> – Bader calls the author’s blessing “a gift”
> – Why it matters: Fans can relax-Henry signed off on every creative choice
Emily Bader says the approval of best-selling author Emily Henry removed all pressure from filming the adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation. In an exclusive chat with News Of Los Angeles, Bader reveals how Henry’s one-sentence pep talk shaped the entire shoot.
Henry’s On-Set Blessing
Henry visited the Chicago set and told the leads: “I’m happy with this decision. You guys are them. Have fun. Be yourself.” Bader, 29, calls the moment liberating.
> “She set us free with her approval in some way,” the actress tells News Of Los Angeles.
The author stayed involved from pre-production through filming, collaborating closely with director Brett Haley and screenwriter Yulin Kuang.
Why Bader Said Yes to Poppy
Despite never reading the novel beforehand, Bader fell for the ’90s-tinged rom-com vibe and the chance to play comedy at full tilt.
- First outright comedic role after playing the straight woman in prior projects
- Loved the grounded, slice-of-life dynamic between Poppy and Alex
- Connected with Poppy’s “really fun” personality during auditions
Blyth’s Lighthearted Turn
Tom Blyth, 30, jumped at the project after back-to-back dark roles, including young Coriolanus Snow in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
> “I was eager to do something light and fun, and a bit sexy,” the actor says.
He credits Henry’s popularity-“what a big deal Emily Henry was”-for sealing the deal.
Key Takeaways
- Henry green-lit every major creative decision before cameras rolled
- Bader leaned into physical comedy, trusting her gut for “silly decisions”
- Blyth views the rom-com as a palate cleanser from heavier fare
- Netflix subscribers can stream the film starting Thursday, Jan. 9
