“Solo Mio”: The Chosen Star Jonathan Roumie and Co-Director Daniel Kinnane on Heart, Humor, and Rome – INTERVIEW

‘Solo Mio’ turns a wedding disaster into a Rome reset, say co-director Daniel Kinnane and star Jonathan Roumie.

Angel Studios’ upcoming romantic comedy “Solo Mio” stars Kevin James, Alyson Hannigan, Kim Coates, and “The Chosen” star Jonathan Roumie in a story that begins with a wedding disaster and ends up as a surprise second-chance adventure. Directed by Charles Kinnane and Daniel Kinnane, and written by Kevin James, Patrick Kinnane, and John Kinnane, the film follows a groom left stranded in Rome, heartbroken in the world’s happiest city. However, with one determined local and a few meddling vacation couples in his corner, his ruined honeymoon turns into something he never expected.

In my interview, Roumie sat side by side with co-director Daniel Kinnane as we talked about why the movie aims for a throwback rom-com tone, what kind of audience they built it for, and why both believe it plays best on the big screen.

Daniel Kinnane calls the premise a quick buy-in, but the goal is “comfort”

Kinnane said the story works because the emotional entry point is instant. “The guy getting left at the altar is a good hook,” he said, adding, “You can buy into that right away.”

Still, he said the hook is only the start. “We wanted to make like a movie that we, you know, comfort film is what we call it,” Kinnane said. “We wanted to make a movie that was something like I grew up on, something you don’t see anymore.”

That meant leaning into a softer, more inviting tone. Kinnane said he wanted movies “that are hopeful and heartfelt,” but “not overly dramatic” and “not violent.” He also said the target was broad: “We wanted to make something that everyone could watch of all ages.”

Jonathan Roumie on switching lanes and disappearing into a new role

Roumie said the project gave him room to step away from what audiences usually associate with him. He joked about the change in look and how quickly people noticed. “I got a lot of complaints with no beard, and so I was forced to grow it back,” Roumie said.

However, he said the bigger point is freedom. “I think as an actor, Sean, you need a little bit of anonymity and to be able to drop into roles,” he said. For him, the fun is letting people meet a character without bringing expectations into the room.

Roumie says “Solo Mio” is built for theaters, not just a casual watch

Roumie said the movie lands best in a shared space. He said it “needs to be seen in theaters, on the big screen,” with “a community of people or strangers,” so everyone can “laugh and cry together.” He also summed up the vibe in a line that matched Kinnane’s goal. “They don’t make them like this anymore,” Roumie said.

The rooftop scene tease, plus a family-friendly promise

When I asked about standout moments, Roumie pointed to a sequence that sounds like a total energy shift for him. “The scene on the rooftop, the party on the Roof,” he said, before adding, “It’s not something you’ve seen in the last six, five seasons of the Chosen, that’s for sure.”

He also stressed what kind of ticket buyers this is for. “It is safe for families,” Roumie said. “Let me be clear about that.” He added, “Kids of all ages can watch this and just laugh.”

Roumie said he has already seen that reaction up close. “My nieces actually were at our screening in New York, and they absolutely loved the film,” he said, noting they are teenagers.

“Neil’s therapy session,” plus sequel talk that feels real

The conversation got loose when I asked what a group chat name would be for the guys. Kinnane tossed out, “Neil’s therapy session.” Roumie echoed it and sharpened the joke: “In quotes. Heavy quotes.”

Before we wrapped, I asked about the end credits and whether the story could continue. Kinnane leaned in. “Can we revisit it, like, in a sequel anytime?” he said. Roumie did not hesitate. “I think we’re gonna do the sequel,” he said. Kinnane even pitched a title idea that sounded like both a laugh and a plan: “Julian and Megan’s Fourth Wedding in Sicily.”

Solo Mio” hits theaters on February 6.

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