Solo Mio Interviews: Kevin James, Kim Coates, Jonathan Roumie & more talk Italy, amore, origin stories, and language barriers

Love is beautiful. However, it can also be brutal and elusive. When you promise yourself to another person, you enter a pact. Two become one. Trust is paramount. Love is eternal—all that fluff. Something that will mess you up, though? Getting left at the altar. In Solo Mio, Matt (Kevin James) finds himself abandoned in Italy after his fiancée fails to show up at their wedding. Instead of going home with his tail tucked between his legs, Matt decides to stay. As he attempts to enjoy his honeymoon package as a party of one, he slowly discovers that life continues after such a horrific event, and perhaps Matt’s misfortune was meant to be, as new love is waiting just around the corner.

To celebrate the launch of Solo Mio in theaters, we spoke with the romantic comedy’s directors, Charles and Daniel Kinnane, and stars Kevin James (King of Queens, Becky, Here Comes the Boom), Kim Coates (Sons of Anarchy, American Primeval), and Jonathan Roumie (The Chosen).

During our chat with Kevin, we discussed Matt, the film’s vulnerable and relatable protagonist. James co-wrote the movie with John and Patrick Kinnane, so we were able to get inside Matt’s head and find out what makes him tick. We also touch on James’ on-screen chemistry with his co-star Nicole Grimaudo, who plays his Italian love interest, Gia. Finally, we talk about language barriers and what it’s like to write for a culture and language you barely understand. How do you ensure its authenticity? Do you ask for help?

While speaking with Kim Coates and Charles Kinnane, we talked about Coates’ character, Julian, a social bull in a china shop who inserts himself into Matt’s affairs and doesn’t let go until he helps his new buddy out. Coates talks about having a blast during the film’s production, while Charles reveals what he loves about filming in Italy.

Last but certainly not least, we talk about the beauty of Rome with Jonathan Roumie and Daniel Kinnane, and what it’s like to immerse yourself in the culture and wonder of such a stunning city.

If you’re interested in hearing more about Solo Mio, check out our spoiler-free review here.

About the Author

News Editor / Columnist

Favorite Movies: Death to Smoochy, The Big Lebowski, Fear and Loathing in Las read more Vegas, The Crow, KPop Demon Hunters, The Sword in the Stone, Spirited Away, The Fisher King, The Shining, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, The Burbs, The Babadook, Summer Wars, The Princess Bride, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Game, In the Mouth of Madness, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Monsters Inc., Amelie, The Crow, Fight Club, O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Likes: Getting lost in waves of sound while cocooned in a pair read more of serious headphones, comic book characters, film, and television, a delicious tumbler of whiskey, scientifically-inclined Canadians, wearing pajamas in public, pancakes, bacon, and long walks on the beach

The comment section exists to allow readers to discuss the article constructively and respectfully, focused on the topic at hand.

What’s Not Allowed

  • Abusive language, insults, or harassment toward other users or staff.
  • Hate speech of any kind is strictly prohibited.
  • Bickering, bullying, personal attacks, or baiting others to argue
  • Extended off-topic debates, especially those centered on politics or religion rather than the article topic
  • No AI content or SPAM