Claire Scanlon, director of Amazon Prime’s romantic comedy *The Love Hypothesis*, explains how the film preserves subtle links to *Star Wars*. The film adapts Ali Hazelwood’s bestselling novel, which began as *Star Wars* fan fiction about Kylo Ren and Rey, and its references matter because they connect the romance’s characters and themes to the franchise’s original inspiration.

Tom Bateman’s Adam Carlsen is modelled on Kylo Ren, with his black wardrobe, intimidating manner and “Dr Evil” nickname; his name also references Kylo actor Adam Driver. Gracie Abrams’ opening song was another fan-requested nod, given her father J.J. Abrams’ *Star Wars* connection, while Adam’s softer clothing and colours reflect Olive’s influence. Scanlon says Olive’s red, blue and green outfits were coincidental rather than lightsaber references, and that Bateman’s marriage to Rey actor Daisy Ridley did not affect his casting.