At the film's recent press day, Moretz, Blackley, Leonard, Cutler, Forman and Cross discussed bringing the emotional experience of the book to the screen, the challenge of finding the right cast, Blackley and Leonard's preparation for their musical roles, creating the onscreen chemistry in the relationship between Adam and Mia, Stacy Keach's heartfelt portrayal of
Gramps, Forman's reaction to
seeing her novel adapted to film, and Cutler's desire to recreate the roller coaster experience of the book but tell a story that's ultimately life affirming and has a positive message.