Ian Harding Discusses Hallmark’s Romantic Film ‘The Magic of Lemon Drops’

Hallmark’s new Summer Nights movie The Magic Of Lemon Drops explores alternate realities, but according to Pretty Little Liars alum Ian Harding, it’s really a romantic story at its core.

In a recent interview, Ian Harding discussed his new film with Lyndsy Fonseca, expressing his enthusiasm for the script. The movie, based on Rachel Linden’s novel The Magic Of Lemon Drop Pie, brings a magical, alternate reality twist to the romance genre.

In the film, Harding plays Rory, a newly divorced father who returns to his hometown and encounters Lolly, his ex-girlfriend. Their relationship had ended abruptly, and they hadn’t spoken since. This chance meeting sparks regrets in Lolly about her life choices.

Lolly receives three magical lemon drops from her aunt. Each drop allows her to live out a day in a life path she didn’t choose. One of these alternate lives shows her what would have happened had she and Rory stayed together.

But Rory’s life is not as perfect as it seems. Harding describes his character as “a little lost,” suggesting there’s room for reconnection and potentially a new romance with Lolly. He further explained that both characters are emerging from significant losses, creating an ideal setting for unexpected romance.

Even before finishing Tracy Andreen’s script, Ian was captivated by the story. Now approaching 40, he finds himself reflecting on his own life choices and alternate paths, similar to Lolly’s character in the movie.

“At this stage in my life, as I approach 40, you start to get to that place of if you had chosen this or if you had chosen that. Personally, I am unbelievably grateful and lucky for my paths, but her character feels that she had made a series of choices that weren’t necessarily wrong but have led her to a place that isn’t inspiring and maybe not what she wanted,” Ian shared.

Although it’s been a couple of years since Hallmark’s Ghosts Of Christmas Always, Harding’s first movie with the network, he is set to appear in two major productions in 2024. He will be part of the ensemble cast of the highly-anticipated Hallmark+ mini-series Holidazed, alongside Erin Cahill.

Additionally, Harding stars opposite Lindsay Lohan in the Netflix Christmas movie Our Little Secret, which is also expected to release during the 2024 holiday season.

The Magic Of Lemon Drops premieres on Saturday, August 24, at 8 p.m. Eastern on the Hallmark Channel. It will also be available on Peacock up to 72 hours after the premiere.