I first connected with screenwriter and producer Kirsten Hansen through her work on Hallmark Channel’s series Chesapeake Shores, where her witty banter and poignant writing kept me watching week after week. When her movies Love on the Slopes and Love Under the Rainbow aired, I knew I’d found a Kindred Creative, as I call my friends in the writing world. Now, as we chat in anticipation of the release of Kirsten’s movie Irish Wish – premiering on Netflix March 15 – I hope you discover the sweet optimism and joyful humility in Kirsten’s spirit that make her stories so special.

Karen: You have worked in various aspects of television and film for a while, including working as a writer on the Hallmark Series Chesapeake Shores and as an Executive Producer on the movie A Tale of Two Christmases. Your newest project, Irish Wish, releases on Netflix March 15. How is this movie different from your other projects? What excites you most about it?

Kirsten: I’ve had a very fortunate career! Looking back, each project I’ve done has been brought to me by a producer or network executive, where the story was based on existing literary property or a concept created by someone else. That definitely has its advantages, but for me, Irish Wish holds a special place in my heart because it’s the first film I’ve had produced in my career, where the idea originated with me. I was able to do a research trip to Ireland, craft the story I wanted to see and write the first draft of the screenplay before I optioned the script to the production company (MPCA)… MPCA then sold it to Netflix, and that was a massive dream come true. I’m still pinching myself.

Karen: I would be pinching myself, too. This is a huge dream come true for you, and it has been in the works for a while. The production process on Irish Wish began during the pandemic, if I remember correctly, so seeing the trailers and promotion all over social media now must feel surreal. When did the premise of the movie first come to mind? What inspired it?

Kirsten: Yes, this has been exactly five years in the making! Amanda Phillips, President, Original Content at MPCA, and I had been chatting since we made Return to Christmas Creek together in 2017/2018, about finding our next project to collaborate on. In March 2019, she reached out specifically asking if I had any Christmas ideas… for Netflix. I was very busy writing on Chesapeake Shores Season 4 at the time, but I jumped at the chance. I came up with 4 ideas, and Irish Wish was one of them, but at the time, it was set in Italy under the working title “European Wedding” with a little Christmas splashed in. Amanda liked all four ideas but we both agreed this one was our favorite and I would get started writing the first draft. The plan was to send Netflix a fully written script – and hopefully they would love it and want to make it. But there were no guarantees. It wasn’t until I started fleshing out the outline (for myself in July/August) – that I realized the “wish aspect of the story” was better served set in Ireland and it wasn’t a Christmas movie. I had never been to Ireland but had always wanted to go. I actually had a ticket to see Dermot Kennedy (my favorite artist) at his largest show in his hometown of Dublin in December 2019, so I turned it into a research trip and wrote the script while I was traveling!

Karen: The “wish aspect” of the movie definitely fits with the Irish setting. Were there other reasons for filming there? Something special about that location? Are there any specific landmarks or locations that hold special significance in the film?

Kirsten: I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland! As you know from Chesapeake Shores, the O’Brien family originates from Ireland and Nell O’Brien would often go back and visit. We had hopes of the three sisters one day visiting as well. Plus, my favorite artist Dermot Kennedy is from Ireland. I became pretty obsessed with his music in 2019, listening as I wrote seasons 3 and 4. He inspired me to “live life, not just write about it” and so in 2019, I saw him in concert in some incredible places. When I met Dermot in Berlin in July 2019 and told him I wanted to collaborate with him, he probably thought I was crazy… but he was part of my inspiration for setting Irish Wish in Ireland. And for naming one of the characters Paul… Paul Kennedy (played by Alexander Vlahos).

While there, I was BLOWN away by the Cliffs of Moher! They were epic and otherworldly, jagged and rough, yet serene and beautiful. I knew that was going to be a key scene in the film. I’m thankful they were able to shoot there! It’s every bit as magical as when I was there.

Karen: I imagine a research trip to Ireland was a huge benefit of writing the script. Can you describe the rest of the writing process for the movie? How has that initial concept evolved into what it is now?

Kirsten: I submitted my one-page pitch in April 2019, but due to other commitments, it wasn’t until January 2020 that I delivered my first draft to Brad Krevoy (Owner, Producer at MPCA) and Amanda Phillips. They gave me notes and I spent 2020 rewriting as we figured out the complex puzzle pieces. I think in total I’ve written 12 drafts of the script! In December 2020, the script was ready to send to Netflix. And then we waited. I remember when I got the call from Brad, saying that Netflix was interested (REALLY?!), but their slate was full. They wouldn’t be able to get to it right away. A part of me thought, maybe he’s just being polite, but he kept promising it would happen.

I think we waited a whole year until the timing fit with Netflix. I still remember when Brad called to tell me Lindsay Lohan was interested in playing Maddie. I nearly fell over. And then it was time to take the script to another level. In my experience as a writer, we are often told “we can’t do this or that with our budget” so I’m so used to thinking small or “production friendly” as we would say. I remember getting the notes from Netflix in 2022, and realizing – wow, they are wanting me to think bigger! The story has remained the same, but the film has evolved and grown in a way that wouldn’t have been possible without Christina Rogers at Netflix, the whole team at MPCA, Director Janeen Damian, producer Michael Damian, and of course Lindsay Lohan and the entire cast.

Karen: Bringing a project like this to fruition is a long waiting game, but it seems like this one has been worth the wait. Many of the actors have been sharing their excitement in interviews, too. In the movie, Maddie (Lindsay Lohan) believes she knows who her true love is, only to discover it is someone else entirely. Actress Lindsay Lohan says the character of Maddie learns to “take the reins” when it comes to what she wants. This becomes her Irish Wish and the catalyst for her inner journey. What would you consider your own Irish Wish? What long-held desire has motivated you to be braver or stronger, to take a leap of faith?

Kirsten: While writing the script, I made an “Irish Wish” on the Wishing Chair at the Giant’s Causeway. It was a VERY MAGICAL moment that actually inspired the scene in the film. I laughed (and maybe cried) when I experienced it. The production wasn’t able to shoot there unfortunately, but they found a Wishing Chair that is just as magical. I remember wishing for the highest story and the right words to flow through me… for MPCA/Netflix to love the script and for it to be a huge success. (At this point, no one was officially on board yet, so it was a BIG WISH). I also wished to find my own true love. I had been single for a few years while writing on Chesapeake Shores (and movies), that I didn’t have much time for a social life. It wasn’t long after that that I met someone who I thought was “the one.” But we don’t always get what we want… but we get what we need. This whole experience has taught me that we are always at the right place at the right time, and even if it seems like we know what is best for us or how we think things “should” unfold, there is a higher plan. Now I couldn’t be happier in all areas of my life.

Karen: That makes me happy for you, too. So often, we give up “five minutes before the miracle.” Now, which aspects of the main character, Maddie, reflect your own personality? What of yourself did you write into the character?

Kirsten: I find there are little bits of me in a lot of characters I write, as well as other people I know and love. Maddie is a writer, who works as a book editor, because she doesn’t fully believe in herself at the start of the film. She also doesn’t use her voice and stand up for what she wants and deserves. I relate to that so much, especially earlier in my life and career. I also had been in the “unrequited love” pattern a few times in my life. It made for an incredible imagination (LOL) but a lot of broken hearts. I’ve had to learn to believe in myself as a writer before anyone else would. And that was tough! I’ve also had to learn to speak up for myself… which can sometimes be very scary, but WORTH IT!

Karen: You’ve mentioned Dermot Kennedy’s music as an inspiration for the movie, but the well-known pop song “Leave Me Breathless” is used in one trailer for the movie. How does that song fit the atmosphere you hoped to create?

Kirsten: While I was writing, I created my own playlist of Irish music and artists, people I secretly hoped would end up in the film… but I forgot about the Corrs. How could I forget about the Corrs!? Breathless is PERFECT and the best song for the trailer! It captures all of the longing, feeling and beauty of Ireland and Maddie’s journey.

Karen: I love that! What was on the playlist?

Kirsten: I had a lot of Dermot Kennedy, which I think is a surprise to NO ONE. But I also had classic Irish tunes by The Pogues, Flogging Molly, Enya, Hozier (Shrike was on repeat), Lilla Vargen, and just a bunch of my favorite songs at the time. I would listen to as I wrote to get me in that wishful feeling. It would lift me back to my time in Ireland. (Listen to Kirsten’s Irish Wish Playlist.)

Karen: You recently screened the entire film for the first time. What struck you most about how the actors brought your characters to life?

Kirsten: That it was EVEN BETTER than I hoped. They made me laugh and cry. The direction by Janeen Damian was exquisite, the cinematography captures Ireland in all its green and colorful glory, and the chemistry was PERFECT. These characters were always real to me, but every single actor made these characters in my head into three-dimensional people. Some were inspired by people I know or met while travelling in Ireland… for example, I was on a tour and met a Madeline (Maddie) and a Kory from the USA. Original Kory asked, can I be in the movie? And I was like, best I can do is create an Irish Kory LOL. And so Kory Kennedy was born (and brought to life with heart and humor by Matty McCabe)!

And then to have Jane Seymour play such a fun, comedic role as Maddie’s loveable mom Rosemary (named after my oldest friend’s late mother), well, that was so special.

Every single actor embraced their roles exceptionally, from Ayesha Curry as Heather, Elizabeth Tan as Emma, Jacinta Mulcahy as Olivia Kennedy, Maurice Byrne as Sean Kennedy, Dawn Bradfield as Saint Brigid… and so many more. I couldn’t be prouder of everyone’s fantastic work, from the cast to the crew, to Ireland: Thank you all!

Karen: The star-studded cast certainly brings a lot of talent and credit to the production. Ed Speleers and Alexander Vlahos play the two male leads in the film. What did each actor bring to the film that resonated with you?

Kirsten: What do I say about them without giving spoilers? LOL. I was newer to both Ed and Alexander’s work (which is my loss, because now I’m a huge fan of both!), but in hindsight, I’m grateful because I didn’t have any preconceived ideas or previous characters in my head. To me, they ARE James Thomas and Paul Kennedy, and I don’t have enough PRAISE to emphasize how they were the absolutely best people to play these roles.

Their talents are endless. Alexander nails that balance between likeability and oblivious narcissism, and Ed brings so much honesty and depth to James. And there’s a moment that is such a fun callback to one of my very favorites, Bridget Jones’ Diary.

Karen: You’ve always had a knack for paying homage to your favorite moments in cinematic history. I remember a few key scenes in Chesapeake Shores, so I can be on the lookout for the Bridget Jones callback. In what other ways does the movie capture your original vision?

Kirsten: I’m still processing after seeing it for the first time at the premiere last night. I think I ugly-cried for a good hour when I got home.

Karen: An ugly cry is certainly warranted. I may have ugly-cried a bit for you when I saw your photos on social media.

Kirsten: It completely exceeded my expectations: the director Janeen, the producers Brad, Amanda, Michael, Jimmy Townsend, and others, Christina Rogers and the team at Netflix, and the entire cast and crew took my story and made this beautiful film that I believe will inspire hearts all over the world. Even though it wasn’t easy by any means – there were highs and lows – the whole experience has been incredibly synchronistic. This is the film I’m most proud of… so far.

Karen: Right. So far. I have a feeling this is simply another beginning of extraordinary things for you. This is your first major motion picture with Netflix. Tell me about the premiere experience. What were some highlights for you?

Kirsten: Oh, the Premiere was probably the best night of my life… There are so many highlights! Every little detail was organized with such elegance and care by Alex Alcala, Sue Warde and the whole PR/Marketing team at Netflix! It was actually my first time in New York City, after writing so many movies set there and dreaming of visiting my whole life! It’s the concrete jungle where dreams are made of after all, so it was incredibly special being at the iconic Paris Theater for the premiere. Plus, I got to represent one of my favorite brands, Favorite Daughter, on the green carpet which was such an honor. I wore the Ivory Favorite Pant Suit and felt so confident in my skin. And I found these green suede Adidas shoes from the Flagship store on Fifth Avenue. When my sister and I saw them, we both cried. They’ll always remind me of walking my first red (green) carpet.

Another highlight was bringing my sister Saira with me. Originally, I was planning to bring my partner Michael, but Michael is such a good man, he actually suggested I bring Saira. She has been on this journey the past 5 years, in fact, the past 26 years of me being involved in film, and she deserved to share in this experience. She was always my lead actor in every short film I’d make. She’s been on set with me with almost every movie I’ve worked on, making encouraging post-it notes with whatever new role/job I took on, or joining me at wrap parties to celebrate all the hard work. She has been there through it all, on and off screen, and it felt really meaningful to have her beside me in New York. We had the best time! And she loved the film… it was so fun to hear her laugh and see her eyes beam with pride. My partner Michael, my amazing agent Carmen Bonnici who has been my teammate throughout all of this, and my entire family were sending me the most wonderful, supportive messages all day. I felt soooo loved!

But also, it was being there with the cast, producers, director and team at Netflix – this huge culmination after five years that all started with this idea about a wish. Brad Krevoy gave me this wonderful shout-out in his speech which made my family cry. The team at MPCA were incredible collaborators. It felt momentous to celebrate together. Oh, and we got to see the film on a BIG screen! That was amazing… And then meeting everyone at the afterparty at this beautiful Irish Pub called the Long Room, where it was all Irish Wish themed… and I got to tell Lindsay Lohan how much it meant to have her bring Maddie to life. It feels like this film was always made for her. Irish Wish has all the magic of a classic Lindsay Lohan film, but I think this is my favorite role she’s ever done, and that’s saying a lot. She’s just THAT good. I know you’ll love Maddie as much as I do.

Karen: What an experience to not only see your movie on the big screen and get the opportunity to thank those who brought it to life, but to do it all on your first trip to New York City – that was a whirlwind of a trip, and I am sure you are still processing the beauty of it. For those who have yet to see the movie, in five words or fewer, what is the heart of Irish Wish for you? What do you hope viewers see in the film?

Kirsten: To trust the process and unfolding of life because I believe things always work out for our highest good even if we can’t see it at the time. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to make your #IrishWish because they can come true. Mine did! But even more so, don’t be afraid to speak your truth and believe in your worth. That’s more than five words, but what do you expect, I’m a writer. Ha. Let’s end on this: Believe in yourself and know your value.

Karen: You know I love gathering friends for a Netflix movie night. For those planning a watch party like me, what are three things they should have on their menu? What other suggestions do you have for an Irish-Wish-themed celebration to help us truly get into the spirit of the movie?

Kirsten: Hmmmm…. Guinness, Irish Whisky and if you don’t drink… Fish and chips! At the premiere, Netflix brought in these wonderful young Irish dancers who performed, and it was amazing! If you have Irish music, maybe do an Irish jig to get into the spirit, channel your inner Riverdance… haha… that’s when the Irish Whisky comes in handy! (Find more ideas for your Irish Wish Watch Party here.)

Karen: Oh, Riverdance. I used to watch their performances and hope I could dance like that someday. Maybe that’s a bit of my own Irish heritage coming through. I’m sure this movie is going to be a huge success, so I’m curious: what other projects can fans of Irish Wish and your other work anticipate in the coming year?

Kirsten: I’m currently part of a small team of writers working on something very cool for Hallmark that I’m really proud of. We’ve been working hard on it for the past 6 months, but I’m not able to say more yet. I’m not sure if it will be out this year – hopefully by 2025 – but I’ll be updating on my social media as I can say more. I also have a few of my own projects (a bunch of movies, a couple TV series, and a book series!) in various stages of development. Plus, Brad Krevoy and I are discussing our next project together, so stay tuned. There are some VERY exciting things in the works!

Karen: Thank you so much, Kirsten, for giving me a few minutes out of your hectic premiere week. I am incredibly grateful to have watched your journey these past few years. I can’t wait to watch Irish Wish with my family this weekend.

Kirsten: Thank you for asking such thoughtful questions, Karen! As always, this was a lot of fun!

And thank you to everyone for supporting Irish Wish… it means the world to me. I feel so lucky and blessed… and I’m overjoyed to finally be able to share this very special film with you all. It’s been a long and winding journey, much like the hills of Ireland, but the premiere date is almost here. Please tune in Friday March 15th, 2024, only on Netflix!

As I am sure you’ve discovered, Kirsten is as delightful and hope-filled as the stories she writes. Join me in watching the premiere of Irish Wish this weekend! And to discover other Kirsten Hansen projects, check out her Instagram @kearstegram or Facebook page @kirstensonyahansen.