I was bought up on a stable diet of Disney Princesses who conquered the world; so a misplaced Prince wasn’t on my list. But then why not?

For those who grew up watching Snow White, Cinderella or Aurora, the fictional part isn’t interesting; it is the struggles they go through. Of course, they have a knight in shining armor or a handsome Prince to protect them. But what happens when you are the Prince in distress instead of the damsel? Domundi TV’s “The Next Prince” quickly answers this question with a self awareness that is unhinged and particularly regal. Set in the fictional nation of Emmaly, the storyline goes through the same grind, albeit the queer way. For many who have anticipated the release of this royal romance, the wait might be worth it. Starring Zee Pruk and NuNew Chawarin who plays the titular role, “The Next Prince” is fraught with political intrigue, mystery and lots of drama. In the midst of this chaos, we have an inevitable romance blooming between the next heir to the throne and his very persistently aloof Royal Guard. Nunew has come a long way as he delivers a noteworthy performance as Khanin. He is captivating, engaging and yet somber. We have a medley of supporting characters that are as riveting as the main couple, so there is never a dull moment. Before diving into the Emmalyian waters, be warned; the men are handsome and too hot to handle!

NuNew Chawarin as Prince Khanin Assavadevathin

Imagine waking up one fine morning and realizing that you are a Prince born in a foreign nation that you know nothing about? This question becomes Khanin’s (Nunew Chawarin) new reality as he is suddenly attacked at his own home in London by unknown assailants as the only father he has ever known sacrifices his life to save him. He is quickly ushered away to safety by equally strange man, Charan who claims to be his temporary bodyguard. The trauma that Khanin faces as he struggles with this alternate actuality is unexplainable. Nunew shines in those moments of emotional upheaval as he cries bitterly knowing that the life he lived upto now was staged and the father he loved dearly was actually a soldier send to safeguard him. He is unable to relate to his new identity or the fact that he is actually a royal descendant. He is left unprepared, grasping for breathe as he tries to make the best of his current situation. Nunew embodies the finer nuances of his character as Khanin comes to terms with his identity as a Prince. He even channels his inner diva to order an unwilling Charan into submission. His transition from an unknown commoner to a royal is unfazed and seamless.

Zee Pruk as Charan Phithakthewa

A descendant of the Phithakthewa clan who have been royal guards for generations, Charan was adopted and raised by the current King of Emmaly. He is a hidden card of the King, as everyone believes that is a harmless arts Professor, unaware of his roots. Unbeknownst to everyone, Charan is actually well-trained and adept at martial arts. The exact reason of why he is sent abroad to bring back Khanin safely under excruciating circumstances. According to royal law, each region must send an heir to compete in order to become a monarch. The winning heir’s father becomes the new king of Emmaly. Khanin’s mother was killed in an assassination attempt when he was a child, hence he was raised abroad to keep him safe. With the king aging, he decides to bring back Khanin, so he could participate in the Royal Fencing Competition and continue their legacy. Charan is immensely royal to the King and also has a strict demeanor. But underneath the disciplined veneer, he does have emerging feelings for Khanin which he keeps well masked because of the difference in their statuses. He also has demons of his own as is evident from his recurrent traumatic attacks.

Their Chemistry

Zee and NuNew are probably one of the most celebrated couples in the Thai BL industry. Their popularity stems from the explosive chemistry they share which is uncanny and unbelievable. It is no different in “The Next Prince”. Even though Charan strictly maintains boundaries, Khanin is unhinged and like a loose canon. Bought back to a foreign nation where he knows no one, he can’t bring himself to trust anyone except Charan. The sense of security he felt with his adoptive father shifts to Charan and there are moments of weakness when he holds onto Charan like a lifeline. NuNew displays that vulnerability perfectly as Charan struggles to maintain his distance while worrying about his Prince.

Is it a Worthwhile Watch

If you are looking for an all queer Disney styled romance, then “The Next Prince” should be your next stop!

Another highlight of this show is the introduction of the new clandestine pairings, Jimmy Karn- Ohm Thanakrit & Net Siraphop- JJ Radchapon. Jimmy will blow your mind with his new avatar as the antagonist, Prince Ramil. As the heir to the Phuchongphisut clan, he was the only male descendant who had a claim to the throne. But Khanin’s reappearance is not only a threat to his position but also his claim. His over possessive attitude with his attendant, Paytai is hot and aggressive. We only catch glimpses of Net & JJ in the initial episodes, so I’m looking forward to watching their romance. All in all, “The Next Prince” is a regal extravaganza, it quickly grabs your attention and there is no way to escape its resplendent magic!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- IQIYI