On why she chose Diemer, Wu said, "Daniel exudes authenticity. He's handsome – but not in a way that screams 'Hollywood pretty boy.' I needed that rare quality of his for this film to land; with Daniel, the audience can go on the ride and feel like they are watching real people, not actors, living their lives in small town rural America. He feels like 'one of us' even though, in reality, he is 6'4" and beautiful." Diemer said his athlete background helped him in the movie.