Why Did Julia Roberts Turn Down Notting Hill Sequel? Screenwriter Richard Curtis Reveals Reason

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As an ardent fan of romantic comedies and all things Julia Roberts, I must say I am deeply saddened by the news that a Notting Hill sequel will never see the light of day, thanks to our beloved star’s disapproval of the proposed storyline.

Julia Roberts opted not to participate in the Notting Hill sequel, according to its screenwriter Richard Curtis. Despite the fact that the 1999 romantic comedy was a massive success and quickly gained classic status, no sequel was ever made. In an interview promoting his new Netflix animated film, That Christmas, Curtis shared the reason behind this.

It seems that the storyline Curtis suggested for the sequel didn’t capture Roberts’ interest, as it involved Anna Scott (her character) getting a divorce from Hugh Grant’s character, William Thacker. However, this plan didn’t appeal to Roberts.

Hey there! As a die-hard admirer of your timeless romance stories like Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones’s Diary, and About Time, I’ve been eagerly waiting for any news about a Notting Hill sequel. However, unfortunately, it seems that the idea is off the table due to Julia Roberts not being fond of the proposed storyline. Keep creating magical moments in your stories, Curtis!

In an interview with IndieWire, he shared, “I proposed a scenario for Notting Hill in which their characters would divorce, but Julia Roberts found this suggestion to be quite unappealing.

Lately, I too have shared my thoughts about the movie on Vanity Fair’s Scene Selection. In an open critique, I, as an ardent follower, didn’t mince words when describing my character, William Thacker, as despicable. This is due to his indecisiveness and cowardice, particularly evident in a pivotal scene where he was confronted by Paparazzi.

In a recent interview, the actor admitted that certain individuals from his real-life relationships have expressed disapproval towards his character’s lack of action, rendering him virtually unable to respond other than saying, “I don’t actually have a response to that—it was how the script was written. And I believe he is truly reprehensible.

For those unfamiliar, the 1999 romantic comedy “Notting Hill,” directed by Roger Michell, features Julia Roberts as a renowned actress and Hugh Grant as a simple bookstore owner in London. The film also includes Rhys Ifans, Emma Chambers, Gina McKee, Tim McInnerny, and Hugh Bonneville in its cast. Despite no sequel being produced, “Notting Hill” continues to be cherished as a timeless classic, with its characters generating both love and debate. You can watch it on Netflix.

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2024-11-28 08:07