Julia Roberts Turned Down a 'Notting Hill' Sequel, Calling It a "Very Poor Idea"
Hugh Grant is ready to destroy the movie's happy ending, though.
Fans of classic romantic comedy Notting Hill will be thanking Julia Roberts for shutting down one particular sequel idea.
In a new interview with IndieWire, screenwriter Richard Curtis was asked whether he considered making sequels to any of his beloved movies. "I don't think so," he responded, before referencing some of the short comedic sequels he made for charity events Red Nose Day and Comic Relief. "We did those mini sequels to Love Actually and those satisfied me," he explained.
Although Curtis had wanted to revisit Notting Hill in its own mini sequel, the film's star, Julia Roberts, apparently vetoed the idea. Notting Hill, of course, follows the unlikely romance between Hollywood actress Anna Scott (Roberts) and British bookstore owner William Thacker (Hugh Grant). Spoiler alert, the movie ends with the pair married and pregnant, reading on an idyllic park bench in London.
Discussing his idea for a follow-up, Curtis told the outlet, "I tried doing one with Notting Hill where they were going to get divorced and Julia [Roberts] thought that was a very poor idea." Fans of the film are likely to agree that breaking up Anna and Will would be pretty devastating.
While Roberts wasn't on board with a Notting Hill sequel, Grant previously suggested he would return to show that any so-called "happy ending" was a lie.
While promoting his HBO series The Undoing, Grant explained (via Huffington Post), "I would like to do a sequel to one of my own romantic comedies that shows what happened after those films ended. Really, to prove the terrible lie that they all were, that it was a happy ending."
As for how he'd revisit Notting Hill in particular, the actor said, "I'd like to do me and Julia and the hideous divorce that's ensued with really expensive lawyers, children involved in [a] tug of love, floods of tears. Psychologically scarred for ever. I'd love to do that film."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Grant also reflected on his role in Notting Hill during a Nov. 14 video interview with Vanity Fair. "Whenever I'm flicking the channels at home after a few drinks, and this comes up, I just think, 'Why doesn't my character have any balls?'" the actor said.
Grant continued, "There's a scene in this film where [Julia Roberts' character] is in my house and the paps come to the front door and ring the bell, and I think I just let her go past me and open the door, and that's awful." Grant has also received a lot of feedback about the movie moment, explaining, "I've never had a girlfriend, or indeed, now wife, who hasn't said, 'Why the hell didn't you stop her? What’s wrong with you?' And I don't really have an answer to that." Ultimately, Grant simply thinks his Notting Hill character is "despicable, really."
Amy Mackelden is a contributing editor at Marie Claire, where she covers celebrity and royal family news. She was the weekend editor at Harper’s BAZAAR for three years, where she covered breaking celebrity and entertainment news, royal stories, fashion, beauty, and politics. Prior to that, she spent a year as the joint weekend editor for Marie Claire, ELLE, and Harper's BAZAAR, and two years as an entertainment writer at Bustle. Her additional bylines include Cosmopolitan, People, The Independent, HelloGiggles, Biography, Shondaland, Best Products, New Statesman, Heat, and The Guardian. Her work has been syndicated by publications including Town & Country, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Delish, Oprah Daily, Country Living, and Women's Health. Her celebrity interviews include Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Chastain, the cast of Selling Sunset, Emma Thompson, Jessica Alba, and Penn Badgley. In 2015, she delivered an academic paper at Kimposium, the world's first Kardashian conference.
-
How One Latinx Video Artist Celebrates His Identity and Creativity
Explore Miami’s vibrant culture with Samuel Schultz in our Genesis Miami Art Week campaign, featuring the Genesis GV80 as his creative companion.
By Anneliese Henderson Published
-
32 Iconic Photos of Princess Anne as a Young Woman
Her bold outfits and unforgettable facial expressions stretch back decades.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
The Wales Kids Adorably Complement Their Parents' Christmas Carol Looks
'Tis the season to be wrapped up in rich reds and navy blues. It's a blue Christmas, but not in the way that Elvis sang about.
By Alicia Lutes Published
-
Jude Law Devastates 'The Holiday' Fans by Revealing a Secret About the Film's Idyllic English Cottage
"Just burst the bubble. Sorry!"
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Queen Camilla and Julia Roberts Share a Surprising 'Favorite Thing' with Oprah Winfrey
The unlikely trio all love the same British brand.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Drew Barrymore Discovered Her Daughter Watching '50 First Dates' with Adam Sandler's Daughter
"They were just so happy and I was like, 'Oh, but this is so sweet and wonderful.'"
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Hugh Grant Got "Absolutely Smashed" on Tequila With Travis Kelce at the Eras Tour
Pardon me???
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Actors Who Are Nothing Like Their Most Iconic Characters
Talk about awards-worthy, transformative performances.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Julia Roberts' Brother Eric Roberts Apologizes for Disparaging Comment He Made About Her Career
In the past, he took credit for her success.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Julia Roberts Celebrates 22 Years of Marriage to Husband Danny Moder
Living the fairytale.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Emma Roberts Says “Fame Has Never Been the Goal” After Watching Her Aunt Julia Roberts’ Superstardom Sometimes Turn “Really Scary”
“There’s nothing scarier to me than being so famous that you’re never left alone.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published