According to screenwriter Richard Curtis, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the beloved 1999 romantic comedy "Notting Hill" never materialized on the big screen, partly due to Julia Roberts' stance. While promoting his new Netflix animated film, "That Christmas," Curtis shared with IndieWire that Roberts was not enthusiastic about the sequel's script, which envisioned her character, Anna Scott, divorcing Hugh Grant's character, William Thacker.
When questioned about his interest in creating follow-ups to his past films, Curtis responded, "I don't believe so. In fact, I've already done four Red Nose Days and Comic Relief specials. We crafted those mini sequels to 'Love Actually,' and they fulfilled my creative desires." The screenwriter had previously assembled the "Love Actually" cast for a short film benefiting an annual charity event.
Curtis elaborated, "I attempted to create a sequel for 'Notting Hill' where Anna and William would divorce, but Julia [Roberts] believed it was a terrible idea." In "Notting Hill," the renowned actress Anna Scott falls in love with William Thacker, the owner of a bookstore in a London neighborhood. However, their relationship is complicated by the paparazzi's relentless fascination with her.
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Roberts' representative for a comment on this matter.
Earlier this month, Grant also reflected on the 1999 film during Vanity Fair's "Scene Selection." He admitted that he considers his character, William Thacker, "despicable." He said, "Whenever I'm flipping through channels at home after a few drinks and this movie comes on, I just think, 'Why doesn't my character have any guts?' There's a scene where she's in my house, and the paparazzi come to the front door and ring the bell. I think I just let her pass me and open the door. That's pathetic."
Grant added, "I've never had a girlfriend or wife who hasn't asked, 'Why the hell didn't you stop her? What's wrong with you?' I don't really have an answer for that — it's just how the character was written. And I genuinely think he's despicable."
