"Notting Hill" Sequel Scrapped: Julia Roberts Opposed Divorce Plot
The beloved rom-com "Notting Hill," which charmed audiences in 1999 with its tale of a bookstore owner falling for a Hollywood star, almost had a sequel. But director Richard Curtis recently revealed that Julia Roberts, who played the captivating Anna Scott, wasn’t on board with his proposed storyline.
Curtis envisioned the sequel highlighting the challenges of married life for the iconic couple, leading to their eventual divorce. However, Roberts apparently wasn’t a fan of this direction, deeming it a "poor idea," as Curtis put it in an interview with IndieWire.
"I tried doing one with ‘Notting Hill’ where they were going to get divorced, and Julia thought that was a very poor idea," Curtis shared.
This creative difference ultimately put a stop to any further development of a "Notting Hill" sequel. Curtis, however, seems content with this outcome. He expressed satisfaction with the mini-sequels he created for "Love Actually" as part of Comic Relief charity events. These shorter installments offered a glimpse into the post-film lives of the characters, fulfilling his desire to revisit their stories without committing to a full-fledged sequel.
The prospect of revisiting the characters from "Notting Hill" held significant appeal for fans. The film’s immense success upon its release, earning a reported $27.7 million over the long Memorial Day weekend in 1999, and the charm of its leading actors solidified its position as a modern classic.
Despite the absence of a "Notting Hill" sequel, Curtis continues to explore new creative avenues. His upcoming animated film, "That Christmas," will premiere on Netflix on December 4th, showcasing his evolving filmmaking interests.
Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant in “Notting Hill.”Universal Pictures
It’s clear that the legacy of "Notting Hill" continues to captivated audiences, even as the possibility of a sequel fades into the background. Fans are left to wonder what might have been, while Curtis focuses on his next chapter in the storytelling landscape.
## “Notting Hill” sequel Shelved: A Conversation with Rom-Com Expert emily Carter
**world Today News Spokesperson:** Welcome back to World Today News, everyone. We’re discussing the recent news that ”Notting Hill” won’t be getting a sequel any time soon. Julia Roberts reportedly opposed director Richard Curtis’ idea for a divorce-themed storyline. To break down the situation and analyze its implications, we have rom-com expert Emily Carter joining us. Emily, thanks for being here.
**Emily carter:** Thank you for having me! It’s always interesting to delve into the behind-the-scenes stories of beloved films.
**W.T.N. Spokesperson:** Absolutely. So, Richard Curtis’ vision for the sequel involved taking Will and Anna through the trials and tribulations of marriage, ultimately leading to divorce. What are your thoughts on this premise?
**Emily Carter:** It’s a bold move, certainly.
“Notting Hill” captured the magic of a whirlwind romance, and its ending left audiences feeling hopeful and optimistic. Exploring the realities of maintaining that spark over time, especially within the context of fame and media scrutiny, would have presented a interesting challenge. However, it also risks tarnishing the romantic ideal established by the original film.
**W.T.N. Spokesperson:** Exactly! That’s the conundrum, isn’t it? Fans are invested in Will and Anna’s happiness. Many might feel a divorce storyline betrays the spirit of the original film.
**Emily Carter:** Precisely. Sequels are tricky beasts. They often face the unachievable task of living up to the expectations created by their predecessors. While exploring new themes can be intriguing, it’s crucial to understand the audience’s connection to the original characters and story.
**W.T.N. Spokesperson:** Julia Roberts’ opposition seems to highlight this very point. What do you think motivated her decision?
**Emily carter:** It’s tough to say definitively without hearing from Roberts herself. However, she’s known for carefully selecting roles that resonate with her. A divorce narrative might not have aligned with the image she wants to project or the kind of stories she wants to tell at this stage in her career.
**W.T.N. Spokesperson:** It’s certainly food for thought. Do you think “Notting Hill” should be revisited in any form? Perhaps a different approach to a sequel, or maybe a standalone film set in the same universe with different characters?
**Emily Carter:** That’s a great question. “Notting Hill” holds a special place in the hearts of many, and revisiting its world might be tempting. However, it’s crucial to approach such a project with sensitivity and respect for the original film’s legacy. Maybe a short film or even a TV series exploring the lives of supporting characters like Spike and Bella could be an alternative way to expand the ”Notting Hill” universe without directly impacting Will and Anna’s story.
**W.T.N. Spokesperson:** Emily, these are valuable insights.Thank you so much for shedding light on this topic and sharing your expertise on the world of rom-coms.
**Emily Carter:** My pleasure. It was a fascinating discussion.
**W.T.N. Spokesperson:** And to our viewers, stay tuned for more news and analysis on World Today News. We’ll be right back after a short commercial break.
