“That Was a Very Poor Idea.” Julia Roberts Turned Down Notting Hill Sequel Because She Didn't Like the Story

As a dedicated fan of romantic comedies who has spent countless hours immersed in the genre, I can wholeheartedly understand and appreciate Julia Roberts‘ decision to reject a sequel for “Notting Hill”. This classic film holds a special place in my heart, much like a well-worn book that I revisit time and again.

During its heyday, romantic comedies produced some enduring tales that continue to captivate audiences twenty years later. One such film from this time is “Notting Hill“, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. The narrative about a single bookstore owner who encounters a renowned actress stirred the emotions of viewers, leaving them curious about the subsequent journey of the movie’s characters.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to make a sequel since Julia Roberts declined the concept. Her disapproval of the proposed plot made any further discussions unnecessary, and the idea was ultimately abandoned. Screenwriter Richard Curtis discussed the rejection of “Notting Hill 2” during an interview with IndieWire.

In an attempt to reimagine a scenario from the movie “Notting Hill”, I had them contemplating divorce, but Julia Roberts strongly disapproved of this unfortunate suggestion.

While it might be appealing to reconnect with the characters from the movie “Notting Hill”, considering the vision that the filmmakers aimed to achieve, it’s not hard to see why Julia Roberts made her decision. The production has earned a cult following and remains deeply ingrained in popular culture, serving as a testament to a tale where love ultimately triumphs.

A follow-up might alter how we view the initial work, diluting its unique charm that made it cherished in the first place. In some cases, standalone stories are more effective and should remain so, especially if a sequel seems unnecessary or could potentially tarnish the original’s reputation. It’s not essential for everything to be part of a series; sometimes filmmakers overstep by creating unplanned sequels to rehash successful titles.

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“That Was a Very Poor Idea.” Julia Roberts Turned Down Notting Hill Sequel Because She Didn't Like the Story

Author: Edyta Jastrzebska

A journalism and cultural studies graduate manages the movie and TV newsroom at Gamepressure.com, having started in their films department as a journalist. She’s skilled in both realistic and fantastical themes within film and television. She stays updated with industry trends but prefers less mainstream titles during her leisure time, often remaining skeptical of popular ones until the hype dies down. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, series, reading books, playing video games, and text RPGs, a passion she’s cultivated for several years.

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2024-12-02 13:31