When Julia Roberts refused a potential mini-sequel of Notting Hill

Notting Hill screenwriter Richard Curtis recently revealed that a potential mini-sequel to the film was rejected by actress Julia Roberts after she read the proposed plot. Curtis shared that Roberts refused to participate in the project upon discovering that the sequel would depict her character, Anna Scott, divorcing Hugh Grant’s William Thacker.

Notting Hill is a 1999 romantic comedy film directed by Roger Michell. The story follows the blossoming romance between a British bookseller (Hugh Grant) and a famous American actress (Julia Roberts), who unexpectedly visits his bookstore in London’s Notting Hill district. The film concluded with a happy ending, as the couple married.

Curtis admitted, “A mini-Notting Hill reunion had been discussed. I tried doing one with Notting Hill, where they were going to get divorced, and Julia [Roberts] thought that was a very poor idea.”

Hugh Grant, reflecting on his role in Notting Hill, shared his own perspective on the character, describing him as ‘despicable’.

Julia Roberts, in addition to her role in Notting Hill, is celebrated for her work in films like Erin Brockovich, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Pretty Woman, Ocean’s Twelve, and others.