The planned Notting Hill sequel never happened, partly because Julia Roberts wasn’t happy with the script, according to screenwriter Richard Curtis. While promoting his new Netflix film That Christmas, Curtis explained that the sequel had Roberts’ character, Anna Scott, divorcing Hugh Grant’s character, William Thacker. However, Roberts didn’t like the idea.
Curtis also mentioned that he is satisfied with the mini-sequels he did for Love Actually for charity, and doesn’t feel the need to make more full sequels. He said, “I tried doing one with Notting Hill where they were going to get divorced, and Julia thought that was a very poor idea.”
Notting Hill tells the story of famous actress Anna Scott and William, a bookstore owner in London, whose relationship is complicated by the paparazzi.
Earlier this month, Grant also reflected on his role as William, saying he thought his character was “despicable” for not stopping the paparazzi in a key scene. He admitted that he regrets how his character acted, and that many people have criticized him for it, including his wife.