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The Unlikely Journey of a Classic Romantic Comedy
The 1999 film Notting Hill has become a beloved classic in the romantic-comedy genre. However, it’s hard to imagine this iconic movie without Julia Roberts in the lead role. Surprisingly, Roberts almost turned down the part when she first heard about the story. The film centers around an unexpected relationship between Will Thacker, a bookshop owner played by Hugh Grant, and Anna Scott, an international movie star portrayed by Roberts. Their meet-cute takes place in the famous London neighborhood of Notting Hill.
When asked about the film’s lasting impact, Roberts shared her initial hesitation. She recalled how her agent initially suggested the project, but she thought it was one of the "dumbest ideas" for a movie. "I thought, ‘Well, that sounds like the dumbest idea of any movie I could ever do. I’m going to play the world’s biggest movie star and I do what? And then what happens? This sounds so fcking stupid.’" However, after reading the script, her perspective changed completely. "Oh. This is so charming. It’s so funny. Oh, sht."
Roberts then met with the film’s director, Richard Curtis, producer Duncan Kenworthy, and Roger Michell, who passed away in 2021. "They were just so charming and sweet and funny. And I thought, ‘Wow, this is really going to happen.’ And we had a beautiful time doing it. It was cast to perfection, all the friends, everybody. It was so great."
A Missed Opportunity in Shakespeare in Love
While many fans may not know this, Roberts was originally set to play the role of Viola de Lesseps in Shakespeare in Love, which eventually won several Oscars. Producer Edward Zwick, who directed Denzel Washington in Glory, shared some behind-the-scenes details about the casting change. He mentioned that even though Ralph Fiennes auditioned for the role, Roberts didn’t seem to connect with him. "Even as Ralph did his best to elicit the famous smile, Julia barely acknowledged him. I’m not suggesting she was deliberately sabotaging, but it was a disaster nonetheless."
Zwick also described a test scene with Paul McGann, a fan favorite from Withnail and I. On the day of the test, Roberts arrived looking radiant in full period costume. However, something wasn’t right. "There was no magic. The problem wasn’t the script. Or Paul McGann. It was Julia. From the moment she began to speak, it was clear she hadn’t been working on the accent."
Ultimately, Roberts decided to leave the project and returned to the United States. This decision led to Gwyneth Paltrow taking over the role, which would later earn her an Academy Award. While the outcome was different, it’s fascinating to consider how things might have turned out if Roberts had stayed on board.
The Impact of a Decision
Though Roberts left Shakespeare in Love, her career continued to flourish. Her decision to join Notting Hill proved to be a pivotal moment in her career. The film became a huge success, cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses.
Her experience with Notting Hill also highlights the importance of chemistry between actors and the challenges of adapting to different roles. Despite her initial doubts, Roberts ultimately embraced the part and delivered a performance that resonated with audiences worldwide.
For fans of romantic comedies, Notting Hill remains a standout film, thanks in large part to Roberts’ charismatic portrayal of Anna Scott. It serves as a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected choices can lead to the most memorable outcomes.