Have Will Thacker and Anna Scott remained a couple after 26 years? Ultimately, did their distinct lives intertwine sufficiently to sustain them in the long term?
To put it simply, we can affirm that yes, absolutely. You may recall from the conclusion of “Notting Hill,” they share a child. However, the nature of their relationship in the year 2025 is less significant compared to other questions at hand.
Instead, it’s The Travel Book Company we’ve been worrying about. In this era dominated by Amazon, how has Will’s small bookstore on Portobello Road managed to stay afloat while many independent booksellers are closing? Has he ventured into online sales or stuck to his traditional ways, selling nothing but travel books? It’s intriguing to consider, especially since Anna is earning $15 million per photo. We can only hope that The Travel Book Company continues to thrive.
In reality, much like certain things, we’ll discuss later. Meanwhile, “Horse & Hound” continues to thrive. However, let’s delve into an interesting fact: It’s been 26 years since Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts charmed our hearts as Will, the bookshop owner, and Anna, the Hollywood starlet, in the beloved romantic comedy “Notting Hill.” This film was directed by Roger Michell and written by Richard Curtis, who also penned the screenplay for another popular movie you never miss when it’s on TV – “Love Actually.
The movie titled Notting Hill turned out to be a massive success, earning approximately $364 million worldwide, thereby claiming the title of the highest-grossing British film of that particular year.
Curtis shared with TopMob News in 1999 that during sleepless nights, his imagination would often wander to ponder what it might be like if he unexpectedly showed up at the homes of my weekly dinner friends, who were some of the most well-known individuals at that time, such as Madonna, Princess Diana, or Kylie Minogue.
He went on to explain, “That idea originated from there. I often imagined how my friends would respond, who would manage to stay cool, who wouldn’t, how we’d navigate a meal together, what they might say to me later, and so forth. So, that was the beginning of it all.
The scene that unfolded was a timeless one, with Anna sharing a meal among Will’s constantly kind and self-effacing group of friends, who were all putting on sad performances, each one of them.
Roberts, for one, didn’t think the premise was so far-fetched.
In 1999, she shared with TopMob News her belief that a significant event might occur. She explained that she trusts in the concept that everyone is searching for someone who helps them shine at their best. To her, the person’s occupation or status is almost insignificant compared to other factors. In fact, she considers these aspects as less important, perhaps even fourth in line. This perspective comes from her personal experience of dating an actor, a talented man, but one whose qualities that make him appealing go beyond his acting skills.
During that period, she was romantically involved with Benjamin Bratt. However, their relationship ended in 2001. Unbeknownst to her at the time, she would later develop a deeply passionate love for an ordinary individual, Danny Moder, who happens to be a camera operator and cinematographer.
Much like enduring love stories, “Notting Hill” continues to captivate – not just the movie itself, but also the enchanting location that played a part in its creation. Here you will find 21 fascinating tidbits about the film’s cast and the coveted properties they graced:
The Notting Hill area, which was already gaining popularity during the filming, significantly increased its trendiness, as Hugh Grant described it, after the movie’s release, becoming even more fashionable and popular.
The flat located at the house with the distinctive blue door on Westbourne Park Road, which was once owned by Richard Curtis, has historically been a popular destination for admirers of the film.
Indeed, due to numerous individuals writing their signatures on the door, it ultimately had to be taken down and auctioned at Christie’s. However, a different blue door now stands there instead, graciously repainted by the new owner.
In my fervor as a devoted admirer, I’d like to share that Will’s humble abode served as a cinematic wonderland, transformed into a film set. The true essence of Curtis’ residence—a magnificent chapel conversion—was far more grandiose than words can convey, boasting a verdant courtyard garden and a spacious 1,000-square-foot reception room. Apart from a few exterior scenes, the movie was predominantly filmed on an intricately crafted set, nestled about an hour’s journey away from the authentic Notting Hill.
142 Portobello Road doesn’t house The Travel Book Co. in reality, as portrayed in the movie, yet its essence lingers on.
During filming, Nicholls Antique Arcade stood at the location, which later became a furniture store known as Gong.
Nowadays, you can easily spot Notting Hill Gift Shop as it stands out with its large blue canopy, and a sign that reads “The Travel Book Shop”.
Because the fandom is real.
For quite some time, a bookstore named The Travel Bookshop had been a staple on Blenheim Crescent, just around the bend – as confirmed by TripSavvy’s comprehensive walking tour of Notting Hill. However, it ceased operations in 2011. Today, that very spot is home to The Notting Hill Bookshop.
They probably do have some Dickens, or the new John Grisham.
Back in 1999, Julia Roberts shared with TopMob News some vintage footage of her walking red carpets, grinning brightly for the cameras, and attending award shows. This includes clips from the 1998 BAFTA Awards, where she actually attended with her costar from “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” Rupert Everett, in real life.
In a nutshell, the depiction of my character’s immense stardom is a fascinating blend of reality and fiction, as I myself have experienced, according to my own words.
What Roberts appreciated as unreal, was the instance where Anna opened the door to Will’s apartment, revealing a swarm of paparazzi taking photos – a scene Grant referred to as a “Fellini moment”, filled with many real paparazzi capturing images of pretend photographers.
Roberts commented, “It’s delightful when we can add some drama to situations, isn’t it? I’ve never encountered hundreds of people just by opening a door, so yes, it’s quite entertaining.
Curtis was taken aback by the fact that the opening montage appeared to have been taken directly from Roberts’ real-life as a movie star. He stated in an interview with Vanity Fair in 1999: “We exclaimed, ‘Oh my goodness! This is who we’re working with!’ It’s simple to forget that this is also the Julia Roberts, who for a decade prior, you wouldn’t have been able to approach closely. The moment we realized that the woman we were dealing with was both the relaxed person and the iconic figure who has so many photographs taken of her was quite surreal.
Apart from Grant and Everett, both tried out for the main role in the movie “Shakespeare in Love,” which was released in 1998 and won an Oscar for Best Picture the following year. Moreover, Julia Roberts was initially set to play Violet alongside Daniel Day-Lewis. However, Grant didn’t join the project, causing Roberts to withdraw from it as well.
Everything turned out fine in the end, at least. Gwyneth Paltrow won an Oscar and had a great on-screen chemistry with Joseph Fiennes, while Julia Roberts secured her own Oscar two years later, for the role of Erin Brockovich.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Grant reminisced about his audition for Shakespeare in Love alongside Roberts: “At the time, I was extremely unemployed and quite despondent as an actor. The mere fact that she was present during the audition left me feeling so intimidated that I found myself in a bit of a tangle and missed the chair while sitting down. I ended up perching on the arm of the chair instead. Then, I had this awkward internal debate about whether to admit my mistake or to play a slightly eccentric character who usually sits on the arm.
When it was time to film Notting Hill, Grant continued to describe his initial feelings using the term “fear”, stating, “I believe that the emotions you experience when you first meet someone usually stay with you. I was fully prepared to be afraid, and I must admit, my fear never completely disappeared.
Roberts didn’t go unaffected by the Hugh Grantness of it all, either, however.
She shared with TopMob News that she felt both intimidated by Hugh and being the sole American in the film. The British cast members seemed exceptionally intelligent, even when they spoke what might be considered trivial or foolish things, and they managed to make it sound appealing and fascinating. Once she learned to mimic their eloquence and realized I was the only one with a noticeable American accent among them, she found a way to feel more at ease.
In 1999, Grant shared with TopMob News that he was casually living in a quaint corner of London, when all of a sudden, the world’s most renowned and stunning film actress strolled into my store… and romance unfolded.
So…it sounds as though Roberts walked in.
Indeed, it’s clear that Roberts recognized the similarities, yet what struck her was how distinct she was compared to Anna.
She shared with TopMob News that she had anticipated being familiar with the tasks at hand, but found the situations to be uniquely specific. As a result, her decisions were tailored to these specifics, and there were times when she didn’t align with those decisions. Given our shared profession, she assumed we would make identical choices, but this wasn’t always the case.
However, we didn’t. It took a significant effort for me to set aside my pride, bias, or personal feelings, to genuinely interact with her.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d like to share my insights on a character named Anna, whom I recently discussed with Vanity Fair. What particularly troubled me about her portrayal was her complicated history with the media. You see, before she achieved fame, Anna had dared to bare all in a series of nude photos that eventually leaked to the public. This experience left a lasting impact on her relationship with the press.
1999 saw Roberts expressing his disagreement with several aspects of her actions, specifically:
– He didn’t approve of what she did.
– He wasn’t in agreement with the means by which she found herself in this predicament, as he would have avoided such a situation himself.
– He disapproved of the way she was handling it, and not just the strategy but also…
– He didn’t agree with her response to it.
– To sum up, he disagreed with every aspect of that whole affair.
Roberts originally didn’t have any interest in playing a movie star.
“How boring,” she recalled telling her agent. “How tedious—what a stupid thing for me to do.”
She made the decision to take on the movie role only after reading Curtis’ script, which she read because it was penned by the writer behind films like “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Blackadder,” and “Spitting Image.” At that point, she exclaimed, “Wow, I can’t believe it! I’m going to do this film!
According to Grant, the movie is inspired by a true story.
The actor shared with TopMob that Curtis has a secret tale he’s reluctant to acknowledge, but in a moment of intoxication, he confided in me. Apparently, one of his friends, an average individual, ran into a highly recognized woman at Harrods and brought her back to his apartment in Notting Hill, leading to various complications. They would reconnect whenever she visited London, and this relationship served as the foundation for his screenplay. However, he’s so concerned about people discovering the identity of this famous person that he remains tight-lipped about the story.
If he had successfully jumped over the gate to enter the private Rosemead Gardens secretly, he would have likely injured himself severely due to a significant drop on the other side. However, he tripped instead, causing him to exclaim endearingly, “Oh dear me, I seem to have stumbled!” which brought laughter to Anna’s face.
At that specific garden, it wouldn’t be possible for anyone to casually stroll in during daylight hours because it’s one of a few gardens in the region managed by the estate owners and the local community, who hold the only keys.
In the TV series “The Newsroom,” Emily Mortimer portrays the character known as “The Perfect Girl.” This is after Will’s initial relationship with Anna doesn’t succeed. However, it was more than just acting for Emily. She arrived on set with hives due to an allergic reaction from a second-hand suit she had bought.
Mortimer described a distressing experience on PeopleTV’s Couch Surfing in 2018 as follows: “It was a really tough time for me. Whenever I got anxious, which happens when you’re acting, I developed hives and one side of my face looked like it had been nibbled by chipmunks.
But surely Grant, with all his charming ways, eased the tension?
Mortimer shook his head, admitting that everyone felt quite embarrassed. It was an awkward situation indeed, as if someone had asked, ‘Who’s this girl causing such a fuss with just one scene?’ Everyone seemed to ignore him after that, making the whole thing feel strange and uncomfortable. He himself felt out of place and mortified.
In an intriguing disclosure to TopMob News, I shared that my leading lady had a peculiar habit: she would occasionally hurl fruits at me, either between or just before takes, all in an attempt to disrupt my focus.
Roberts agreed. “I hurled an abundance of fruits at him, making our surroundings resemble a place devoid of fruit.
Roberts wisely held back during rehearsals, saving her best for the actual performance, while I would give it my all, aiming to impress the team. In other words, she shines when the cameras are on, but I become less engaging.
Rhys Ifans gained significant recognition for portraying Will’s unkempt roommate Spike, a role that particularly stood out when the Welsh thespian confidently displayed his well-toned derriere to the photographers gathered at Anna’s front door.
Ifans apparently went quite method with the role.
In 2011, he shared with Interview that he had been shooting at Shepardston Studios, but commuting from London daily was too taxing for him. Instead, he opted to pitch a tent in a nearby campsite. Each morning, a large limousine would arrive to collect him from the campground, leaving the campsite owner puzzled. He assumed I was some peculiar wealthy individual.
And, “I would bathe occasionally, when I remembered to.”
In 1999, when he spoke with TopMob News, he mentioned that the sneakers provided by the costume department had an overpowering odor reminiscent of deep, dark places, which made one’s eyes water. By the end of the day, the rest of the cast demanded that these shoes be removed and cleaned, some even referring to it as an exorcism.
In 2006, Director Roger Michell, who previously worked with Ifans on the stage production of Under Milk Wood, described him to the Telegraph as a man filled with delightful contradictions. He is awkward yet elegant, unrefined but attractive and charming.
In 2021, Michell, who has since passed away, continued to collaborate with Ifans. He directed him in the 2004 movie “Enduring Love” and in a 2017 West End theater production titled “Mood Music.
The prestigious Ritz Hotel in London usually doesn’t permit shooting within its luxury premises, yet it made an exception to serve as the venue for Anna’s media event, where Will portrayed a journalist from Horse & Hound magazine.
Unfortunately, Anna’s latest space-themed film and the upcoming submarine production did not feature any animal characters.
Mischa Barton portrayed a 12-year-old actress, marking not her initial film appearance, but rather the first among two movies released within a year that garnered widespread attention from audiences.
In another context, we’re referring to “The Sixth Sense,” a movie released in August. The character played by Kyra Sedgwick, hidden beneath a bed, gives quite a fright to Haley Joel Osment.
In a co-starring role, this 12-year-old actress was featured alongside Anna Scott in the high-budget sci-fi film “Helix.” This marked her 22nd movie according to her statement to Will from Horse & Hound.
In a surprising turn of events, Alec Baldwin made a brief appearance as Anna’s boyfriend Jeff. He unexpectedly shows up in London, but by the end of the film, it’s whispered that he has swiftly moved on – and, as it turns out, most gossip about Jeff tends to be accurate.
In his memoir Nevertheless, published in 2017, Baldwin reminisced about the series of main and secondary roles he took on during the late ’90s. These parts didn’t attract much notice, he said, but each one had its unique attractions and rewards.
The main appeal of Notting Hill lies in this unique experience: For a fleeting moment, on a film set in London, I shared the same air with the extraordinary Julia Roberts.
As a lifestyle connoisseur, I recall the intriguing tale of two talented individuals who were set to collaborate once more on Ryan Murphy’s 2014 HBO film, “The Normal Heart”. However, the plan took an unexpected turn when Alec Baldwin stepped away from the project. Rest assured, his departure didn’t dampen the admiration that Meryl Streep holds for him. In fact, in 2017, she shared during EW Radio that she had never graced the stage of Saturday Night Live due to fear, but if given the chance, she would relish the opportunity to partner with Alec in creating humorous skits.
Regrettably, Emma Chambers, known for her eccentric portrayal of Will’s sister Honey (pictured alongside Hugh Bonneville, who would later become the Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey, playing oblivious stockbroker Bernie), passed away in 2018 at the tender age of 53.
In his unusual Twitter post, Grant expressed, “The news about Emma Chambers is truly sad. She was an incredibly funny woman with a heartwarming personality, and of course, she was an exceptionally talented actress.
James Dreyfus, known for his role as the group’s cheerful married companion Martin, posted on Twitter, “Farewell to the remarkable and hilariously funny Emma Chambers. One-of-a-kind, far too young. My condolences to her loved ones.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Curtis expressed his deep sorrow, stating, “We are undoubtedly very sad. She truly was an extraordinary comedy performer – exceptional on stage, and a highly skilled actress. Beyond her professional life, she was a unique, loving, and humorous human being. In my work, she shared the screen with Dawn French and Julia Roberts, and she surpassed them both in talent.
Movie producer Jonathan Sothcott expressed on Twitter, “Farewell to the marvelous Emma Chambers – most recognized from The Vicar of Dibley, yet she captivated every frame in Notting Hill. Regrettably, she was just 53 years old.
Greeting the day with a familiar sentiment echoing from Rita Hayworth, I find myself mirroring her iconic character Gilda: “Those who sleep beside Gilda, awaken with me.
As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but share this fascinating tidbit with you, Will. You see, back in the ’40s, there was a captivating silver-screen siren named Gilda. In one of her movies, she said something intriguing: “Men went to bed with the dream, and they didn’t like it when they woke up to reality.” It’s a profound statement that I believe even a bookish beau like yourself would find fascinating!
And it turns out Roberts didn’t cherish every word Curtis wrote for her.
She shared that in 1999 with Vanity Fair, she found it difficult to express anything negative about what Richard wrote because he’s a genius, but she disliked saying that specific line. To her, it was like listening to nails on a chalkboard. She doesn’t really subscribe to those beliefs.
We are not the only ones who wondered how it all turned out for Anna and Will.
Curtis mentioned to the Mirror in April 2019 that he plans to discuss reuniting the band with Julia at some point in the near future, similar to his involvement in the Love, Actually and Four Weddings and a Funeral sequels for Britain’s Red Nose Day, which were both well-received.
As a lifestyle expert, I found myself expressing a degree of doubt when the topic of a potential new romantic story about Will and Anna was brought up in 2018. I questioned, “Could there really be a tale to tell? Are they still residing in Notting Hill with a bunch of adolescents causing chaos? I just can’t picture it. In love narratives, the breakup-and-makeup trope is common, but for a middle-aged couple living in Notting Hill, it would feel overly manufactured.
In October 2018, Roberts shared with ET that nowadays, she’d prefer roles portraying the parents of those who are starring in romantic comedies.
At a certain stage of my professional journey, it seemed as though others believed I had developed a preference for romantic comedies – movies I adore both making and watching. However, the truth is, sometimes they may not align with one’s life experiences at a specific point in time. It isn’t about age or wisdom, but rather an understanding that comes from living and growing.
Well, we know that we’re here for another chapter of this romance.
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2025-05-21 17:28