Why Julia Roberts turned down Notting Hill sequel

Julia Roberts had a huge issue with a key detail about the proposal for a sequel to the hugely popular rom-com.

A key detail in the original proposal for the sequel to Notting Hill caused Julia Roberts to turn it down, it’s been revealed.

The film’s writer and director, Richard Curtis, told IndieWire that Roberts, who played famous actress Anna Scott in the beloved rom-com, refused to take part as her character was supposed to get divorced from William Thacker (Hugh Grant).

“I tried doing one with Notting Hill where they were going to get divorced,” Curtis said.

“Julia [Roberts] thought that was a very poor idea.”

Roberts and Grant in a scene from Notting Hill.

The filmmaker, who also directed Four Weddings and a Funeral and About Time, also weighed in on whether he’d revisit any of his previous iconic projects.

Referencing his recent work for Red Nose Day and Comic Relief, he told the publication: “I don’t think so. We did those mini-sequels to Love Actually, and those satisfied me.”

The actress said she hated the wardrobe options for this scene - so brought in her own clothes.

Earlier this year, Roberts, 57, told Vogue that she’d initially felt “uncomfortable” about taking on the role.

“Honestly, one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do was [Notting Hill], playing a movie actress. I was so uncomfortable!” she told Vogue.

“I mean, we’ve talked about this so many times, but I almost didn’t take the part because it just seemed — oh, it just seemed so awkward. I didn’t even know how to play that person.”

Roberts also shared how she “loathed” the costumes she had to wear to play Anna – particularly in the iconic scene where she turns up at William’s travel bookstore to tell him she loves him (“I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her”).

“My driver, lovely Tommy, I sent him back to my flat that morning,” she recalled.

“I said, ‘Go into my bedroom and grab this, this and this out of my closet.’ And it was my own flip-flops and my cute little blue velvet skirt and a T-shirt and my cardigan.”

Roberts added: “I mean, it was a great scene. But who knew that that would become the line.”