Hugh Bonneville defended Notting Hill against critics who complained about the lack of multiculturalism, saying a scene showing the area’s diversity had been pointed out.
The 59-year-old actor appeared in the film alongside Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts as a stockbroker who memorably told Julia’s A-list actress that most actors earn just £8,000 a year.
The film came under fire from some who thought it did not reflect the diversity of the part of London it was set in, but Hugh hit back, saying we should “art be art”.
He told The Independent: “There was a whole series about Notting Hill’s multiculturalism. But the test audience said, “Where’s the star? Where’s Julia Roberts?” So the producers shortened this multicultural series to three minutes.”
Hugh insisted that films should not be canceled just because modern audiences may not appreciate them the way older viewers do.
Talk: Hugh Bonneville has defended Notting Hill against critics who complained about a lack of multiculturalism, saying a scene showing the area’s diversity had been left out
Interview: The film came under fire from some who felt it did not capture the diversity of the area of London it was set in, but Hugh hit back saying we should ‘let art be art’ (Hugh Bonneville pictured at Nottingham Hill)
He said: “I think we all need to take a big dose of perspective and let art be art. All artistic expression must be able to breathe.
“I think respect should always be there – with expression comes responsibility. But I don’t think it’s right to say, “I don’t agree with you, so you should be kicked out.”
Both Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts received Golden Globe nominations for their performances as bookstore owner William Thacker and his celebrity girlfriend Anna.
The film was well received by critics and is considered by many to be a rom-com classic, grossing over $360 million at the box office.
Nicole Kidman previously revealed She went to Julia’s role in the film but don’t think she was “famous” enough at the time to get it.
She said: “I really wanted the role Julia Roberts played at Notting Hill
‘Yes I did. But I wasn’t famous enough and I didn’t have enough talent.’
Nicole directed the last film of the late Stanley Kubrick Eyes Wide Shut between 1996 and 1998 with her then husband Tom Cruise.
Achievement: Both Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts earned Golden Globe nominations for their portrayals of bookstore owner William Thacker and his famous girlfriend Anna
The 51-year-old Hawaiian-born Australian (L) confessed to Hugh Grant (R) via Zoom to Marie Claire on September 22: ‘I really wanted the role that Julia Roberts played in Notting Hill … famous enough and I was ‘not talented enough’
21 years later, Nicole and Hugh teamed up for the first time to play the couple Jonathan & Grace Fraser in the six-part miniseries The Undoing, which premieres on October 25 on HBO.
Notting Hill director Roger Mitchell and producer Duncan Kenworthy previously said Julia was their “only” choice to play Anna, but they didn’t think she would.
However, Julia’s agent gave her the script after she claimed it was the best romantic comedy she had ever read, and the actress agreed that she “had to” take the role after reading it.
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Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
