Red Nose Day Actually
(Love Actually 2)
Released in 2017, 14 years after the original, this is the mini-sequel to the classic Christmas film and was released in support of Red Nose Day in the UK. The film updates us on where the central characters are now.
I’m going to link to all of their IMDB bios here, because OMG… this cast was stacked to begin with, but holy moly does it look even better with time and roles under all of their belts.
Keira Knightley and Chiwetel Ejiofor are still married (despite Andrew Lincoln’s best efforts, though she seems to have moved on ok… and is now married to Kate Moss as he’d envisioned), and living in what looks to be a very swanky London home.
Chiwetel Ejiofor: in the original he (Peter) played a throwaway character, but by the time this sequel rolled around he was Oscar-nominated for his role in the movie that won Best Picture… and not a throwaway role. Best Actor.
Andrew Lincoln: who would have thought that a mere 6 years after the original he would go on to be known forever as the zombie-killing machine that is Rick Grimes. Looks like he brought his zombiefied beard (not a euphimism) with him and it became the butt of a joke, but I digress
Hugh Grant aka David (The Prime Minister) is back at No. 10 and is now dancing to Hotline Bling and married to Martine McCutcheon (Natalie).
Fun fact: the character of Natalie was written with Martine McCutcheon in mind. I remember reading British news at the time and the hullabaloo over how “the girl from Eastenders” had been cast in a major movie with tried-and-true stars. She’s said that she had imposter syndrome at the time, too, and I don’t blame her. Not to mention the numerous derogatory comments about her weight throughout the film would never fly today (you’d hope).
Bill Nighy (Billy Mac) is back to his old tricks, re-recording classics to make a quick buck. Hey, at least he’s honest about it! Gregor Fisher (Joe, his manager) does not appear, even though the Radio Watford DJ still shows up.
Rowan Atkinson (Rufus - as if anyone actually knew his name from watching the original) has progressed from selling jewllery in Selfridges to selling red noses in Walgreens but hasn’t given up his penchant for over-the-top gift wrapping. Obvs. Once a wrapper, always a wrapper.
Fun fact: according to script editor Emma Freud, this character was originally intended to be an angel, and the reason he takes so long to wrap the necklace is because he’s trying to prevent Alan Rickman’s character from giving in to temptation.
Colin Firth (Jamie) and Lúcia Moniz (Aurelia) are now married parents of three +, and despite having 14 years to do so, he still hasn’t learned Portuguese but has maintained his affection for chunky knit turtlenecks. Some men never learn.
Laura Linney (Sarah) is still burning the midnight oil as a graphic designer and is now married to Patrick Dempsey , McDreamy himself!!! (in the US-aired version of Red Nose Day Actually).
Liam Neeson (Daniel) and Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Sam) continue to bond through their discussions of love. Olivia Olson (Joanna) returns, giving hope to every tween who has dreamt that one day they’ll end up with their childhood love.
“All you want for Christmas is this string-bean?” LOL
Emma Thompson (Karen) chose not to appear given the passing of Alan Rickman (Harry) only one year earlier (R.I.P.)
This is a great update to a classic Christmas movie, even if David (Hugh Grant) maintains that Elf is the actual greatest Christmas movie. Much love for this update, and I defy you to make it through the last few minutes without a tear in your eye.
