Why Richard Curtis Fought Against Casting Hugh Grant in Four Weddings
Hugh Grant shared on The Graham Norton Show that Richard Curtis tried to keep him from landing the lead in Four Weddings and a Funeral, even though Grant ultimately got the part and became a global star.
In the 1990s, few actors captured the spotlight quite like Hugh Grant. With his signature charm and striking looks, he quickly became a household name, starring in a string of successful films. His on-screen persona defined a certain image of Englishness, even if it didn’t always match reality. Off-screen, his unpredictable personal life and self-deprecating humor only added to his appeal, keeping him relevant for decades.
One of Grant’s most iconic roles was Charles in Four Weddings and a Funeral. The character—a sophisticated, often flustered romantic—seemed tailor-made for him, propelling him to international fame. But as Grant revealed on The Graham Norton Show, he wasn’t the obvious choice for the part. He dismissed the idea that the role was written with him in mind, explaining that he had to audition like everyone else.
“I was very much unwanted,”
he admitted.
“Richard Curtis did everything in his power to stop me getting the part after the audition.”
Behind the Scenes: Casting Controversy
Many people mistakenly believe Curtis directed Four Weddings and a Funeral, but he actually wrote the screenplay and played a key role in casting. Drawing inspiration from his own experiences at weddings, Curtis wanted the lead character to feel authentic and relatable.
“The absolutely key thing for that film when I was writing it was that the person who was playing the lead would not be good looking,”
Curtis explained in the same interview.
“That was the absolute starting thesis of the film.”
The final decision came down to a vote between Curtis, director Mike Newell, and producer Duncan Kenworthy. While Newell and Kenworthy supported Grant, Curtis had someone else in mind. Initially, Alex Jennings was cast as Charles, but funding issues forced him to step aside. Years later, Jennings would star in a TV adaptation of the story. Curtis’s top pick was Alan Rickman, who declined the role despite Curtis’s efforts to persuade him.
Grant’s Unexpected Breakthrough
Despite Curtis’s reservations, Grant ultimately landed the role of Charles. Ironically, he was considering leaving acting altogether before reading the script, which means audiences might have missed out on his later performances, including his memorable turn in Paddington 2. Over time, Curtis and Grant developed a strong working relationship, collaborating on other beloved films like Notting Hill and Love Actually. Their partnership proved that sometimes, taking a chance on the unexpected choice can lead to something truly special.