Hugh Grant has revealed the film that ended his association with rom-coms, describing his reputation as going “from hero to absolutely zero in the space of a second”. He also talked about an infamous film in his resume that he feels he wasn’t good in.
During an interview with Variety, he was asked why he moved away from romantic comedies – the genre that made his career with hits like Four Weddings And A Funeral and Notting Hill. “It just died” he reflected. “I was getting on a bit, let’s face it. And then I made one which was a total failure, and it was amazing. You know, you go from hero to absolutely zero in the space of a second”.
When pressed about the film in question, he said “what’s the euphemism? It didn’t find the audience it deserved. It’s called, Did You Hear About the Morgans?” The 2009 film starred Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker as an estranged couple who are forced into witness protection after witnessing a murder. It was a critical failure with a score of 12 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes, although Grant said “It was very charming to me”.
Hugh Grant & Anna Elisabet Eberstein (CREDIT: Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Another film the actor wishes to forget is Nine Months, the 1995 comedy where he plays an expectant father. “Let me stress, everyone involved with that film, with the exception of me, was brilliant and talented” he explained. “It was just me that let it down”. He also said it’s been forbidden in his house. “My wife (Anna Elisabet Eberstein) wants to watch it, but I’ve forbidden her. I’ve put parental controls on the screen so that you can’t get it” he said.
Grant will return to rom-coms this year in the sequel Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, but he has built a strong reputation recently in other genres. His first horror film, Heretic, was a big hit last year, marking a new chapter in his career. He’s also delighted audiences with villainous roles in Paddington 2 and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, both of which received four stars in NME‘s reviews.
Recently, he revealed he gave a child co-star on his film The Undoing an unusual wrap gift – a box of cigars, something that enraged their mother.
English (US) · 