Love Actually Revisited: Is There a Sequel in the Works?

Love Actually has become a classic holiday film over the two decades since its release, but has there been a sequel? If you were to imagine a traditional Christmas movie, the romantic comedy Love Actually from 2003 might be the first to come to mind.

The movie's plot revolves around nine intertwined stories that explore the complexities of love, the one emotion that connects us all. It follows characters such as David, the handsome newly elected British prime minister who falls for a young junior staffer, Sarah, a graphic designer whose devotion to supporting her brother complicates her love life, and Harry, a married man tempted by his attractive new secretary.

Despite only receiving a 64% Critics' Score on Rotten Tomatoes, the original film is still considered a Christmas classic. However, now that Love Actually is 20 years old, fans may be wondering if there has ever been a sequel.

Is there a Love Actually 2?

Yes, there is technically a sequel, but it may not be the movie you are anticipating. Instead of a feature length film, there is a short film called Red Nose Day Actually, which serves as a follow-up to the Christmas classic.

The original cast of the 2003 movie reunited in 2017 for Red Nose Day, a fundraising event hosted by the British charity Comic Relief. The follow-up movie, "Red Nose Day Actually," was written and directed by Richard Curtis, the original movie maker and co-founder of Red Nose Day. The film follows the original characters as they navigate new relationships, Christmas singles, and the addition of new children in their lives, showcasing how their lives have changed 13 years on. The cast includes Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy, Thomas Brodie Sangster, Andrew Lincoln, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Martine McCutcheon, and Rowan Atkinson.

Check out the trailer below:

Where can I watch Red Nose Day Actually?

You can watch the short film on the official Comic Relief website, where it was originally shown as part of the Red Nose Day TV event, raising funds and awareness for children living in poverty. Despite receiving only a 61% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes, we still recommend watching this movie. It was included in our list of the 25 best Christmas movies of all time, where we described "Love Actually" as a beloved film with an ensemble cast set in London, offering a variety of perspectives to experience the Christmas cheer. While some of the plotlines may not have aged well, this has only added to the film's iconic status, capturing the essence of the early 2000s that many of us feel nostalgic for.

Love Actually is available to stream on Netflix. Check out our other Movies & TV coverage here.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I grew up watching Love Actually during the holiday season with my family. It's one of those classic movies that brings back fond memories and a sense of nostalgia. While I appreciate the original film and its heartwarming stories, I have mixed feelings about the idea of a sequel. On one hand, it's exciting to think about revisiting the beloved characters and seeing how their lives have evolved over the years. The short film, Red Nose Day Actually, was a nice touch, but I would have preferred a full-length sequel that delves deeper into the characters' journeys and relationships.

On the other hand, I also recognize that sequels can sometimes fall short of expectations or tamper with the magic of the original. Love Actually is a timeless classic, and I'm not sure if a sequel could truly capture the same charm and authenticity. The original film's strength lies in its ensemble cast and the interconnected stories that explore various aspects of love. Recreating that same magic might be challenging, and I would hate for a sequel to diminish the impact of the original.