Jude Law, renowned for his role in “Dom Hemingway,” recently shared a surprising secret about the 2006 Christmas film “The Holiday,” where he starred alongside Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, and Jack Black. During a radio appearance on BBC Radio 2’s The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, Jude revealed that the famous Rosehill Cottage featured in the movie does not actually exist. The director, Nancy Meyers, couldn’t find the perfect cottage, so she had a field built to resemble one.
Moreover, the interiors of the cottage were filmed in Los Angeles, three months after the exterior shots were taken in the UK. Although the cottage itself may be fictional, it was inspired by a real home called Honeysuckle cottage located in Surrey Hills, UK. The real cottage was even listed on Airbnb for a reaction rental but was later taken off after being sold for $650,000 in 2022.
In addition to this interesting revelation, there are more secrets about the making of this classic film. Director Nancy Meyers had specific actors in mind when writing the characters of Iris and Amanda, played by Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz. Winslet, who portrayed Iris, initially felt nervous about her role in a romantic comedy, fearing she might be fired from the project.
Cameron Diaz, who played Amanda, was Meyers’ perfect choice for the role of a California-based movie trailer editor. The chemistry between the actors, including Jude Law, who played the single dad Graham, and Jack Black, who portrayed Miles, added depth to the film. Interestingly, the famous scene where Law’s character, Graham, performs as Mr. Napkinhead was mostly improvised.
Furthermore, Lindsay Lohan and James Franco made unexpected cameos in the film, adding to the star-studded cast. Dustin Hoffman’s appearance in the Blockbuster scene was also unplanned but added a unique touch to the movie. The iconic moment where Amanda dashes back to the cottage in heels wasn’t originally scripted but added a memorable element to the film.
Overall, “The Holiday” remains a beloved classic in the romantic comedy genre, with Nancy Meyers’ intricate storytelling and attention to detail making it a standout film. The behind-the-scenes secrets and anecdotes shared by the cast members only add to the charm of this holiday favorite.
