Love Actually director brands Christmas rom-com ‘out of date’ as he reveals regrets in 20th anniversary special

The director of beloved Christmas rom-com Love Actually has admitted that he regrets the lack of diversity in the 2003 film.

Richard Curtis, 66, from New Zealand, appeared alongside the star-studded cast of Love Actually for ABC’s TV special with Diane Sawyer.

He revealed to viewers of ‘The Laughter & Secrets of Love Actually: 20 Years Later’ that there are numerous things about the classic movie that he would change, if he were to be making it now.

Fans of Love Actually have since taken to social media to praise Richard for acknowledging the lack of LGBTQ+ and ethnic minority representation.

Love Actually follows the love life of eight couples in London during the festive season, with Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson and Bill Nighy among memorable cast members.

Richard admitted that he’s glad society has begun to change since the film was released, while accepting that some parts of Love Actually can be seen as “out of date”.

“The lack of diversity makes me feel uncomfortable and a bit stupid,” Richard said.

The director added that romances in the workplace can be uncomfortable to watch, saying: “There are sort of these plots that have bosses and people who work for them. I think the 20 years show what a youthful optimist I probably was when I wrote it.”

Richard’s critiques of the film have had a mixed response on social media as some fans praise him for acknowledging issues of representation, while others accuse the director of “misogyny”.

One wrote: “Finally! Richard Curtis admits that Love Actually is completely White and Heteronormative. And it’s well known a gay storyline was cut.”

“It’s interesting that Richard Curtis acknowledges the lack of diversity (a bit too heterosexual and white), but no reflection on what a sexist film it is. Male gaze drunk on Christmas sherry. Most of the women are passive plot devices; the stalking etc,” another said.

A third added: “His misogyny is on full display too in this film”

Another said: “I’ve never been able to watch this film all the way through due to its sexism/power imbalance between the relationship of the main characters.”

Love Actually received a mixed response from critics after it was released in 2003, however audiences enjoyed the flick and it has become a Crimbo classic.

Richard Curtis also worked on films including Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’s Diary and Four Weddings And A Funeral.

According to IMDB, his children’s book That Christmas is currently in pre-production for a Netflix film adaptation.

UK-based Love Actually fans can watch The Laughter & Secrets of Love Actually: 20 Years Later – A Diane Sawyer Special’ on Hulu using a VPN (a Virtual Private Network)