Pedro Pascal reveals he’s never seen Notting Hill during a promotional game for his upcoming romantic comedy Materialists, surprising fans and his co-stars in the process. The actor’s admission took place while engaging with Chris Evans and Dakota Johnson in a playful movie quote challenge, just as Pascal prepares to star in the rom-com himself.
Pedro Pascal confesses to missing a beloved rom-com classic
Known for his sharp wit and captivating screen presence, Pedro Pascal has always delighted audiences. However, his latest admission stirred up a storm: he’s never watched the renowned 1999 romantic comedy Notting Hill, featuring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. This revelation occurred during a press event promoting his new film Materialists, with Pascal joined by fellow stars Chris Evans and Dakota Johnson.
In a BuzzFeed-inspired segment titled Guess the Romance Movie Line, the group attempted to identify famous quotes from iconic love stories. When Evans recited Notting Hill’s most famous line, Pascal recognized the source but immediately confessed he’d only viewed a short snippet, not the entire movie. Dakota Johnson, meanwhile, finished the quote before anyone else, highlighting her familiarity with the genre favorite.
Camaraderie and playful reactions from the Materialists cast
Pascal’s comment—“That’s a clip I’ve seen.”—caught the group off guard and triggered an amused, mock-scandalized response from Chris Evans, who jokingly urged that Pascal’s cinematic gap be addressed with a group movie night. This friendly banter quickly gained traction online, with fans sharing their collective surprise and entertainment at the actor’s honest response. Dakota Johnson’s quick recall of the quote underscored the film’s lasting impression among its audience and peers alike.
Despite the good-natured ribbing, Pascal’s candid disclosure only enhanced his approachable public image. Fans responded with a mix of shocked disbelief and playful affection, entertained by the idea that the star of an upcoming romantic comedy had not seen a cornerstone film of the genre.
Notting Hill’s enduring appeal in romantic comedy cinema
The 1999 hit Notting Hill, with a screenplay by rom-com maestro Richard Curtis and direction by Roger Mitchell, became a worldwide blockbuster almost immediately upon release. Julia Roberts starred as Anna Scott, a famous actress, while Hugh Grant played William Thacker, a bookshop owner in London. Their story explored complex themes of love, vulnerability, and fame against a picturesque London backdrop and earned critical acclaim, evidenced by its 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and more than $363 million in global box office earnings.
Central to the film’s emotional core is its often-quoted line, delivered by Julia Roberts’ Anna Scott:
I’m also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.
This heartfelt moment has become iconic, referenced and celebrated across pop culture and other romantic comedies. The single line has contributed to Notting Hill’s lasting status as a defining entry in its genre, frequently named among the greatest rom-coms of all time. While hopes for a sequel remain with fans, Julia Roberts herself expressed satisfaction with the movie’s solitary legacy.
Pascal’s inexperience with such a significant genre touchstone is both humorous and somewhat fitting. As he joins the ranks of actors leading romantic comedies, this honest oversight allows fans to see his relatable side, while also fueling interest in how Materialists might measure up to classics like Notting Hill.
Looking ahead: Will Pedro Pascal finally watch Notting Hill?
The revelation has sparked good-natured speculation about whether Pedro Pascal will soon take the opportunity to watch Notting Hill, especially given his role in Materialists. With streaming services such as Netflix (USA) making the film readily accessible, a future group screening with co-stars Chris Evans and Dakota Johnson could become yet another charming anecdote to delight fans.
Whether or not Pascal soon sits down for a Notting Hill viewing, his candid and playful approach to the press circuit continues to endear him to both longtime admirers and new fans. In light of the buzz, it’s clear that even the stars can have cinematic blind spots—which only makes Pedro Pascal’s journey into the romantic comedy world that much more intriguing.
