Based on Nicholas Sparks’ story of Allie and Noah, the cult classic novel The Notebook was adapted by Nick Cassavetes in 2004 to turn into a $117M cinematic spectacle. The stellar cast led by Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams were highly praised for their phenomenal performance despite being rising stars.
Nonetheless, the duo wasn’t the initial choice for the pivotal role, as Jessica Simpson was cast as Allie prior to Rachel McAdams. However, due to certain issues, the actress later declined the million-dollar role, which only led her to regret further following her nightmarish divorce from Nick Lachey.
Jessica Simpson Refused Ryan Gosling’s $117M Movie
Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams who portrayed the best onscreen chemistry through their 2004 movie The Notebook, weren’t the initial choice for the titular roles. Evidently, due to their lack of fame, the duo was considered a risky choice for Nicholas Sparks’ cult classic novel adaptation. Thus, prior to Rachel McAdams, Jessica Simpson was eyed for the role of Allie.
However, although Jessica Simpson was chosen for the role, the actress refused to appear in the movie alongside Ryan Gosling due to her notorious ongoing divorce. While Simpson’s marriage to Nick Lachey was perfect as per the public’s concern, the duo were suffering a broken marriage within walls.
Reflecting on how things started changing with the growth in her fame, Jessica Simpson discussed why she turned down the $117M movie in her 2020 mémoire Open Book. In an attempt to sort things out amid divorce proceedings and put a pause on her fame, Simpson mentioned rejecting Ryan Gosling’s 2004 film due to an intimate scene with the actor.
Jessica Simpson Was Left To Regret Her Decision
Although Jessica Simpson refused Nick Cassavetes‘ The Notebook due to personal reasons, the actress later regretted her decision after her divorce. Further, adding insult to Simpson’s injury, Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams’ movie came back to haunt her, as it was released during her divorce from Nick Lachey.
Admitting how difficult it was for her to watch the movie, especially during that phase of her life, Jessica Simpson wrote down her feelings in her mémoire Open Book. “The most romantic movie in the world, and I was leaving Nick. The movie was on every screen, and I was swept up into it, wishing I had that great love that would be forever” Simpson wrote.
Despite Simpson regretting her decision to refuse the movie, Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams’ The Notebook turned into a massive hit and sold 11 million copies of its DVD and VHS, over the years following its release. The movie further made $117M at the global box office against its $29M budget. Further, the movie was hailed by fans and even received fair reviews with a 54% RT rating.
Watch The Notebook on Max.
Read more: “I wouldn’t do the s*x scene”: Hollywood Star Refused to Lose Her Virginity to Ryan Gosling
Source: Open Book
