Even though The Notebook opened in theaters in 2004 and is nearly 20 years old, Noah and Allie’s touching and heartbreaking love story still tugs at our heartstrings. The film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ novel evoked a range of emotions, including a complex love triangle, and, of course, intense feelings for Ryan Gosling. Helmed by Nick Cassavetes, the film’s remarkable cast and poignant narrative seem to be contributing to its increasing popularity over time. However, James Marsden, a significant actor in the film, was initially skeptical of its chances of succeeding.
Though he is best known for his work on X-Men, Enchanted, and Superman Returns, many fans will still know him as Lon Hammond from Gosling and Rachel McAdams’ The Notebook.
Marsden acknowledged in a previous interview that he had doubts about this 117.8 million flick. Little did he know that it would go on to become a beloved romantic classic, making the Barbie star a household name.
James Marsden’s Initial Skepticism Towards The Notebook
The Notebook’s creators had no idea twenty years ago that their film would grow into such a cult classic that audiences would not soon forget. Based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel of the same name, the adored 2004 romantic drama immediately rose to fame, thanks to the acclaimed performance delivered by Ryan Gosling’s Noah and his love interest Allie (Rachel McAdams).
But James Marsden, who played Lon Hammond Jr. in the film, was initially apprehensive about its success. The Hairspray actor, 50, said he initially thought The Notebook had little chance of success in an interview with The Guardian. He considered it to be just a “soap opera”. To quote him:
“I remember thinking, ‘Is this just going to be a soap opera?’ Then I stepped on set and realized all the people involved were top, top-level talent. We weren’t doing a sappy romance.”
Everyone praised his performance in the film, and it even helped him get other film roles. In talking about his performance as Lon, Marsden said that a lot of moviegoers were affected by his role. He revealed (via Good Morning America):
“When the movie became such a phenomenon, people would come up to me on the street and be like, ‘Why were you trying to get in their way?! They were supposed to be together.’ It was like, ‘Ahh, I didn’t do anything. It was a job. I don’t know.’”
Nevertheless, he acknowledged the film’s success and popularity, saying that he never really thought the movie would end up being a decade-long classic. Marsden went on to say:
“Nobody knew that that was going to be such a massive hit. You never know when you’re filming. You hope that it’s gonna happen, but that one I don’t think anyone saw it coming. Pretty special thing to be a part of.”
But how did Marsden join the ensemble of the romantic drama, and what drew him to Lon’s character? That is a whole different story.
How James Marsden Became A Part Of Ryan Gosling’s Film?
James Marsden discussed his experience working on Ryan Gosling’s The Notebook in an interview with Vanity Fair. He admitted that he was drawn to his character because he did not fit the clichés of the other men. The actor shared:
“Obviously, it was a tremendous cast and a really interesting character in that he’s not like some j*rk who, you know, the audience is rooting against him, you know? He’s actually a really nice guy, he just met Allie too late.”
Upon beginning filming The Notebook, Marsden acknowledged that he had concerns about the storyline being excessively extravagant and overly sentimental. However, after witnessing his co-stars film their scenes, he could tell the movie was going to be something special.
Recalling, Marsden said:
“There was a sense that everyone collectively wanted to elevate the material.”
With a $117 million box office take against a $29 million budget, The Notebook was a sleeper hit and has since gone on to become a cult classic. Gosling’s portrayal of Noah Calhoun, who was deeply in love with Allie Hamilton (played by Rachel McAdams), captured the hearts of millions of viewers.
You can stream The Notebook on Hulu & Max.
