Love Actually is undoubtedly one of the most famous Christmas rom-coms of all time. Starring Hugh Grant, Martine McCutcheon, and the late Alan Rickman in prominent roles, the 2003 movie garnered much love and acclamation from fans worldwide. Yet, while the film was loved just the way it was, little did people know that one of their favorite bands of all time, Keane almost made their breakthrough in the industry with the titular song they wrote for the film.
However, the song was never included due to a reason that even writer and director Richard Curtis regrets now. And the reason is finally out following the 2003 definitive Christmas rom-com recently turning 20.
Also Read: Love Actually: 5 Best Quotes From One of the Best Christmas Movies, Ranked
Keane Reveals Why Their Song Never Made It Into Love Actually
In a statement from Keane recently published by Rolling Stone, keyboardist of the band Tim Rice-Oxley revealed the entire story behind them writing the titular song for Love Actually that never made it into the picture.
Starting with how they were still an unsigned band in 2002 and their manager Adam was working with the producer of Love Actually, he said:
“While they were making the film, Adam suggested we should quickly write a song, and he’d see if he could get it into Richard Curtis’ hands…and maybe we could sneak onto the soundtrack and get our big break! Needless to say, it didn’t turn out that way, but Richard always very graciously said he loved the song and wished he’d put it in the film.”
Although the song never earned the title of being included in the rom-com, it didn’t mean that the writers didn’t love it. However, they couldn’t do anything with it, mostly because of its name. As Rice-Oxley continued to reveal:
“In fact, for 20 years whenever I’ve played a new demo to my mum, her response has usually been, ‘Hmm…when are you going to record ‘Love Actually’?’ Well, the film Love Actually is 20 years old now, which at last gives us a perfect reason to record our song properly.”
Now, finally, as the Hugh Grant starrer turns 20, fans just might be able to hear the original version of the song written by Keane for the movie!
Also Read: Hugh Grant Lied and Gave Many Excuses to Avoid “the most excruciating scene ever” in Love Actually
Richard Curtis Regrets Not Adding Love Actually In The Film
Further covering the entire situation, Rolling Stone also shared the statement of writer and director of the Christmas movie, Richard Curtis, where he admitted that not including Keane’s song in the film was indeed a mistake on his side.
“Everyone makes mistakes—even if they’re understandable ones. When I first listened to ‘Love Actually’ by this totally unknown combo called Keane, I thought it was beautiful. I tried really hard to put it in the film—but in the end, it was a little melancholy and, dare I say, a bit DEEP for the film I’d made,” Curtis said.
Nonetheless, he realized his ‘dreadful mistake’ as soon as Hopes and Fears topped the charts six months later. And as much as he regrets it, Curtis is also happy with the fact that the song will finally be properly released for the audiences.
“I’ve listened to it a lot over the years and love it even more now than I did then. And this time, myself and my son Spike have made a little edit of the whole film to go with the song. I think I actually prefer that three-minute version of ‘Love Actually’ to the long, chaotic film that’s been doing the rounds now for 20 years.”
Well, for what it’s worth, fans can’t wait to hear the properly recorded and released song Love Actually, and for Keane to finally reissue Hope and Fears in May 2024 as well!
