Exclusive: Richard Curtis reveals unexpected Christmas wish
Richard Curtis has revealed what he’s wished for this Christmas and it’s not what you might expect.
The rom-com filmmaker is well-known for his love of the holiday season, having famously directed Love Actually and added another festive flick to his repertoire this year by producing Genie.
The new film follows the story of a magical genie who is summoned to grant some Christmas wishes.
When asked what item is topping his Christmas wish list for 2023, Curtis confessed he’d love to find some special concert tickets under the tree.
Related: Why Richard Curtis decided to remake his own Christmas movie
Curtis made the admission while chatting exclusively with Digital Spy about the new movie, which stars Melissa McCarthy, Paapa Essiedu, and Alan Cumming.
He revealed that while there’s multiple planet-saving wishes he’d like to come true, he really wants to see Taylor Swift’s hit Era’s Tour.
"Never in the world before have we more wished for peace on Earth," Curtis began. "I'm afraid that is the answer and I'm so interested in the climate crisis and hoping that somebody has the guts to do something about it.
"Personally, for me, I hope I can get two tickets to see Taylor Swift in June," the filmmaker added.
Related: How to watch Richard Curtis's new Christmas movie Genie
Genie actor Pappa Essiedu also shared his own festive wish, revealing it revolves around Christmas day itself.
"I always wish that that bit in between after Christmas dinner and when everyone's too tired and goes to bed gets extended more," he enthused. "After Christmas dinner, you fall asleep and then you wake up in a daze for the rest of [the day].
"I just want to preserve that time period, whatever you're doing – playing games, watching movies – for that to be as long as possible."
Related: Richard Curtis had to get permission for Genie's Tom Cruise joke
Previously sharing his excitement for Genie’s release, Curtis insisted the new film stands out from his previous Christmas project.
"This is so different from Love Actually," he remarked. "I didn't worry about any comparison."
Genie is available in the UK on Sky Cinema and in the US on Peacock. Richard Curtis's Christmas Actually show will also be at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall this December.
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