Rom-com folk love to hate lands sequel

In the last several years, hating the 2003 classic holiday rom-com Love Actually has become a timehonoured tradition on the internet. Yet as the haters tear it to shreds, ridiculing its wildly unrealistic premise, sexist tropes and stalker storyline, Love Actually persists — and is, actually, getting a sequel.

Well, sort of. As it turns out, people still love Love Actually so much that it has landed its own mini-sequel. Yesterday, NBC announced that writer-director Richard Curtis and some of the cast will reunite for Red Nose Day Actually, a short film that will air as part of Comic Relief’s annual Red Nose Day Special, which raises money to benefit children living in poverty.

The people returning include Hugh Grant, who plays the British prime minister; Martine McCutcheon as Natalie, the prime minister’s assistant and eventual love interest; Keira Knightley, a new bride who discovers her husband’s best friend is in love with her ( and may be a stalker); Andrew Lincoln, the aforementioned best friend; Colin Firth, the wounded writer who finds love with his Portuguese housekeeper; and Lucia Moniz as the housekeeper.

Then there’s Liam Neeson as a grieving widow, Thomas BrodieSangster as his adorable stepson in love with a classmate; Olivia Olson, said crush; Bill Nighy, the washed-up pop star who winds up with a hit Christmas single and Rowan Atkinson, the slowpoke salesman.

Alan Rickman, who died last year, will tragically be a missing piece of the cast. There’s also no word about stars Emma Thompson and Laura Linney.

The sequel/reunion will air in the UK on March 24, and repeat on NBC on May 25. Hate-tweeters, get ready.