“The Notebook”: E! News Rewind
Unbelievably, more than 19 years later, it still isn’t over.
No one expected The Notebook, based on Nicholas Sparks’ best-selling novel, to become an enduring love story for the ages when it premiered in June 2004. But the tearjerker made a lasting impression on movie-goers and pop culture, not only becoming a surprise box office hit but also turning Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams into one of Hollywood’s most beloved on-and-off-screen couples.
And no one was surprised by that more than the actors and the film’s director Nick Cassavetes, who’s publicly spoken about the pair’s feud.
Not many fans knew the two stars could barely stand to be around each other on set despite their dazzling chemistry, nor that they both weren’t the first choices for the iconic roles of Noah and Allie as Tom Cruise was initially tapped to play the swoonworthy carpenter.
And by now, you’ve probably seen Britney Spears’ audition for Allie. But did you know another superstar was on the short list too? But in the end, there was only one bird for Noah. (Though Gosling did try and get McAdams recast.)
Now, we won’t bother asking you what do you want because we already know: Behind-the-scenes secrets about the cult romance. Grab your tissues and read on…
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1. Based on a True Story
It might be hard to believe, but The Notebook was actually based on a true story—at the time, author Nicholas Sparks was married to Cathy Cote, whose grandparents were together for over 60 years.
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2. The Original Noah
Can you imagine Tom Cruise as Noah? Well, it almost happened.
After the rights to the novel were snagged by New Line in 1996, Steven Spielberg expressed interest in directing the movie. And his pick for the lead role was the Top Gun star. Unfortunately, scheduling conflicts got in the way and the project was left for years before director Nick Cassavetes came along. While Cassavetes immediately knew he wanted Ryan Gosling as his star, the studio needed some convincing.
“When I told [New Line Cinema] I wanted to hire Ryan for the lead,” Cassavetes revealed to VH1, “they kind of looked at me like I was out of my mind.”
Gosling was a little surprised, too, especially after his first meeting with the director.
“Nick Cassavetes called me to meet him at his house. When I got there, he was standing in his backyard,” he told British magazine Company, “and he looked at me and said, ‘I want you to play this role because you’re not like the other young actors out there in Hollywood. You’re not handsome, you’re not cool, you’re just a regular guy who looks a bit nuts.'”
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3. Britney Spears Was Almost Allie
Rachel McAdams,
