As the brains behind most people's go-to Christmas movie, Richard Curtis is a busy man at this time of year. Not only do the Love Actually texts start chiming in around December 1 for the writer and director, but it’s hard to escape the endless dissection of the enduring classic that kicks off online as days grow shorter. But despite being synonymous with such a festive mainstay – as well as films like Notting Hill and Four Weddings and a Funeral – Curtis hasn’t been put off the holiday.
Instead, his new film Genie, starring Melissa McCarthy and Paapa Essiedu, is a Christmas comedy. Written by Curtis, it reimagines his 1991 TV film Bernard and the Genie for a new audience, updating the setting to New York City and switching up the storyline. When GamesRadar+ had the chance to speak to the acclaimed filmmaker recently, our wide-ranging conversation spanned everything from why he decided now was the right time to update it to what it is about Christmas movies that make them ever enjoyable. And, of course, we also touched on Love Actually as Curtis explained why he "can’t apologize enough" about one scene in particular.
