Hugh Grant and Nicholas Hoult thrilled fans of the beloved romantic-comedy About A Boy with a sweet reunion 22 years after the film’s release. The duo, who portrayed an unlikely but heartwarming friendship in the 2002 classic, recreated their on-screen chemistry in a playful snap outside Los Angeles’ Ray Dolby Ballroom during the 15th annual Governors Awards.
Grant, now 64, and Hoult, 34, charmed fans by posing in tuxedos, with Hoult patting Grant’s shoulder as the veteran actor appeared mid-laugh, channeling their dynamic from the movie. Grant shared the adorable photo on X (formerly Twitter), captioning it alongside a still from the film, which showed their characters sharing a similar lighthearted moment.
Fans Celebrate Nostalgia
The reunion delighted About A Boy devotees, sparking a wave of reactions on social media. One fan wrote, “A beautiful film. Both of you should be proud. You could now play in the film as a family—father and son?” Another joked about Grant’s timeless charm: “You haven’t changed. Is there a painting up in your attic somewhere?”
Others fondly reminisced about iconic moments from the film, including the memorable school talent show scene. “That guitar scene was absolute genius,” a third fan added.
The Legacy Of About A Boy
Directed by Paul and Chris Weitz and based on Nick Hornby’s novel, About A Boy follows Grant’s character, Will Freeman, a wealthy bachelor whose carefree lifestyle is turned upside down when he befriends a socially awkward 12-year-old, Marcus, played by Hoult. The film explored themes of loneliness, personal growth, and unlikely connections, earning critical acclaim and over $103 million at the box office.
The movie received an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, while Grant and co-star Toni Collette, who played Marcus’ mother Fiona, garnered Golden Globe and BAFTA nods for their performances.
Hoult Reflects On Working With Grant
Hoult, who was just 11 when he starred in the film, has since become a Hollywood heavyweight with roles in Mad Max: Fury Road, X-Men: Days of Future Past, and the upcoming horror film Nosferatu. Despite their long gap in collaboration, Hoult previously praised Grant’s dedication during the production.
“He was so hard-working and diligent—neurotic, almost,” Hoult told The Guardian in 2021. “I remember him being very specific about beats on set, trying things and getting them right.” Hoult also humorously acknowledged that some fans have accused him of mimicking Grant’s acting style, calling the comparison a “compliment.”
A Hughnaissance
Grant, for his part, has enjoyed a resurgence in his career with acclaimed roles in Paddington 2, A Very English Scandal, and The Undoing. Hoult has cheered Grant’s success from afar, dubbing it the “Hughnaissance” and expressing admiration for his ability to reinvent himself.
Fans of the cult classic continue to celebrate About A Boy as a timeless piece of cinema, and this heartfelt reunion between Grant and Hoult reminds audiences why the film holds such a special place in their hearts.
