"The Incoherent Conclusion of 'The Holiday' — Why a Sequel is Essential"

The Holiday is one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time — a true comfort watch. The 2006 classic delivered a dream cast (Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and yes, Jack Black), a cozy storyline, and a home-swap plot that had everyone wondering if they too should spend Christmas in a stranger’s cottage. It truly had everything.

But despite its charm, the ending leaves so many unanswered questions. And if you’re the type of person who needs a little logic to go with your holiday romance, same — which is why The Holiday is long overdue for a sequel.

The film begins with Iris (Kate), a journalist in London, and Amanda (Cameron), a Hollywood trailer editor, both reeling from breakups. Iris’ situation is especially painful, as the man she’s in love with announces his engagement directly to her face. Meanwhile, Amanda discovers her boyfriend has been cheating. In their heartbreak, both women turn to the internet for an escape and end up on a home-swap site.

They trade lives for the holidays — Iris goes to Amanda’s sleek Los Angeles home, while Amanda settles into Iris’ fairy-tale cottage in Surrey. And, naturally, love follows. Iris grows close to Miles (Jack Black), a film composer, and Amanda unexpectedly falls for Graham (Jude Law), Iris’ widowed brother.

As the date to return home approaches, things get complicated. Amanda keeps delaying her flight to spend more time with Graham, and the film ends with all four characters celebrating New Year’s Eve together in Graham’s home. It’s sweet — but it leaves viewers with a dozen questions.

Does Amanda return to Hollywood and her high-powered job? Does she stay in England with Graham and his two daughters? Would Graham uproot his life to move to L.A.? Does Iris leave her charming cottage for Miles, or does he stay in London?

These are not small questions, and the movie gives us zero answers.

So, what have the cast said about a sequel?

Jude Law told E! News that fans would “have to ask” director Nancy Meyers, but when it comes to joining a follow-up himself, he added, “Why not?” He also joked about where Graham would be now: “I think Graham still has cardigans and glasses, and reads. He’s probably worried sick about the girls, right? [His] daughters will be 28, 29.”

Unfortunately, Meyers herself shut down rumors in 2022, writing on Instagram, “So many DM’s about this — sorry but it’s not true. ❤️”

And while she’s previously said she’s done directing feature films, fans aren’t giving up hope. Because after nearly two decades, we’d all like some closure — and honestly, these characters deserve it as much as we do.