16 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'The Notebook'

Martha SorrenJun 5, 2020, 01:54 IST

"The Notebook" is a romantic film that's based on a book.New Line Cinema

"The Notebook" (2004) has captivated audiences for the past 16 years, but even die-hard fans may not know everything about the film.
The movie is based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, and he based the story on a real couple.
Ryan Gosling said he was cast because the director thought he wasn't handsome.
Britney Spears, Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Biel, and Jessica Simpson all auditioned to play Allie before the part went to Rachel McAdams.

It's been 16 years since audiences first fell in love with "The Notebook" (2004), which is based on Nicholas Sparks' 1996 novel of the same name.

The movie has become one of the best-known romantic films of all time, but even if you've seen it a dozen times, you may not know all of the behind-the-scenes secrets.

Here are some surprising things you probably didn't know about "The Notebook."

Allie and Noah are based on a real couple.

Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling in "The Notebook." New Line Cinema

Ryan Gosling said he was cast because the director thought he wasn't handsome.

Ryan Gosling as Noah in "The Notebook." New Line Cinema

Britney Spears auditioned to play Allie, and so did a few other notable stars.

Britney Spears is a pop star. Mike Windle/Getty Images

Gosling didn't always get along with McAdams.

Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams dated for a while after the film. Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

McAdams did a lot of training for her role.

Rachel McAdams as Allie in "The Notebook." New Line Cinema

Gosling received specific carpentry training for Noah as well, and he ended up making some furniture pieces for the set.

Ryan Gosling had to do woodworking training for "The Notebook." New Line Cinema

Noah was supposed to have brown eyes, so Gosling wore colored contacts.

Ryan Gosling has blue eyes. New Line Cinema

Allie has a "significantly bigger" role in the movie than she did in the book, according to McAdams.

Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling in the first date scene in "The Notebook." New Line Cinema

Older Allie was played by the director's mother.

Gena Rowlands as older Allie in "The Notebook." New Line Cinema

"The Notebook" didn't help James Marsden win over many fans.

James Marsden in "The Notebook." New Line Cinema

Gosling improvised one of the movie's most iconic lines.

Noah and Allie get into big fights during "The Notebook." New Line Cinema

The crew raised the swans from the boat scene on location so the birds would feel more familiar with the area.

Allie and Noah take a romantic boat ride through a swan-filled lake. New Line Cinema

Kobe Bryant once gifted his wife a dress from the film for Valentine's Day.

Kobe Bryant and Vanessa Laine Bryant at the Oscars. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Gosling and McAdams won the MTV Movie Award for best kiss.

Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling recreated their iconic kiss at the MTV Movie Awards. Getty Images / KMazur

Gosling wanted Noah to burn the movie's iconic house down.

Ryan Gosling's character builds a house in "The Notebook." New Line Cinema

There's a sequel to the novel.

Nicholas Sparks has written a number of best-selling novels. Amazon

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