Look, if you were around in 2001, you probably remember the sheer buzz when the "Prince of Rom-Coms" title was being passed around. Meg Ryan was the undisputed queen, and Hugh Jackman was this ripped, charming Australian who had just clawed his way into our brains as Wolverine. Then they did Kate & Leopold.
It’s one of those movies that feels like a warm blanket. Or maybe a really expensive piece of toast.
People are still talking about Hugh Jackman and Meg Ryan because their onscreen partnership was a weirdly perfect collision of two different Hollywood eras. You had Meg, who basically invented the modern "relatable but neurotic" lead, and Hugh, who brought this old-school, theater-kid sincerity to a guy from the 1870s.
The Time-Travel Flick That Actually Held Up
Usually, when you rewatch a 20-year-old romantic comedy, the "ick" factor is high. But there’s something about the way these two played off each other that keeps it in the rotation.
Hugh played Leopold, the Third Duke of Albany. He’s a 19th-century inventor who accidentally falls through a crack in time—literally a gap in the Brooklyn Bridge—and ends up in modern-day New York. Meg is Kate, a cynical, overworked marketing executive.
The chemistry? It wasn't just "hot people looking at each other." It was the contrast.
- The Knight vs. The Boss: Leopold is all about manners, handwritten letters, and "chivalry."
- The Sincerity: While Kate is trying to sell margarine, Leopold is genuinely horrified by the lack of taste in the 21st century.
- The Leap: That final scene where Kate jumps off the bridge? It’s peak cinema.
Honestly, the movie had some issues. Director James Mangold—who later did Logan with Hugh, talk about a range—had to edit out a bunch of stuff right before the theatrical release. Why? Because the original plot implied that Kate was actually the great-great-grandmother of the guy who sent her back in time (played by Liev Schreiber). Yeah, the studio realized that dating your own ancestor was a bit much for a Christmas movie.
Did Hugh Jackman and Meg Ryan Ever Actually Date?
This is the big one. The question that pops up every time Hugh or Meg makes a headline.
Short answer: No.
Long answer: People really wanted them to.
At the time, Meg Ryan was dealing with the fallout of her very public divorce from Dennis Quaid and her brief relationship with Russell Crowe. The tabloids were desperate to link her to her new Australian co-star. But Hugh was happily married to Deborra-Lee Furness back then (though they’ve since split in 2023).
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They were just professionals. In fact, if you watch the old press junkets, you can see they had a genuine friendship. Hugh has always been a "gentleman’s gentleman," and Meg has often spoken about how professional and "naturally gracious" he was on set.
"He's a real gentleman, which I always find suspicious," Meg joked in a 2001 interview.
It’s funny how we project relationship goals onto actors just because they can fake a good kiss for the camera. But with Hugh Jackman and Meg Ryan, the "relationship" was always about the work.
Where Are They Now? (The 2026 Update)
Fast forward to today. It’s 2026, and both actors are in very different places.
Hugh Jackman is essentially the king of everything. Between his massive Deadpool & Wolverine success and his recent investments in the Australian SailGP team with Ryan Reynolds, he’s never been more visible. He’s also back on Broadway, proving he hasn't lost that "showman" spark that made Leopold so believable.
Meg Ryan, on the other hand, has become a lot more selective. She took a long break from the spotlight before returning to direct and star in What Happens Later. She’s moved into that "legend" phase of her career where she doesn't need to be in every movie—she just shows up when the story is right.
The "Kate & Leopold" Legacy
Why does this specific pairing still matter?
Maybe it’s because we’re all a little burnt out on dating apps and "situationships." There’s a nostalgia for the way Leopold courted Kate. He didn't text her "u up?" at 2 AM. He wrote a letter. He stood on a roof.
Watching Hugh Jackman and Meg Ryan reminds us of a time when movie stars were stars. There was a certain gloss to those early 2000s films that felt aspirational without being totally fake.
If you're looking to revisit their work, here’s how to do it right:
- Watch the Director's Cut: If you can find it, it clears up some of the weird time-travel logic.
- Look for the Cameos: James Mangold actually has a tiny cameo as a frustrated movie director. Meta, right?
- Check the Soundtrack: Sting won a Golden Globe for "Until," the theme song. It still slaps.
If you haven't seen it in a while, it’s worth a rewatch on a rainy Sunday. You’ll probably find yourself wishing for a guy who knows how to ride a horse through Central Park to catch a mugger. Or at least someone who appreciates a good piece of toast.
To get the most out of your rewatch, pay attention to the production design in the 1876 scenes. The crew put an insane amount of detail into the Brooklyn Bridge construction sequences, which helps ground the fantasy elements in something that feels real. You can find the film on most major streaming platforms or through digital rental. It’s a solid reminder of why these two remain icons in the world of entertainment.