Serendipity (film) at Bloomingdale's, enjoying champagne on their anniversary at the same spot where they first met. "Serendipity" was shot in New Jersey, New York City, Ontario, and San Francisco, California in the spring of 2001. Following the 9/11 attacks, images of the World Trade Center towers were digitally removed from all skyline shots of New York City. "Serendipity" premiered at the 2001 Toronto International Film Festival. The film opened at #2 at the U.S. box office earning $13,309,241 in its opening weekend, behind "Training Day". With an estimated budget of $28 million, this was the first of Chelsom's films to turn
Kate Beckinsale the shoot but found her "complicated" and "prickly." McCarthy said the leads "confirm their status as two of the young actresses on the scene today most worth watching," finding Beckinsale "very effective at getting across layered character traits and emotions." "Danes and Beckinsale are exceptionally talented young actresses," said Thomas, but "unfortunately, the script's seriously underdeveloped context defeats their considerable efforts at every turn." Stephen Holden of "The New York Times" felt that Beckinsale's character "never comes into focus." The film was a box office failure. 2000's "The Golden Bowl" marked Beckinsale's first role following the birth of her daughter.