Julia Roberts, the Hollywood queen of romantic comedies, is currently in the spotlight with the Netflix film “Le Monde après nous” (“Leave the World Behind”). However, the actress recently dropped a surprising revelation about a famous romantic comedy from the ’90s that she turned down.
In an interview on “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen,” the star of classics like “Pretty Woman” and “Notting Hill” disclosed that she declined an opportunity to be part of “Vous avez un message” (“You’ve Got Mail”), a 1999 film starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.
When asked if she had any regrets about rejecting roles, Julia Roberts responded, “I have no regrets because I feel like everything is part of destiny.” However, she added a tantalizing detail, “But if I had to say one movie that I turned down that was wonderful and I think was just as good with me, I would say ‘You’ve Got Mail.'”
Julia Roberts emphasized that missing out on roles is an inherent part of the Hollywood game. She shared anecdotes about how Meg Ryan was initially supposed to star in “Potins de femmes” (“The Women”), but her commitment to “When Harry Met Sally” opened up the opportunity for Julia Roberts.
“Cate Blanchett was supposed to be in ‘Closer,’ but she was pregnant, and I got the role. I’ve been very lucky in my career,” Julia Roberts concluded during the interview, where she also expressed her interest in a sequel to “My Best Friend’s Wedding.”
Released in 1999, “Vous avez un message” was a global success, grossing $250 million worldwide. The film tells the love story between two booksellers who, though unaware of each other’s identities, exchange passionate correspondence online.
While Julia Roberts may have missed her cinematic date with the internet in the ’90s, she successfully embraces the digital world in a more dramatic role in “Le Monde après nous.” The film, centered around a cyberattack, is now available on Netflix, offering audiences a different side of the iconic actress.