Julia Roberts: The Almost Swan Song of an Icon

Julia Roberts: From Screen Queen to Stage Callback

Julia Roberts, the Academy Award-winning actress famed for her roles in iconic films like "Pretty Woman" and "Erin Brockovich," recently opened up about her future prospects in the bustling world of Hollywood. In a witty exchange during a SAG-AFTRA Foundation panel discussion about her latest film, "After the Hunt," Roberts playfully announced, "I might have three and a half movies left in me." With the departure of her children for college, she is feeling a renewed urge to return to her theatrical roots.

A New Chapter Awaits

As she described it, being a parent and an actress is a balancing act filled with compromises. Now that her kids have left home, Roberts is feeling a strange but exciting compulsion to return to the theater—an art form she treasures. "Now that they're out of the house, I really feel the compulsion to go back to theater, and that's kind of what I'm really kind of trying to dig up right now," she elaborated. Theater has always been the wellspring of creativity for many actors, often offering them more artistic control and a vibrant, immediate connection with the audience.

“Filming is a Long Dinner Party”

Roberts likens the filmmaking process to a "long dinner party," emphasizing the importance of collaborating with those who enrich the experience. This reflects her keen insight into the entertainment industry's collaborative essence—perhaps a play on the ever-present blend of chemistry and chaos that comes with on-set dynamics. “You want to be with people you are interested in,” she shared, further expounding on how pivotal the right ensemble can be in creating meaningful work.

In her own words, "Whatever they are, I feel they will find me. And I want them to be these beautiful experiences." — Julia Roberts

Facing Controversy with Grace

Recently, Roberts starred alongside Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri in "After the Hunt," where she plays a philosophy professor whose life turns tumultuous when her mentee levels grave allegations against a colleague. This role has sparked conversations on sexual allegations and the weight they carry, especially in the backdrop of the #MeToo movement. During the Venice Film Festival, Roberts defended the film passionately, remarking, "Not to be disagreeable, because it's not in my nature, but it's about much more than reviving arguments." This stands as a testament to her belief in cinema's power to evoke discourse, showing her commitment not only to her craft but to the broader cultural conversations it can stimulate.

Roberts' Journey Through Cinema

From her breakout role in "Mystic Pizza" to capturing hearts as Vivian Ward in "Pretty Woman," Roberts has been an indelible force in cinema for decades. Her mix of charm and vulnerability has set her apart as a leading lady. Reflecting on her experience on "Pretty Woman," she recalls, "We were really shooting from the hip for sure... we all thought, 'Well, we just had the most fun making the worst movie in Hollywood.'" That self-deprecating humor is what makes Roberts not only relatable but also extraordinarily likable.

Looking Ahead

Her nostalgic sentiment extends beyond acting to the characters she has portrayed over the years. Imagining where they might be today, she muses about possibly keeping her most iconic roles intact and having them thrive in their own happy endings. She jokes that Richard Gere's character from "Pretty Woman" might very well still be alive, imagining a delightful continuation for their romance.

A Theatrical Return?

As she contemplates her next chapters, whether on stage or screen, one thing is clear: Julia Roberts continues to captivate audiences with her authenticity, charm, and occasional comedic insight. Her latest reflections on life and career remind us that even the most celebrated luminaries grapple with their legacies and the desire for reinvention.

Final Thoughts

The entertainment world eagerly awaits whatever Julia Roberts has left up her sleeve. With a career that has already gifted us countless memorable performances, her impending return to the theater—and possible return to films—could bring us some of the most beautiful experiences yet. So, what will those three and a half movies entail? I can only imagine, and I absolutely can't wait to see.