logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Julia Roberts Was Reportedly Suggested for Role of Black Abolitionist Harriet Tubman by Hollywood Executive

Claudine Varela
Nov 22, 2019
07:00 A.M.

Julia Roberts' name came up during a meeting for the film's casting over 20 years ago. In spite of the lead character being Black, an executive insisted "No one is going to know the difference."

Advertisement

The film adaptation of African-American activist Harriet Tubman’s life is gaining wide acclaim for Tubman’s portrayer, Cynthia Erivo who’s creating Oscar buzz as we speak.

But unknown to many, Erivo wasn’t the first choice for the part. In fact, the film’s screenwriter, Gregory Allen Howard revealed the role was originally suggested for Julia Roberts.

Actress Julia Roberts at the premiere of her film, "Michael Collins" in October 1996. | Photo: Getty Images

Actress Julia Roberts at the premiere of her film, "Michael Collins" in October 1996. | Photo: Getty Images

WHY ROBERTS WAS CONSIDERED

Howard opened up about how Roberts’s name came up during a recent Q&A for Focus Features. He said when the idea for the film, “Harriet” was conceived over 25 years ago, a studio head recommended Roberts to play the role of the legendary Black abolitionist.

Advertisement

“I was told how one studio head said in a meeting, ‘This script is fantastic. Let's get Julia Roberts to play Harriet Tubman,’” he recalled.

At the time, Howard said the climate in Hollywood was different. Roberts was the “it” girl. In fact, another executive defended the choice to cast her when someone objected and explained that Tubman was a Black woman.

"It was so long ago. No one is going to know the difference,” the executive had said according to Howard.

A portrait of activist Harriet Tubman. | Photo: Getty Images

A portrait of activist Harriet Tubman. | Photo: Getty Images

WHAT LED TO ERIVO'S CASTING

But fortunately for Howard who studied Tubman’s life as a history major at Princeton University and envisioned the film to be a “kick-ass action-adventure,” the climate in Hollywood changed in recent years. The success of the films, “12 Years and Slave” and the all-Black superhero film, “The Black Panther” paved the way for the casting of Erivo.

Advertisement

“You can't say this kind of story won’t make money now,” he told his agent.

The casting of Erivo to play Tubman was met with controversy too. In July, netizens slammed the choice of the British actress to play the part.

British actress Cynthia Erivo attending the "Indie Contenders Roundtable" in November 2019. | Photo: Getty Images

British actress Cynthia Erivo attending the "Indie Contenders Roundtable" in November 2019. | Photo: Getty Images

"BIGGER THAN LIFE"

Howard knew from the beginning that Tubman’s story was superhero material.

“This film is my valentine to Black women,” he said. “I wanted them to be able to go to the movies on Saturday and see this young Black woman take on this incredible power structure and triumph over it.”

During the US Civil War era, Harriet escaped from slavery and helped hundreds of slaves free themselves through an Underground Railroad. Howard adds that she was the only female conductor who never lost a passenger while undertaking her task.

Advertisement
African-American abolitionist Harriet Tubman. | Photo: Getty Images

African-American abolitionist Harriet Tubman. | Photo: Getty Images

“Other conductors took larger groups but would invariably lose people along the way. Her goal was never to lose anyone,” Howard claimed. “But there was so much more,” Howard continued. “She was a spy; she was one of the first women to lead soldiers in battle. But more than anything, this small woman single-handedly threatened the billion-dollar industry of slavery."

“Harriet was bigger than life. Harriet freeing slaves had a multiplying effect,” he concluded.

Advertisement

THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING ERIVO'S CASTING

The casting of Erivo to play Tubman was met with controversy too. In July, netizens slammed the choice of the British actress to play the part. Erivo was born in London to Nigerian parents and this didn't sit well with people who would have preferred an American actress to play the American heroine.

Others also slammed Erivo for hating on African Americans sharing a screenshot of her tweets that insinuate this. She reportedly referred to the American vernacular as a ghetto American accent.

"She doesn't understand black & she makes fun American Black women," an irate Twitter user wrote declaring to boycott the film.

Erivo addressed the hate by explaining that she takes her role seriously. It seems her portrayal was taken seriously too by critics who've lauded her performance.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Julia Roberts Flaunts Slender Legs in Shorts & Plunging Pink Jacket at Movie Premiere

November 29, 2023

Inside Julia Roberts' $11.25M San Francisco Home Where She Could 'Be a Person, a Mom, a Wife'

December 28, 2023

Michael Jackson’s Nephew Looks Like His 'Perfect Recreation' in a New Photo

February 14, 2024

Julia Roberts, 56, Wows in Red Dress with Slit Showing 'Stretched' Leg & It Ignites Online Discussion

January 12, 2024

7 Celebrities in Swimsuit That Caused a Strong Reaction among Users – Photos

February 20, 2024

7 Celebrities in Swimsuit That Caused a Strong Reaction among Users – Photos

February 19, 2024

Julia Roberts Looks Lovingly into Husband’s Eyes in a Rare Photo Alongside a Romantic Tribute

February 01, 2024

'No Words!': Julia Roberts Showed Her Twin Babies Whom She Has Kept Out of the Spotlight since Birth

December 01, 2023

This Man Is a Legendary Musician’s Son – He Called His Mom ‘Dragon’ & His Uncle Got Custody of Him

February 02, 2024

Matthew Perry Got Burned by Women Who Wanted His Money & He Felt He Was 'Not Enough' – Inside His Love Life

November 06, 2023

Fans Say Jaclyn Smith 'Has Done Something to Her Face' at 78 after Marrying a Doctor — Recent Photos

December 20, 2023

Inside Bryce Dallas Howard's Pink House Where She & Her Husband of 22 Years Raise Blond Children

January 09, 2024

Bryce Dallas Howard Shows off Slimmer Body in Figure-Hugging Blue Dress Highlighting Her Curves

January 15, 2024

Single Mom of 13 Kids Gives Birth to Quadruplets at 65, Gets Slammed by Critics for This

November 12, 2023