Julia Roberts Reveals the Only Sequel She’d Consider
Julia Roberts has famously avoided sequels, but there’s one exception: she’s always been open to revisiting Pretty Woman, the romantic comedy that made her a household name.
Sequels have a notorious reputation for tarnishing the legacy of beloved films. From the likes of Jaws to Mean Girls, many classics have suffered from ill-advised follow-ups. Even the most revered titles, such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, have not escaped this fate, with 2010: The Year We Make Contact serving as a prime example of a sequel that failed to capture the original’s magic. Of course, not every continuation is a misstep—The Godfather Part II and Aliens are often cited as rare exceptions. Yet, more often than not, sequels are seen as little more than a means for studios to cash in on previous success, banking on audiences’ affection for familiar characters and stories.
Despite the financial logic, some actors are resolutely opposed to reprising roles simply for the sake of it. Julia Roberts stands out among them, having consistently declined offers to return for follow-ups to her most popular films. Her reluctance is perhaps best illustrated by her swift rejection of a proposed sequel to Notting Hill. The idea, which would have seen her character Anna and Hugh Grant’s William embroiled in a messy split, was quickly dismissed by Roberts. Richard Curtis, the writer, once explained,
“I tried doing one with Notting Hill, where they were going to get divorced,”
but Roberts reportedly
“thought that was a very poor idea.”
Her stance is clear: she has little interest in projects that might undermine the charm of the original.
One Exception to the Rule
There is, however, a single film for which Roberts has expressed a willingness to consider a sequel. Pretty Woman, the romantic comedy that catapulted her to stardom, remains a significant part of her career. In the film, she played Vivian, a sex worker who forms an unlikely bond with a wealthy businessman, portrayed by Richard Gere. Their unconventional romance struck a chord with audiences and critics alike, earning Roberts an Academy Award nomination and helping the film become the highest-grossing romantic comedy of its time.
While the story has faced criticism for perpetuating the ‘hooker with a heart of gold’ stereotype, its popularity endures. Roberts herself has acknowledged the film’s impact, and when asked about the possibility of returning for a sequel, she once remarked,
“I’ve learned to never say never. I’m not a sequel kind of girl. But if I ever did make a sequel, it would be to Pretty Woman, and that’s it.”
Her openness to revisiting this particular role stands in stark contrast to her otherwise steadfast refusal to participate in sequels.
Why Pretty Woman Stands Apart
For Roberts, the prospect of a Pretty Woman sequel is unique. The film’s enduring appeal and the affection audiences continue to hold for its characters set it apart from her other works. It is perhaps the only project she feels could justify a return, provided the story honours the original’s spirit. Even so, the likelihood of such a sequel ever materialising remains slim, and perhaps that is for the best.