Glen Wilson/Focus FeaturesBefore Cynthia Erivo landed the coveted role in the historical drama Harriet — based on the life of abolitionist Harriet Tubman — the film’s screenwriter says one studio exec had the nerve to suggest Julia Roberts should portray the historical figure.
To avoid any confusion, yes, Julia Roberts is still a white woman.
In a recent Focus Features Q&A session with Harriet screenwriter Gregory Allen, Allen revealed the jarring 1994 conversation which he says reflected “the climate in Hollywood” some 25 years ago.
“I was told how one studio head said in a meeting, ‘This script is fantastic. Let’s get Julia Roberts to play Harriet Tubman,’” Allen explained. “When someone pointed out that
