For many, there’s nothing like curling up for a fun romantic comedy. Of course, it’s probably a totally different thing to actually be in one of them. Julia Roberts was in all the rom-coms until she had to draw the line. Apparently, there were just too many poor quality scripts that turned her off, so she took a 20-year break. There are some specific reasons that rom-coms just weren’t making the cut for her anymore, and we’re here to explore them.
For Roberts, nothing compares to “Notting Hill”.
While her romantic comedies from the 1990’s were what Roberts considered to be gold, newer scripts weren’t so shiny. She said during a New York Times interview , “Here’s the thing: If I’d thought something was good enough, I would have done it.” The sad truth for all those other rom-coms in the sea is that Roberts didn’t think they were a catch.
Her rom-com hiatus has been significant.
Roberts also mentioned that people don’t realized how much time she’s been away from the romantic comedy world. In 2001, she finished filming “America’s Sweethearts” and then decided that other projects didn’t look so very appealing.
She also has a busy schedule as a mom.
While she stepped away from the romantic comedy life, there’s a special job that she couldn’t imagine being without—being a mother. Roberts has three kids: Hazel Moder, 17, Phinnaeus Moder, 17, and Henry Daniel Moder, 14. With a bunch of teenagers around, it’s hard to imagine she has time for anything else, let alone rom-com life.
Roberts considers herself a homemaker.
Roberts told the New York Times that part of her departure from rom-coms has been because she enjoys taking care of her household. She explained, “I have a sense of great pride in being home with my family and considering myself a homemaker.” It’s important to know what we want in life, sometimes it’s time for a change. Roberts seems like she knew when to call it and move on…or so it seemed.
Roberts is making an exception.
While she hasn’t made any promises that she’s going back to her full fledge romantic comedy days, Roberts is dipping her feet back in with the 2022 film, Ticket to Paradise. It must be one exceptional film for her to come out of her unofficial rom-com retirement.
“Ticket to Paradise” reunites her with George Clooney.
Roberts and Clooney have been buds for awhile and starred in Ocean’s Eleven and Money Monster together. Now, they have the chance to work together again on this new project, and apparently they’re having a great time. “Ticket to Paradise” was written and created by Ol Parker and follows college friends that go for a post-grad trip to Bali when one friend suddenly decides to marry a man she just met. Family drama ensues.
There’s no telling what the future holds
Now that Roberts is trying out rom-coms again, she may find that she’s ready to make another switch. This time it would mean going from being a homemaker to romantic comedy extraordinaire again, or possibly balancing both.
It’s also about balancing schedules with her husband
Roberts and husband, Danny Moder, have to balance their careers and taking care of their children. While they’re a celebrity home, they still have a similar dilemma to many parents when it comes to balancing responsibilities. This is why it’s pretty admirable that Roberts is so keen on setting her own rules.
It may be time for a Julia Roberts rom-com marathon
Since it’s been awhile, fans may want to catch up on both classic and newer films starring Roberts while they prepare to go see Tickets to Paradise which arrives in theaters on October 21, 2022.
Let us know what you think of Roberts’ hiatus and recent return to romantic comedies in the comments and if you’re thrilled for Tickets to Paradise.
Last Updated on April 26, 2022 by Aria Watson