At the peak of her career, Julia Roberts was known not only for her charismatic acting but also for her complicated relationships with industry figures. One of the most notable controversies occurred during the filming of Steven Spielberg’s 1991 film Hook, where tensions escalated between Roberts and the acclaimed director.

Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman | Credit: Touchstone Pictures

The conflict, however, was not the only such incident, as the actress also had a contentious relationship with Edward Zwick, the producer of Shakespeare in Love. Zwick has since reflected on their fallout, admitting that their professional disagreements led to a lasting estrangement.

Producer Revealed the Casting Drama of Shakespeare in Love

John Madden’s 1998 film Shakespeare in Love was a huge hit, earning $289 million at the box office and seven Oscars, including for Best Actress for Gwyneth Paltrow, who took on the role of Viola de Lesseps in the movie.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Shakespeare in Love | Credit: Miramax Films

However, before Paltrow’s triumph, Julia Roberts was initially cast in the Oscar-winning role. According to producer Edward Zwick, Universal Pictures agreed to fund the film on the condition that Roberts would star in the movie.

While the process initially went smoothly, complications arose during the casting of William Shakespeare. In his essay for Air Mail, the producer revealed that he had arranged a chemistry read for Roberts with potential actors in London.

However, the Pretty Woman star was insistent on having Daniel Day-Lewis join the cast. He recalled how the actress tried to convince him to have the actor in the movie.

A still from Notting Hill | Credit: Universal Pictures

He’s brilliant — he’s handsome and intense. And so funny! — Did you see his performance in ‘A Room with a View?’ He’s done Shakespeare, too. Don’t you think he’d be perfect?…I can get him to do it.

Despite Day-Lewis’s disinterest due to his commitment to In the Name of the Father, Roberts persistently lobbied for him, even suggesting that Zwick cancel the chemistry read, convinced that Day-Lewis was the ideal choice for the role.

How Julia Roberts’ Sudden Exit Shook the Production of Shakespeare in Love

While Edward Zwick’s fallout with Julia Roberts never escalated to the level of conflict with Steven Spielberg, it still significantly impacted the production of Shakespeare in Love.

A still from Steven Spielberg’s Hook | Credit: TriStar Pictures

In his essay, he revealed that the actress had urged him to cancel the casting process, claiming that Daniel Day-Lewis had accepted the role. However, when Zwick met with the actor, he clarified his existing commitments and priorities.

Despite Roberts’ reservations, he proceeded with chemistry reads for alternative actors like Ralph Fiennes and Paul McGann. Zwick shared that he sensed that Roberts seemed uncomfortable and insecure, and was shocked to learn that she had abruptly returned to the U.S. and decided to leave the film.

Her departure created uncertainty, as Roberts was a key factor in Universal’s decision to fund the project. Despite that Zwick managed to persuade the studio, which had already invested $6 million, to continue with the film.

Shakespeare in Love | Credit: Miramax

He did not, however, reach out to the actress again. “I’ve never spoken to Julia again,” he shared, noting that he bears no ill will towards her and acknowledged their mutual youth and inexperience at the time.

The film eventually found a new home at Miramax Films, with Gwyneth Paltrow landing the role alongside, Joseph Fiennes. The film won seven Oscars with Paltrow earning her first ever Oscar for Best Actress.