Psychological thriller film Leave the World Behind hit Netflix yesterday (December 8). It first premiered at AFI Fest on October 25th and was later released in select theaters on November 22nd. The film’s star-studded cast includes Hollywood veteran Julia Roberts as Amanda Sandford alongside Dead Poets Society’s Ethan Hawke and two-time Academy Award-winning actor Mahershala Ali. Given the complex nature of her character, Roberts is “honored” to star in the film.
Julia Roberts talks about her role in the film
The Pretty Woman star recently made an appearance on Sky News’ podcast Backstage, where she opened up about her feelings about her role in the film. Roberts said it was a “tremendous” opportunity for her and that she felt “grateful” for it. “[It was] a huge, huge opportunity in so many ways and I felt very honored and grateful and very ready and up for the challenge,” she said.
She continued, “On the first day, I was very much like, ‘I’m ready for this masterclass, I’m ready to take this class,’ and it was very much that, but in the same breath I felt so welcomed and treated as a peer and challenged, so the getting on it is my favorite thing.” The 56-year-old actress added that she is looking forward to playing more “more interesting and complex” roles in the future.
Speaking about her experience on Leave the World Behind, Roberts said, “And then you add [the other characters] and then to create all the conditions that Sam [Esmail, the director] he’s put us in, in this story, it’s like a sandbox.” Roberts also said she would be perfect in a hypothetical situation where the technology is cut off from the world, similar to the scenario depicted in the film.
“I’m 56 years old – I grew up with, like, Triple A Triptychs where you turn the page on the map and go, ‘Oh, Dad, now we’re going to come down here and… I’m going to [here],'” he said. “I mean, I can do it — I was a scout, come on! I’m not just an actor. I can tie all kinds of knots,” Roberts added.
“Falls down a lot. Unapologetic alcohol guru. Travel specialist. Amateur beer trailblazer. Award-winning tv advocate. Hipster-friendly twitter aficionado”