How Julia Roberts’ Most Controversial Role Nearly Sank a Rom-Com Hit

Julia Roberts has long been a staple in romantic comedies, but her role as Julianne in My Best Friend’s Wedding almost derailed that reputation. Before this 1997 film, Roberts had already made waves with her performances in Pretty Woman and Steel Magnolias, and she’d go on to star in other beloved rom-coms like Notting Hill and Runaway Bride. Yet, Julianne was a different kind of character—one whose actions left early viewers shocked and even angry.

In the movie, Julianne is far from the ideal best friend. When she realizes she’s in love with her longtime pal just days before his wedding, she sets out to sabotage his relationship with his much younger fiancée. Her behavior is undeniably selfish, and the film doesn’t shy away from showing her flaws. Director PJ Hogan worried that audiences wouldn’t be able to relate to Julianne at all, given how ruthless her actions appeared on screen.

Test Screenings and a Rejected Ending

Initial test audiences were so put off by Julianne’s choices that the original ending—where she meets a new love interest, played by John Corbett, after accepting her friend’s marriage—fell flat.

“They wanted her dead,”

Hogan recalled, describing the intensity of the negative feedback. Viewers simply couldn’t get behind Julianne’s motives, and the studio grew anxious about releasing a film where Roberts’ character ended up alone and unhappy.

With the pressure mounting, the creative team knew they had to find a way to make Julianne more sympathetic. The solution came in the form of Rupert Everett’s character, George, Julianne’s witty and honest confidant. By expanding his role, the filmmakers gave Julianne someone to confide in, allowing her to explain her actions and giving the audience a window into her conscience.

Rewriting the Character’s Journey

Every time Julianne plotted something underhanded, she’d turn to George, who never hesitated to call her out.

“We expanded his character. Every time Julianne talked to him, she’d explain why she was doing these terrible things; he’s her conscience throughout. Whenever she was being particularly devious I’d have her phone Rupert’s character and he would call her out on it. ”

This dynamic helped soften Julianne’s image and made her more relatable, even as she continued down a questionable path.

The changes worked. When the film finally hit theaters, audiences responded much more positively. Instead of leaving the theater angry at Roberts’ character, viewers found themselves rooting for her, flaws and all. The movie, which also starred Cameron Diaz and Dermot Mulroney, became a massive hit, earning $299.3 million worldwide and cementing Roberts’ place as one of Hollywood ’s most bankable stars.