7 Shocking New Career Moves & Full Biography Of Julia Roberts In 2025

Few names in Hollywood hold the enduring star power of Julia Roberts, and as of today, December 12, 2025, the legendary actress is making a dramatic shift in her career, moving away from romantic comedies to dominate the psychological thriller genre. This pivot, following the massive success of her 2023 film Leave the World Behind, signals a new, darker chapter for the Oscar-winning icon.

The latest updates confirm she is attached to several high-profile, intense projects, including the highly-anticipated Prime Video release of After the Hunt and the murder mystery adaptation of Kill Your Darlings, proving that the world’s most beautiful woman is now focused on the world’s most complex and chilling stories.

Complete Biography and Profile of Julia Roberts

Julia Fiona Roberts is an American actress and producer whose infectious smile and captivating screen presence cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Known for her iconic roles in romantic comedies and dramas, her career has spanned four decades, earning her numerous accolades.

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• Full Name: Julia Fiona Roberts
• Date of Birth: October 28, 1967
• Place of Birth: Smyrna, Georgia, U.S.
• Occupation: Actress, Producer
• Spouse: Lyle Lovett (m. 1993; div. 1995), Daniel Moder (m. 2002)
• Children: Three (Twins Phinnaeus and Hazel, and son Henry)
• Notable Awards: Academy Award for Best Actress (for Erin Brockovich), three Golden Globe Awards, and a BAFTA Award nomination.
• Breakthrough Role: Steel Magnolias (1989), which earned her an Oscar nomination.
• Iconic Role: Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman (1990), which made her an international superstar.

The Thriller Era: 4 High-Stakes Projects Shaping Her New Image

After a career defined by feel-good hits like Notting Hill and Runaway Bride, Julia Roberts has made a decisive pivot toward high-stakes, intelligent thrillers. This shift is not accidental; it’s a direct response to the critical and commercial success of her recent work and a desire to explore more complex, darker narratives.

1. After the Hunt (Prime Video)

One of Roberts’ most anticipated upcoming projects is the tense drama After the Hunt, directed by Luca Guadagnino. The film, which has generated significant buzz, sees Roberts grappling with a #MeToo scandal.

The plot centers on a college professor who must confront her own past when a student accuses one of her colleagues of sexual misconduct. The film is set to delve into themes of blurred truths and moral ambiguity, and it co-stars the Emmy-winning actress Ayo Edebiri.

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2. Kill Your Darlings (Murder Mystery)

Roberts is also set to star in and produce the adaptation of the novel Kill Your Darlings. This project marks a return to the murder mystery genre, a departure from her typical roles.

The story follows a successful literary agent whose life is upended when she discovers a manuscript that appears to detail a murder she witnessed in her youth. The film promises a complex narrative full of suspense and twists.

3. Leave the World Behind’s Phenomenal Success

The catalyst for Roberts' current thriller wave was the massive, streaming-record-breaking success of Leave the World Behind (2023). The apocalyptic psychological thriller, produced by the Obamas, saw Roberts play a cynical, distrustful mother navigating a mysterious global blackout.

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The film's exploration of modern anxieties, technology, and race relations blended deep themes with high tension, proving Roberts’ ability to anchor a serious, genre-bending drama.

4. The Panic Button Trend

Her recent career choices indicate a clear trend: Roberts is embracing roles that require a 'panic button' approach—characters under extreme duress in high-pressure situations. This includes her previous work in the political thriller Gaslit, her role in Leave the World Behind, and her upcoming parts in After the Hunt and Kill Your Darlings.

This shift has been exciting for critics and fans alike, showcasing her dramatic range beyond the romantic heroines she is famous for.

The Enduring Legacy of Hollywood’s Golden Girl

Despite her current focus on darker material, the legacy of Julia Roberts is built on a foundation of groundbreaking achievements that reshaped the entertainment industry. She was the first actress to command a $20 million salary, a landmark moment that broke the glass ceiling for female performers in Hollywood.

Her work is a masterclass in versatility, moving seamlessly between genres while maintaining an undeniable connection with the audience.

Iconic Roles and Topical Authority Entities

Roberts' filmography is a treasure trove of cultural touchstones. Her early career saw her rise to prominence with Steel Magnolias, leading to the global phenomenon of Pretty Woman alongside Richard Gere.

The peak of her critical acclaim came with the biographical drama Erin Brockovich (2000), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. This role demonstrated her capacity for playing real-life, tenacious figures.

Other key entities and films that solidify her topical authority include:

• Romantic Comedies: My Best Friend's Wedding, Notting Hill, Runaway Bride.
• Ensemble Casts: Ocean's Eleven, August: Osage County (Screen Actors Guild Award nomination).
• Family and Drama: Wonder, Closer, The Pelican Brief.
• Collaborators: George Clooney (a frequent collaborator and friend), Danny Moder (her husband, a cinematographer), and director Luca Guadagnino.

Her personal life, though kept relatively private, remains a point of interest, particularly her long-standing marriage to cinematographer Danny Moder, with whom she shares three children. Her commitment to family and her work with humanitarian efforts, such as the Clooney Foundation For Justice, continue to define her public persona.

In conclusion, Julia Roberts is not merely resting on her laurels. Her recent strategic shift into the thriller genre with projects like After the Hunt and Kill Your Darlings proves that she remains a dynamic, evolving force in Hollywood. Her legacy as a trailblazer is secure, but her current work is ensuring that her future filmography will be just as compelling as her past.