Julia Roberts and Ayo Edebiri: An Unexpected Friendship Forged on ‘After the Hunt’ Set
Hollywood royalty Julia Roberts, 58, recently opened up in a heartfelt interview, revealing an unexpectedly profound friendship with her “After the Hunt” co-star, Ayo Edebiri, 30. During a conversation with Deadline, published on Tuesday, January 6, Roberts became visibly and audibly emotional as she described the deep admiration and affection she holds for Edebiri, labeling her “one of the most talented young people I have ever spent time with.”
The highly anticipated film “After the Hunt,” which premiered in theaters in October, brought the acclaimed actresses together under the direction of Luca Guadagnino. The psychological drama casts Roberts as Alma, a distinguished Yale University philosophy professor, whose professional and personal life takes a dramatic turn when her brilliant star student, Maggie (played by Edebiri), levels a serious accusation of assault against fellow professor Hank (Andrew Garfield). The film delves into the complexities of truth, loyalty, and the devastating ripple effects of such allegations.
Their real-life bond, Roberts explained, began to solidify long before cameras even started rolling. In an earlier interview with PEOPLE in October, Roberts shared that she extended a unique invitation to the entire “After the Hunt” cast, including Andrew Garfield, Chloë Sevigny, and Michael Stuhlbarg, to her California home for an intensive two-week rehearsal period. This intimate setting allowed the ensemble to delve deeply into their characters and, crucially, fostered a genuine camaraderie among them. Roberts fondly recalled this period as instrumental in developing the “intimacy” she now shares with Edebiri, referring to it as “a gift that keeps on giving.”
The intensity of their on-screen dynamic also played a pivotal role in cementing their off-screen connection. Roberts specifically highlighted a poignant scene in the movie where Edebiri’s character, Maggie, slaps Roberts’ Alma. This powerful cinematic moment, according to Roberts, “sealed the deal” on their friendship, declaring them “friends for life.” When asked by Deadline what they typically discuss during their regular check-ins, Roberts simply replied, “Life,” underscoring the natural and genuine nature of their relationship.
The admiration is clearly mutual, with Roberts’ affection for Edebiri so palpable that she once playfully warned Edebiri, “I can’t look over at you right now, because then I’ll cry my fake eyelashes off,” during a joint interview with PEOPLE. Roberts’ feelings for her co-star, she stated, “are so profound.”
“After the Hunt” has garnered significant attention, earning Julia Roberts a prestigious nomination at the upcoming Golden Globe Awards on January 11. She is recognized in the Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama category, competing against a formidable lineup including Jessie Buckley (Hamnet), Jennifer Lawrence (Die My Love), Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value), Tessa Thompson (Hedda), and Eva Victor (Sorry, Baby).
Both stars continue to maintain busy schedules following their collaboration. Roberts is currently involved in a new project titled “Panic Carefully” and is anticipated to reprise her iconic role as Tess Ocean alongside George Clooney in “Ocean’s 14.” Edebiri, rapidly establishing herself as a versatile talent, most recently appeared in the film “Ella McCay” and contributed to two episodes of the HBO comedy “I Love LA.” Their shared experience on “After the Hunt” has clearly left an indelible mark, birthing a friendship that resonates beyond the silver screen.
