Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts joined forces in a collaboration that sparked tremendous anticipation. Around two decades ago, the two Hollywood actors brought forth one of the most renowned political dramas in cinematic history. Having already established themselves as formidable talents in their respective careers, their partnership inThe Pelican Briefwas a source of great excitement amongst the fans. However, intriguingly, despite their on-screen chemistry and compelling roles, Washington and Roberts never shared a single kiss in the movie.
But why? Was Julia Roberts not comfortable kissing Denzel Washington? Or did the script demand that their characters lacked romantic intimacy?
READ MORE:“I couldn’t believe it”: Julia Roberts Felt Betrayed by Steven Spielberg Whom She Dearly Trusted While Filming ‘Hook’
Julia Roberts opens up about why Denzel Washington did not kiss her inPelican Brief
Based on the 1992 novel by John Grisham,Pelican Briefis a thriller that revolves around the story of a law student Darby Shaw, portrayed byJulia Roberts, and investigative journalist Gray Grantham, played by Denzel Washington.
Uncovering the truth behind the assassinations of two Supreme Court justices, Shaw stumbles upon a far-reaching conspiracy that puts her own life at risk by becoming a threat to the killers. Determined to expose the truth, she reaches out to Grantham, and the duo embarks on the journey to gather additional evidence in order to unveil the hidden secrets.
Admitting that Roberts suggested Washington for the role from the very beginning, thePretty Womanactress said that Washington did some amazing things with the character. However, even though the movie received fairly positive reviews with a $200 million box office collection, what bothered most fans was how the characters did not even kiss once when according to the novel, they end up as lovers.
Initially, people believed that it was Roberts who refused to have any love scenes in the movie. However, refuting the rumors, she told Newsweek,
“I have taken so much sh*t over the years about not kissing Denzel in that film. Don’t I have a pulse? Of course, I wanted to kiss Denzel. It was his idea to take the damn scenes out.”
READ MORE:“I was wrong. It happens”: Denzel Washington Committed Big Career Blunder by Doubting a Novice Director Who Made George Clooney a Star
But why did Denzel Washington take out the love scenes?
Reportedly, ‘the greatest actor of the 21st century’ was worried about how an interracial kiss will be received by the audiences. Back in 1989,Denzel Washingtonfaced criticism from black women for a love scene with Mimi Rogers in The Mighty Queen. Adamant that he does not want to play into Hollywood’s beauty ideals, he explained to Newsweek,
“Black women are not often seen as objects of desire on film. They have always been my core audience.”
READ MORE:Angelina Jolie Confessed $151M Denzel Washington Movie Was the “Best S*x She Ever Had”: “It was really lonely and I went a bit nuts”
Respectful of Washington’s decision, Roberts went ahead with the changes suggested by Washington. However, this does not mean that theNotting Hillactress did not get her kiss. At the 2002 Academy Awards, when Washington won an award forTraining Day, Roberts managed to steal her kiss successfully.
Source:Showbiz CheatSheet
Devyani Sharma
Articles Published :288
With a portfolio of over 600 articles, Devyani Sharma is a freelance writer working in the Entertainment and Sports niche. With a Master’s Degree in English literature, Devyani places great importance on the power of words and their ability to connect with readers. When not busy watching sci-fi movies, action thrillers and comedies, Devyani indulges in her love for fiction novels and writing about NASCAR races.
