Julia Roberts rejected the role in Sam Raimi’s 1990 dark superhero film Darkman after her recent breakup with Liam Neeson, who starred as the lead. Roberts had auditioned for the part of Neeson’s love interest but chose to step away because of their personal history at the time of casting.
Julia Roberts Declines a Role in Darkman Following Split from Liam Neeson
Before achieving fame with his Spider-Man trilogy, director Sam Raimi made his mark in the superhero genre with Darkman, starring Liam Neeson as Dr. Peyton Westlake. Julia Roberts was considered for the female lead opposite Neeson but ultimately refused to participate. The reason: the two had recently ended their romantic relationship.
Liam Neeson and Julia Roberts had previously met during the filming of the 1988 comedy-drama Satisfaction, where their on-set connection sparked a relationship. While the film itself was not well received, the 19-year-old Roberts and the 35-year-old Neeson began dating, eventually moving in together in Venice, California. Their relationship lasted about two years before ending around 1990, just as Neeson was cast in Darkman.
Producer Robert Tapert told The Hollywood Reporter that the studio pushed hard to cast Roberts as Neeson’s love interest. Casting director Nancy Nayor disclosed details about their audition together, confirming the recent breakup and the emotional tension it caused.
She and Liam had dated briefly and were broken up. When they read the audition scene together, both actors had tears in their eyes. It was so intimate.
—Nancy Nayor, Casting Director
Following the emotionally charged audition, Roberts’ agent informed the production team that Roberts no longer wished to be considered for the role. Nayor noted that the breakup made continuing with the project awkward, as Roberts did not want to work alongside Neeson at that point. Despite this tense period, Roberts and Neeson reunited professionally years later on the 1996 drama Michael Collins.
After the Breakup: Julia Roberts and Liam Neeson’s Relationships Unfold
Julia Roberts experienced several notable relationships in her early career, many involving co-stars. After her split from Neeson, she was linked to actors like Kiefer Sutherland, Dylan McDermott, and Matthew Perry. Roberts and Sutherland were briefly engaged but parted ways in 1991.
She married country singer Lyle Lovett in 1993, but the marriage ended in 1995. From 1998 to 2001, Roberts dated actor Benjamin Bratt before marrying cameraman Daniel Moder in 2002. Meanwhile, Neeson pursued relationships with other celebrities, including a brief romance with Barbra Streisand between 1991 and 1992. He married actress Natasha Richardson in 1994, who tragically passed away in 2009.
After Richardson’s death, Neeson dated Freya St. Johnston for two years before declaring a period of singleness. Recently, he was rumored to be in a relationship with Pamela Anderson after they met on the set of the 2025 reboot of The Naked Gun, signaling a possible new chapter in his personal life.
The Impact of Julia Roberts’ Decision on Darkman and Beyond
Julia Roberts’ choice to leave the Darkman cast due to her breakup with Liam Neeson reveals how personal circumstances can directly influence casting decisions in Hollywood. Despite the initial tension, both actors managed to collaborate successfully later, proving professionalism can overcome personal history.
Sam Raimi’s Darkman went on to become a cult favorite among superhero films, with Neeson’s performance as Dr. Westlake earning praise. The film’s production challenged conventional superhero storytelling by embracing a darker tone.
Roberts’ withdrawal likely altered the film’s dynamic and casting direction, but her career continued to flourish, eventually making her one of Hollywood’s top stars. Neeson, meanwhile, sustained a prominent acting career with a recent resurgence on the horizon.
Darkman remains available for rental on Amazon Prime Video in the USA, offering viewers a chance to see the film that nearly starred Julia Roberts alongside Liam Neeson.
