Julia Roberts Reveals the Compelling Reason She Joined ‘After the Hunt’

Julia Roberts has explained her decision to star in the new dramatic thriller After the Hunt. The acclaimed actress shared her thoughts in a recent interview with her castmates. She was drawn to the complex and challenging nature of her character.

The film premiered in select theaters on October 10, 2025. It explores a tense campus scandal involving a serious accusation.

Unpacking Alma Imhoff’s “Icy Exterior”

Roberts plays Alma Imhoff, a philosophy professor. Her life unravels when a student makes a grave accusation. The student is played by Ayo Edebiri.

The accusation is against a colleague, portrayed by Andrew Garfield. Roberts told Entertainment Weekly what fascinated her about the role. She was intrigued by Alma’s steeliness and prickly demeanor.

“Her icy exterior and what that was about and what it was hiding and protecting, is what initially made me go, Hmm, this is interesting,” Roberts said. She found the character’s hidden layers compelling. Exploring those layers with director Luca Guadagnino became a creative draw.

A Stellar Cast Tackles a Tense Narrative

The project brought together an impressive ensemble. Andrew Garfield plays the accused professor, Henrik “Hank” Gibson. Ayo Edebiri stars as the student, Margaret “Maggie” Resnick.

Michael Stuhlbarg appears as Alma’s husband, Frederik. This casting adds significant weight to the film’s difficult subject matter. The actors’ collective talent elevates the intricate storyline.

The film’s limited release allowed for initial critical reaction. Its wider national opening followed on October 17. Audience reception will now determine its broader cultural impact.

The Julia Roberts After the Hunt role marks a return to dramatic intensity for the star. Her choice underscores a continued pursuit of nuanced, challenging characters in her celebrated career.

Info at your fingertips

What is ‘After the Hunt’ about?

The film is a dramatic thriller set on a university campus. It follows a professor, played by Julia Roberts, after a student accuses a colleague of assault. The story explores truth, power, and personal consequence.

Who else stars in the movie alongside Julia Roberts?

Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri play key roles as the accused professor and the student. Michael Stuhlbarg also stars as the husband of Roberts’s character. The cast is directed by Luca Guadagnino.

When was ‘After the Hunt’ released?

The film had a limited theatrical release starting October 10, 2025. It then expanded to a nationwide release on October 17, 2025. It is currently playing in theaters.

Why did Julia Roberts choose this role?

Roberts stated she was fascinated by her character’s “icy exterior.” She wanted to explore what that demeanor was hiding and protecting. The chance to collaborate with director Luca Guadagnino was also a major factor.