Following their collaboration on the Netflix horror drama Leave the World Behind, Julia Roberts and Sam Esmail are reportedly set to be reuniting on a new project. Directed and written by Esmail, and starring Roberts alongside Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha’la Herrold, and Kevin Bacon, the 2023 film follows a family on vacation, when two strangers bring news of a blackout on Long Island, prompting both families to navigate survival amidst escalating threats and personal introspection in a collapsing world.
Despite the absence of a film chief at Netflix, recent reports suggest that the streaming platform is actively pursuing another project with Roberts and Esmail, titled Panic Carefully, which is also attracting interest from major Hollywood studios.
Julia Roberts and Sam Esmail Are Reportedly Reuniting For a New Project
After the resounding success of the 2023 apocalyptic psychological thriller Leave the World Behind, Netflix is reportedly planning to lock down on Julia Roberts and Sam Esmail’s new project. Their previous collaboration with the streaming giant has garnered significant interest.
And Netflix is reportedly seeking to continue their partnership with the duo on a new project, Panic Carefully, which is being shopped to buyers. And the streaming giant, whose film chief Scott Stuber left the streamer to start a new media company earlier this year, is not alone in the race to get their hold on the film.
According to sources cited by Jeff Sneider, major Hollywood studios like Paramount and Warner Bros. have also entered the fray, offering promises of a theatrical release that could potentially elevate the film’s exposure and box office performance. The details surrounding the Panic Carefully are low.
While Netflix undoubtedly presents a tempting option with its established track record and guaranteed viewership, there’s a significant allure for Roberts and Esmail to explore the theatrical realm and gauge their impact on the box office.
The success of Leave the World Behind has bolstered their credibility and marketability, making them sought-after talents in the industry. The film swiftly rose to prominence as one of the streaming platform’s top-performing movies.
Sam Esmail and Julia Roberts Reflect on Their Creative Partnership
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Sam Esmail, and Julia Roberts reflected on their collaboration on the first season of Homecoming, in which Roberts starred as Heidi Bergman and Esmail served as executive producer and director, along with the 2023 Netflix film. Reflecting on their unexpected collaboration for the Netflix project, the actress said, “The first thing I think is, well, of course not. We couldn’t have dreamt this.”
The Pretty Woman star further explained, “When I first started being on set with Sam and having that creative daily relationship, there was something in me that was like, oh, we’re going to be doing this until the end of time together.” Esmail echoes Roberts’ sentiment, considering his experience on the psychological thriller TV series to be one of the best he’s ever had on a set.
He also described their 2023 film Leave the World Behind, adapted from Rumaan Alam’s novel of the same name, as the most challenging “stuff” of their career. With their proven track record of success and a deepening bond, Esmail and Roberts are expected to deliver yet another captivating cinematic experience with Panic Carefully.
Leave the World Behind is available to stream on Netflix.
