The Real-Life Brockovich Had Another Star in Mind
Before Julia Roberts was attached, the real Erin Brockovich had her own casting ideas. In a 2020 interview, she revealed that her top pick to portray her was Goldie Hawn. Brockovich felt that Hawn possessed the same “zany, crazy” quality that she saw
in herself. It’s an interesting thought—Hawn’s comedic timing and charm would have brought a different, perhaps lighter energy to the role. Brockovich even noted that her former boss, Ed Masry, initially joked that Roberts wasn't the right fit, quipping that her “mouth's not foul enough.” At one point, Roseanne Barr was also suggested as a possibility, leaning into the character's famously tough and outspoken demeanor.
The Studio Explores Its Options
Casting Roberts was a landmark moment, as she became the first actress to command a $20 million salary for a film. But before producers Danny DeVito, Michael Shamberg, and Stacey Sher landed their superstar, other names were floated for the part. While specific A-list alternatives are part of Hollywood lore and often remain unconfirmed, the process was far from immediate. Executive producer Carla Santos Shamberg, who discovered Brockovich's story through a shared chiropractor, had always envisioned Roberts in the role but knew it was a long shot given her status as Hollywood's top female star at the time. The script, by Susannah Grant, also had to find the right director, with three others passing before Steven Soderbergh signed on, known for his skill in directing strong female leads.
Finding the Perfect Ed Masry
Just as crucial as the title role was the character of Ed Masry, the initially skeptical but ultimately supportive lawyer who hires Erin. Albert Finney earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his masterful performance, but he wasn't the only consideration. Director Steven Soderbergh needed an actor who could go “toe to toe with Julia,” someone who wouldn’t be overpowered by her star wattage. Finney, a legendary British actor with a powerful screen presence, was a perfect match. Their chemistry became the film’s anchor, a brilliant pairing of his grounded weariness and her explosive energy. Finney met with Masry before filming but chose not to do a direct impersonation, instead capturing the essence of a man whose belief in the law was rekindled by his unlikeliest employee.
How the Right Cast Came Together
Ultimately, the combination of Roberts and Finney proved to be lightning in a bottle. Roberts, seeking a role with grit and substance, fully committed, even shadowing the real Brockovich to capture her mannerisms and speech. When they first met, Roberts reportedly broke the ice by joking about not having her “boobs in yet,” a nod to the film’s memorable focus on Brockovich’s unapologetic style. Soderbergh's direction, which balanced the legal drama with character-driven moments, allowed both actors to shine. The result was a critical and commercial smash that grossed over $256 million worldwide and earned five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
