Whoopi Goldberg didn’t read the script before accepting ‘Ezra’ role

Whoopi Goldberg's loyalty and trust in her longtime friend and colleague, Tony Goldwyn, led to her joining the cast of his new film ‘Ezra’ without even reading the script.

Goldberg and Goldwyn previously co-starred in the iconic 1990 film ‘Ghost,’ where Goldberg won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Oda Mae Brown. Their reunion on ‘Ezra’ brings them full circle.

During an appearance on ‘The View,’ Goldberg spoke fondly of Goldwyn, calling him a "wonderful partner." She elaborated on her decision to join the cast, stating, “If [Tony] says he's got something, I don't care how other people respond to it, I'm there.”

In ‘Ezra,’ Goldberg takes on the role of a supportive manager to a struggling stand-up comedian, played by Bobby Cannavale.

The film also features an impressive cast including Rose Byrne, Robert De Niro, and Rainn Wilson. Goldwyn himself takes on both directing and acting duties in the project.

The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023, is finally hitting theaters nationwide this weekend.

Goldberg further explained her impulsive decision, revealing, “The vibe of the film was like, yeah, I want to be part of this. People don't usually ask me. So, when somebody says 'Hey, you want to come play?' It's like, yes!”

Goldwyn echoed Goldberg's sentiments, providing a glimpse into the casting process. "I literally just emailed," he said.

“We were talking about the movie coming together, and Bobby [Cannavale] and I thought, 'You know who'd be amazing... Whoopi.' I just sent Whoopi an email going, 'Hey, I'm doing this movie with Bobby and Bob De Niro, there's this part you'd be perfect for. Can I send you the script?'”

Goldwyn continued, recounting Goldberg's enthusiastic response, “You wrote me back immediately going, 'I'm in, just tell me where to show.' I said, 'Don't you want to read the script?' She was like, 'No, I'm there. Just tell me where to go!'”

‘Ezra’ opens in theaters nationwide this weekend, and moviegoers can look forward to seeing their on-screen chemistry reignited.