LONDON: Julia Roberts was left terrified when a giant rat ran over her foot while she was filming new movie 'Eat, Pray, Love' in New York.

Julia Roberts was petrified when a giant rat ran over her foot while shooting her latest movie.

The 'Eat, Pray, Love' actress was filming scenes in New York with her co-star James Franco when the furry rodent scuttled across her toes, causing her to scream.

A source told National Enquirer magazine: "She looked down and saw the glittering eyes of a giant rat! She leapt to her feet and, even though the rat had run away, went into a wild hysterical dance on the sidewalk. She was shrieking so loudly the crew came running."

Julia was so upset she had to be calmed down by James, and would only continue with the scene when he promised her there were no more rats in the vicinity.

The 41-year-old actress plays Elizabeth Gilbert in the film, who realises she is not satisfied with her life and goes on a round-the-world trip.

This is not the first time a movie has been interrupted by an unwelcome creature.

Shia LaBeouf halted shooting on the set of 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' when a snake was discovered, and Kate Hudson locked herself in her dressing room after seeing a slithering reptile while making 'The Killer Inside Me'.