Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence has claimed that she missed out on a role in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” because industry commentators deemed her not pretty enough to portray Sharon Tate, highlighting ongoing issues with beauty standards in Hollywood.
In a recent episode of the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast released on Monday, Lawrence discussed her desire to work with certain filmmakers, including Tarantino. Host Josh Horowitz pointed out that Tarantino has expressed interest in casting her, leading Lawrence to reveal that she was initially considered for the role of Sharon Tate in the 2019 film. She explained that while Tarantino did want her for the part, widespread criticism about her appearance ultimately prevented the casting, with people saying she wasn’t “pretty enough.”
The role eventually went to Margot Robbie, who received praise for her performance. Interestingly, Sharon Tate’s sister, Debra Tate, had publicly stated in 2017 that she preferred Robbie over Lawrence due to Robbie’s physical resemblance to her sister, explicitly saying Lawrence wasn’t “pretty enough” for the role. This external commentary likely influenced the casting decision, as Lawrence noted during the podcast.
Beyond this incident, Lawrence also acknowledged turning down an earlier opportunity to star in Tarantino’s “The Hateful Eight,” a decision she now regrets. She was offered the role that Jennifer Jason Leigh played, but scheduling conflicts with “The Hunger Games” publicity led her to decline. Tarantino had previously confirmed this in interviews, expressing his admiration for Lawrence but understanding her prior commitments.
Tarantino himself has commented on the matter, revealing in a 2021 podcast that he considered Lawrence for a different role in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”—that of Squeaky Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson. However, after discussions and a script reading at his house, it didn’t work out, and the part went to Dakota Fanning. Tarantino praised Lawrence as a nice person and a respected actress, indicating no ill will from his side.
Lawrence maintained a lighthearted tone during the podcast, joking about other casting rejections, such as auditioning for “Twilight” and not getting it because she was “too ugly.” This self-deprecating humor underscores the actress’s resilience in the face of industry scrutiny and the often superficial criteria used in Hollywood casting. Her anecdotes reflect a broader pattern where physical appearance can overshadow talent and suitability for roles.
The revelation has sparked conversations about the persistent focus on physical appearance in Hollywood casting decisions. It raises questions about how such standards affect actors’ careers and the types of stories that get told, with Lawrence’s experience serving as a poignant example of the challenges faced by even A-list performers. Industry observers note that while progress has been made in diversity and inclusion, beauty norms continue to play a significant role in casting.
As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with these issues, stories like Lawrence’s remind us of the need for broader criteria in casting that prioritize talent, character alignment, and narrative fit over conventional beauty standards. Her openness may encourage further dialogue on creating a more inclusive environment where actors are valued for their abilities rather than their looks, potentially leading to more authentic and diverse representations on screen.
