Rejection is a common experience, shaping who we become. Even celebrities like Meryl Streep face it. Saoirse Ronan, known for The Outrun, recently shared her own tale of rejection. The 30-year-old actress revealed to Jimmy Fallon how missing out on the role of Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter series affected her.
Instead, Evanna Lynch landed the beloved character, debuting in 2007’s Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The franchise surged to immense popularity, remaining one of the highest-grossing even last year. Lynch reprised her role in the subsequent films: Half-Blood Prince in 2009, Deathly Hallows – Part 1 in 2010, and Deathly Hallows – Part 2 in 2011.
Ronan recounted to Fallon, “There are roles you pass on and later regret, thinking, ‘Oh God, that was a misstep,’ but the one that has stayed with me was Luna Lovegood. I didn’t refuse it; I just didn’t get it. I lost again, which seems to be a theme for me.”
After losing the role of Yelena Belova, Saoirse Ronan doesn’t see herself working on a Marvel project.
“I think they’re brilliant films. I want to do bigger films… I would prefer to do Bond.”
(Source: https://t.co/gzgPFjJhT5) pic.twitter.com/HrS0tiwrN5
— MCU Film News (@MCUFilmNews) October 7, 2024
She added, “I auditioned for Luna because she was the Irish character. They brought in a lot of Irish actors, practically half of Ireland. I knew I was too young, but reading a scene from Harry Potter was the coolest thing ever.”
Despite missing out on Harry Potter, Ronan’s career has flourished. She made her film debut the same year Order of the Phoenix was released. At 12, she starred in the war drama Atonement with James McAvoy and Keira Knightley, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Her notable roles include Susie in The Lovely Bones, a teenage assassin in Hanna, and a baker in The Grand Budapest Hotel. Recently, she portrayed Jo March in Greta Gerwig’s Little Women and won a Golden Globe for her lead role in 2017’s Lady Bird, co-starring Timothee Chalamet.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Entertainment Weekly reports Saoirse Ronan reflects on missing the Luna Lovegood role in Harry Potter, feeling it’s a lasting regret due to her youth at the time of the audition.(read more)
- Metro reveals Oscar-nominee Saoirse Ronan’s candid admission of failing to secure the Luna Lovegood role in Harry Potter after a childhood audition, reflecting on a missed opportunity in her career journey.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Which role did Saoirse Ronan miss out on in the Harry Potter franchise?
Who was cast as Luna Lovegood instead of Saoirse Ronan?
What was Saoirse Ronan’s reaction to not getting the part of Luna Lovegood?
She said it stayed with her over the years.
What was Saoirse Ronan’s feature film debut?
Has missing out on the Harry Potter role affected Saoirse Ronan’s career?
No, she has had a successful career with major roles and awards.
