Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: Jennifer Lawrence reveals why she lost Sharon Tate role

Jennifer Lawrence just revealed why she lost the Sharon Tate role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The Oscar-winning actress said internet trolls claimed she was “not pretty enough” to play the iconic actress. Margot Robbie ultimately got the part in Quentin Tarantino’s acclaimed 2019 film.

Jennifer Lawrence Opens Up About Brutal Casting Rejection

During a recent podcast appearance, the 35-year-old actress disclosed how Quentin Tarantino originally wanted her for the iconic Sharon Tate role. Lawrence explained how internet comments derailed the opportunity. She recalled seeing harsh criticism online about her appearance regarding the potential casting.

“And then everybody was like, ‘She’s not pretty enough to play Sharon Tate,’ and then they didn’t,” Lawrence stated with characteristic humor. The actress acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding whether the online backlash truly influenced Tarantino’s final decision or if it was simply coincidental.

Sharon Tate’s Sister and the Casting Controversy

Interestingly, Sharon Tate’s sister Debra Tate had expressed her concerns about Lawrence’s casting, according to multiple sources. Debra Tate reportedly preferred other actresses for the role. Margot Robbie‘s ultimate casting received approval from Tate’s family, and Robbie even wore Sharon Tate’s personal jewelry during filming.

The Australian actress delivered a critically acclaimed performance that earned widespread praise. Robbie’s portrayal became one of the standout elements of Tarantino’s revisionist Hollywood epic, which also starred Leonardo DiCaprio as Rick Dalton and Brad Pitt as Cliff Booth.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Cast and Details

Lawrence’s Reflection on the Heartbreaking Moment

The actress added nuance to the story during her interview, acknowledging the possibility that her memory had been colored by storytelling over time. “I’m pretty sure it is true. Or it’s that thing where I’ve been telling the story this way for so long that I believe it,” Lawrence said with self-awareness.

She also considered an alternative explanation, suggesting that Tarantino may never have seriously considered her for the part, and online critics simply took it upon themselves to criticize her appearance unprompted. Either way, the experience highlighted the harsh realities of Hollywood casting and the brutal impact of internet commentary on career decisions.

“I’m pretty sure it is true. Or it’s that thing where I’ve been telling the story this way for so long that I believe it. Or he just was never considering me for the part, and the internet just like went out of their way to call me ugly.”

— Jennifer Lawrence, on the Happy Sad Confused Podcast

Was This Another Missed Tarantino Opportunity for Lawrence?

Interesting to note, Lawrence previously turned down another Tarantino role in The Hateful Eight (2015), which ultimately went to Jennifer Jason Leigh. The actress has expressed regret about that decision, stating she should not have passed on the opportunity. Between The Hateful Eight rejection and the Sharon Tate situation, Lawrence’s Tarantino collaborations never materialized.

The director is now taking a break from filmmaking after scrapping plans for his final film. Tarantino has expressed interest in pursuing live theater projects, potentially opening new doors for future collaborations with Lawrence or other actors. The film industry continues to evolve, and casting decisions remain influenced by multiple factors beyond pure talent.

Sources

• Deadline – Jennifer Lawrence’s interview on Happy Sad Confused podcast discussing her Once Upon a Time in Hollywood casting experience
• Firstpost – Coverage of Lawrence’s revelation and Quentin Tarantino’s casting decisions for the 2019 film
• Multiple Entertainment Outlets – Reporting on the Sharon Tate role controversy and Margot Robbie’s acclaimed performance

Jessica Morrison

Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.