Jennifer Lawrence Reveals Why She Missed Out on Playing Sharon Tate

Key Takeaways:

• Jennifer Lawrence claims she was considered for the role of Sharon Tate in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, but was told she wasn’t "pretty enough" for the part.
• Lawrence recalls being offered a role in Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight, but turned it down, a decision she now regrets.
• Debra Tate, Sharon Tate’s sister, preferred Margot Robbie for the role of Sharon due to her physical beauty and similarity to her sister.
• Tarantino had considered Lawrence for a different role in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, that of Squeaky Fromme, but ultimately chose Dakota Fanning for the part.

Introduction to the Story
Jennifer Lawrence has had a storied career with many notable roles, but there are a few that got away, including the part of Sharon Tate in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. In a recent interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Lawrence revealed that she was initially considered for the role, but was ultimately passed over for Margot Robbie. According to Lawrence, the reason she was not cast was that she was not deemed "pretty enough" to play the iconic actress.

The Role That Got Away
Lawrence recalled that Tarantino had wanted her to appear in the film alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, but ultimately decided against it. When host Josh Horowitz expressed disbelief at the reason for her not being cast, Lawrence insisted that she was "pretty sure" it was true. She even joked that the internet had gone out of its way to call her ugly, prompting Horowitz to defend the internet, saying it would never do that. Lawrence sarcastically responded, "No, those sweetie pies?" The exchange highlights the challenges that actresses face in the industry, where physical appearance is often a major factor in casting decisions.

A Missed Opportunity
Lawrence also revealed that she had a chance to work with Tarantino before Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, when she was offered the part of Daisy in his 2015 film The Hateful Eight. However, she turned down the role, which ultimately went to Jennifer Jason Leigh. Lawrence admitted that she regrets her decision, saying "I should not have done that." This missed opportunity is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the film industry, where one decision can have a significant impact on an actor’s career.

Debra Tate’s Opinion
Debra Tate, Sharon Tate’s sister, had a strong opinion on who should play her sister in the film. In an interview with TMZ before the film’s premiere, Debra stated that she preferred Margot Robbie for the role due to her physical beauty and similarity to Sharon. Debra said, "They are both extremely accomplished actresses, but I would have to say my pick would be Margot. Simply because of her physical beauty and the way she carries herself — it’s similar to that of Sharon." Debra’s comments highlight the importance of physical appearance in capturing the essence of a character, particularly when portraying a real person.

Tarantino’s Thoughts
Tarantino has spoken about wanting to work with Lawrence in the past. In an interview on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast in 2021, Tarantino revealed that he had considered Lawrence for the role of Squeaky Fromme in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. However, he ultimately chose Dakota Fanning for the part, saying that she "becomes" the character. Tarantino praised Lawrence as a "very nice person" and a talented actress, but said that "something didn’t work out" when they discussed the role. This insight into the casting process highlights the complexities and nuances involved in bringing a film to life.

A Lasting Impression
After the film’s release, Debra Tate praised Margot Robbie’s portrayal of her sister, saying that it moved her to tears. Debra said that Robbie’s tone and voice were so similar to Sharon’s that it was like seeing her sister again. This testament to Robbie’s performance highlights the impact that a well-crafted film can have on audiences, particularly when it comes to portraying real people and events. The film’s success is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of getting the casting right.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Jennifer Lawrence’s story about being considered for the role of Sharon Tate in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a fascinating insight into the casting process and the challenges that actresses face in the industry. While Lawrence may have missed out on the role, she has had a successful career and continues to be a talented and sought-after actress. The story also highlights the importance of physical appearance in casting decisions and the impact that a well-crafted film can have on audiences. As the film industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how casting decisions are made and how actresses like Lawrence and Robbie continue to thrive in their careers.