Why Margot Robbie and not Jennifer Lawrence? The Tarantino casting dispute

The path to a role in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” was successful for Margot Robbie — but behind the scenes lies a controversial casting story. The Australian actress ultimately portrayed the female lead, a part that had previously sparked significant debate.

The Controversial Casting Discussion for the Lead Role

Jennifer Lawrence had applied for the same position and was considered for the role. According to Lawrence in an interview, the decision against her was influenced, among other things, by negative comments about her appearance on social media. She describes how online criticism may have reduced her chances for the part. This raises questions about the role of online discourse in professional casting decisions.

Tarantino’s Perspective: Different Views on the Decision

The director himself comments on this portrayal with some nuance. Tarantino offers an alternative explanation for the final choice in favor of Margot Robbie. The differing perspectives show how complex casting processes can be in the film industry. Ultimately, the decision for Margot Robbie proved successful — her performance in the film was widely praised by critics and audiences alike and contributed to the success of Tarantino’s masterpiece.