Saoirse Ronan on Losing the Luna Lovegood Role in Harry Potter
Saoirse Ronan, the acclaimed actress known for her remarkable performances, recently opened up about a role she missed out on that still stings: Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter series. During her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, where she was promoting her latest indie project, The Outrun, Ronan shared a light-hearted take on her pattern of missing opportunities, which she humorously describes as a theme in her career.
Reflecting on her experiences, Ronan commented on the nature of regrets, saying, “You think, ‘Oh God, that was a misstep on my part,’ but one loss that stuck with me is not getting the part of Luna.” She elaborated on her audition for the role, expressing that the character’s Irish background brought many hopefuls from Ireland to the auditions. Although she was aware that she was too young for the part, she cherished the opportunity to read a scene from the script, calling it one of the coolest experiences of her life.
Fans of the franchise will recall that Luna, an eccentric and beloved figure, was portrayed by Evanna Lynch starting with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The character, known for her quirky personality and strong spirit, was introduced in the books as a 14-year-old, with Lynch being just 12 during filming. At the time of her audition, Ronan was only 9 years old.
In addition to reflecting on the Harry Potter audition, Ronan discussed her recent scheduling conflicts that prevented her from joining director Greta Gerwig’s Barbie cast. She was set to play a version of Weird Barbie alongside Kate McKinnon but had to forfeit that opportunity due to commitments to The Outrun.
As she gears up for the release of The Outrun, based on Amy Liptrot’s memoir about overcoming alcohol addiction, Ronan is already generating buzz for potential awards. The film chronicles the protagonist’s journey of sobriety as she transitions from life in London to the serene Scottish Orkney Islands.
Ronan’s candid reflections on her past roles not only highlight her impressive career but also resonate with many who have faced similar setbacks in their pursuits. Her ability to embrace these experiences with humor is a testament to her character and resilience in the competitive world of Hollywood.