Carey Mulligan, renowned for her substantial contributions to cinema, recently opened up about a role she regrets not landing — that of Lisbeth Salander in David Fincher’s adaptation of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” Mulligan, who has garnered acclaim for films like “Promising Young Woman” and “Maestro,” revealed that she auditioned multiple times for the coveted role, but it eventually went to Rooney Mara.
In an interview with Little White Lies, Mulligan recounted her experience with the audition process, stating, “I auditioned three times for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The first audition I did, I don’t think I was sort of in his mind for it.” She described the progression of her auditions, which involved a mix of nervousness and admiration for Fincher’s direct approach. The competitive nature of casting in Hollywood is highlighted by her journey, showcasing Mullligan’s willingness to push her boundaries and explore more contemporary roles amidst a backdrop of costume dramas.
Mulligan’s career has seen a remarkable trajectory, beginning with her breakthrough in “An Education” back in 2009, which set the stage for a series of prominent roles. Remarkably, she is among a select group of British actresses with multiple Oscar nominations, positioning her alongside cinema greats like Kate Winslet and Vanessa Redgrave. Despite the near-miss with “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” Mulligan swiftly rebounded, starring opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Great Gatsby” and contributing to the Coen Brothers’ “Inside Llewyn Davis.”
Looking ahead, Mulligan is set to collaborate with Daniel Craig once more in the upcoming adaptation of “Narnia,” directed by Greta Gerwig. This film is highly anticipated, slated for a limited IMAX release in late November, followed by its debut on Netflix on Christmas Day.
Mulligan’s versatility as an actress continues to be a source of inspiration, proving that career setbacks can lead to exciting opportunities just around the corner. Her journey serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished talents face challenges and that persistence often paves the way for future success.