Before achieving her current A-list status, Jennifer Lawrence experienced a significant setback when she auditioned for the role of Alice in Tim Burton’s acclaimed film, “Alice in Wonderland.” Lawrence has been open about her feelings regarding the disappointment, stating that it “really killed” her to miss out on this particular role. Speaking on the Howard Stern Show in 2018, she reflected on this failure, noting that it was the only audition she was truly devastated about losing.
Lawrence recounted that losing the role impacted her deeply, contrasting this experience with her general approach to auditions, where she typically adopts a mindset of acceptance when things don’t go her way. “Most of the time, you’re like, ‘Ah, it wasn’t meant to be, move on,’” she said. However, she felt differently about missing out on Andrew’s blockbuster, which would go on to earn over $1 billion worldwide.
The role ultimately went to Mia Wasikowska, a choice Lawrence respected, acknowledging Wasikowska’s perfect portrayal and distinctive British accent. Just three months after “Alice in Wonderland” was released, Lawrence’s career took a turn for the better with her leading role in “Winter’s Bone,” which earned her a Best Actress nomination at the 2011 Oscars and marked her official rise to stardom.
Following this breakthrough, Lawrence starred as Mystique in the “X-Men” film series and as the iconic Katniss Everdeen in “The Hunger Games,” solidifying her status in Hollywood. By 2013, she won an Academy Award for her role in “Silver Linings Playbook,” and earned further nominations in subsequent years for “American Hustle” and “Joy.”
Lawrence was also recognized as Hollywood’s highest-paid actress in 2015 and 2016 by Forbes, amassing a substantial fortune reportedly worth $160 million over her decade-long career.
Lawrence’s journey reflects the resilience and determination that often accompany success in the competitive world of entertainment. While a missed opportunity can feel devastating, Lawrence’s narrative serves as an encouraging reminder that setbacks can sometimes pave the way for greater achievements.