Rejection is a common part of life, influencing who we become despite its painful nature.
Even famous personalities, such as Meryl Streep, have faced rejection from important roles.
Recently, actress Saoirse Ronan, known for her role in The Outrun, opened up about a rejection that has lingered with her over the years.
The 30-year-old shared on Jimmy Fallon’s show how missing the chance to portray Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter series affected her.
Evanna Lynch was chosen for the beloved character, making her first appearance in 2007’s Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
The Harry Potter series achieved cult status and remained one of the highest-grossing franchises even as of last year.
Lynch went on to reprise her role in 2009’s Half-Blood Prince, and in the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and Part 2 in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
In her conversation with Fallon, Ronan said: “There are things you’ll pass on and then they come out, and you think, ‘Oh God, that was a misstep on my part,’ but I think the one that stayed with me over the years — I didn’t say no to it, I just didn’t get the part. I lost, again. It’s a running theme for me.”
She elaborated: “I had gone up for Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter years ago, because it was like the Irish character, so they got everyone Irish in — like half of Ireland to come and audition — and I knew I wasn’t going to get it because I was too young, but I got to read out a scene that was going to be in Harry Potter and it was the coolest thing ever.”
Despite not being part of the Harry Potter universe, Ronan has carved out a successful career.
The Golden Globe-winning actress made her film debut in the same year as the release of Order of the Phoenix.
Ronan appeared in the war drama Atonement with co-stars James McAvoy and Keira Knightley, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress at just 12 years old.
Her notable roles include Susie in The Lovely Bones, an assassin in Hanna, and a supporting role in The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Most recently, she portrayed Jo March in Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women and received a Golden Globe for her leading role in 2017’s Lady Bird, acting alongside Timothee Chalamet.