Yahoo Movies Jessica Chastain reveals she turned down 'American Hustle' role which went to Jennifer Lawrence
Jessica Chastain turned down the role in American Hustle which ultimately earned Jennifer Lawrence an Oscar nomination.
Chastain told the Happy Sad Confused podcast she declined the part of Rosalyn Rosenfeld in the film, which was directed by David O. Russell, because of a scheduling conflict with 2014 period drama Miss Julie.
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The star said actors "never talk about" roles they've turned down, but she agreed to give an example of a time when she couldn't do a particular movie.
"I love David O. Russell… love, love, love, and I've always wanted to work with him. And I got offered American Hustle, the Jennifer Lawrence part," she said.
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Chastain added: "I wanted to do it. It conflicted with Liv Ullmann and Miss Julie. I had been attached to that for a long time and I worship Liv Ullmann, so I had to say like 'sorry, there's conflict'. And it didn't work out."
Miss Julie was written and directed by Ullmann, based on a 19th century play, and tells the story of the affair between the title character (Chastain) and her father's valet, portrayed by Colin Farrell.
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"Everything happens for a reason because Jennifer was also way better than I ever would've been in that part, " Chastain admitted.
The 44-year-old star noted her love for Ullmann has continued and she recently starred with Oscar Isaac in HBO miniseries Scenes From a Marriage — a remake of a series in which Ullmann starred for regular director Ingmar Bergman in 1973.
It's not the only role Chastain has turned down, with Doctor Strange writer C. Robert Cargill revealing she was approached to play Christine, which Rachel McAdams ultimately did.
American Hustle was released into cinemas in 2013 and was one of the biggest awards season successes of that year, earning $251m (£183m) at the box office and 10 Oscar nominations.
The role Chastain was offered was that of Rosalyn — wife of Christian Bale's con artist, who subsequently starts an affair with a mobster.
Read more: Chastain says Tammy Faye transformation damaged her skin
Lawrence was nominated for Best Supporting Actress, but lost out on the award to Lupita Nyong'o in 12 Years a Slave.
Chastain, who already has two Oscar noms under her belt, is eyeing awards recognition this year for her portrayal of the titular televangelist in The Eyes of Tammy Faye.
Watch: Chastain says Eyes of Tammy Faye make-up has damaged her skin
