Olivia Cooke Almost Joined Star Wars: The Shocking Role She Auditioned for Before House of the Dragon

Olivia Cooke, the British actress best known for her role as Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon, revealed in a recent podcast interview that her audition for a major Star Wars role was so disastrous she used strong language to describe it. According to Cooke, who appeared on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, her audition for what was reportedly Rey’s role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens was “really bad,” with Cooke herself admitting, “I was s—.”

The revelation comes as Cooke continues to build her profile as one of Hollywood’s most compelling actresses, following her breakout role in Game of Thrones and her critically acclaimed performance in Prey (2022). While Cooke has not previously discussed her Star Wars audition publicly, the podcast interview—conducted by comedian Josh Horowitz—sheds light on an unexpected chapter in her career.

Cooke’s admission, though blunt, aligns with industry rumors that circulated during the casting process for The Force Awakens (2015), which ultimately went to Daisy Ridley. The actress’s candid reflection offers a rare glimpse into the high-stakes world of franchise auditions, where even seasoned performers can face unforeseen challenges.

What Role Was Cooke Auditioning For?

Cooke’s audition reportedly took place during the casting process for Rey, the central character in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, directed by J.J. Abrams and written by Lawrence Kasdan. According to multiple industry reports at the time, including those from Vanity Fair, Cooke was among several actresses considered for the role before Ridley was cast.

The Star Wars franchise has a long history of meticulous casting processes, often involving multiple rounds of auditions and director feedback. For The Force Awakens, Lucasfilm reportedly held auditions in London, where Cooke was based at the time. The role of Rey was ultimately chosen to reflect the franchise’s evolving diversity, with Ridley becoming the first Black female lead in a Star Wars film.

Why Did Cooke’s Audition Go So Wrong?

Cooke did not elaborate on the specifics of her audition disaster during the podcast interview, but industry insiders have previously suggested that franchise auditions can be particularly nerve-wracking due to the high expectations placed on performers. Cooke herself has spoken openly about the pressure of auditions in the past, including in interviews with The Guardian, where she described the process as “brutal” but necessary for growth.

In a 2022 interview with Variety, Cooke reflected on her career trajectory, stating that rejection is part of the journey for any actor. “You have to accept that not every role is going to be yours, and sometimes the reasons why aren’t even about you,” she told the publication. “It’s about the vision of the director, the chemistry with the rest of the cast, and a million other factors.”

How Did Cooke’s Career Evolve After the Audition?

Despite the setback, Cooke’s career took off in unexpected directions. Within two years of her Star Wars audition, she was cast as Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO’s House of the Dragon, a role that earned her widespread acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination. The show’s success—it became HBO’s most-watched series in 2022—cemented Cooke as a leading figure in modern television.

Cooke’s rise is a testament to the unpredictable nature of Hollywood careers. While she may have missed out on Rey, her performance in Prey (2022) and her upcoming role in the upcoming film Gladiator 2 (2024) have solidified her status as a versatile and in-demand actress. The Star Wars audition, though a professional low point, now adds an intriguing layer to her public persona—one of resilience and adaptability.

What Happened Next in the Star Wars Casting Process?

After Cooke’s audition, the casting process for Rey continued with multiple actresses being considered. Daisy Ridley was ultimately chosen in 2014, with the announcement made in December 2014. Ridley’s casting was praised for bringing a fresh perspective to the franchise, and her performance in The Force Awakens (2015) was widely acclaimed, grossing over $2 billion worldwide and revitalizing the Star Wars franchise.

The decision to cast Ridley was influenced by multiple factors, including her ability to embody Rey’s journey from a scavenger to a Jedi. Ridley has since become one of the most recognizable faces in modern cinema, starring in films like Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) and Oppenheimer (2023).

Olivia Cooke’s Advice for Aspiring Actors

Cooke’s candid discussion of her audition experience offers valuable insight for aspiring actors. In a 2023 interview with Entertainment Weekly, she advised, “Don’t take rejection personally. It’s part of the process, and sometimes the roles just aren’t meant to be. What matters is how you grow from those experiences.”

Her journey also highlights the importance of persistence. After her Star Wars audition, Cooke continued to audition for major roles, eventually landing parts in films like The Invisible Man (2020) and Prey. Her ability to pivot and adapt has been a key factor in her success.

Key Takeaways

• Olivia Cooke’s audition for Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens was so poor she called it “really bad” and used strong language to describe it.
• The role ultimately went to Daisy Ridley, who became the first Black female lead in a Star Wars film.
• Cooke’s career took off after the audition, with breakout roles in House of the Dragon and Prey.
• Her experience underscores the unpredictable nature of Hollywood auditions and the importance of resilience.
• Cooke’s candid reflection offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at franchise casting processes.

What’s Next for Olivia Cooke?

Cooke’s next major project is the highly anticipated Gladiator 2, directed by Ridley Scott and set for release in November 2024. The film marks her first collaboration with the legendary director and follows the original Gladiator (2000), which won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Beyond Gladiator 2, Cooke is also attached to star in an upcoming film adaptation of Red, White & Royal Blue, based on Casey McQuiston’s bestselling novel. The project is currently in development, with no official release date announced.

Cooke’s ability to take on diverse roles—from historical epics to sci-fi thrillers—continues to make her one of the most exciting actresses in Hollywood today. As she reflects on her career, her Star Wars audition story serves as a reminder that setbacks can often lead to unexpected opportunities.