Did Jennifer Lawrence Really Lose Once Upon a Time in Hollywood to Margot Robbie? Here’s What She Said

Jennifer Lawrence has revisited a long-rumoured casting story from her career, offering a candid perspective that has reignited online discussion. The Oscar-winning actor recently addressed speculation surrounding her alleged consideration for the role of Sharon Tate in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, a part that ultimately went to Margot Robbie.

Speaking openly, Lawrence suggested that the decision was influenced less by her acting ability and more by public discourse around her appearance at the time.

Jennifer Lawrence on the Casting Controversy

During an appearance on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast, the 35-year-old actor reflected on how the situation unfolded. Lawrence said Tarantino had shown interest in casting her as Sharon Tate, but online commentary quickly shifted the narrative.

“He did, and then everybody was like, ‘She’s not pretty enough to play Sharon Tate.’ And then they didn’t,” Lawrence said, balancing humour with honesty.

She acknowledged that she has repeated the story so often that it has taken on a life of its own, but maintained that the wave of criticism about her looks played a meaningful role.

“The internet really went out of its way to call me ugly,” she added.

Lawrence emphasized that she never believed the decision was tied to her acting credentials.

Why Sharon Tate’s Casting Mattered

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, released in 2019, is set in 1969 Los Angeles and stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt. The film blends fictional storytelling with real historical events, including the Manson Family murders, making the portrayal of Sharon Tate especially sensitive.

Sharon Tate’s sister, Debra Tate, publicly commented on the casting at the time. While acknowledging that both Lawrence and Robbie were accomplished performers, she expressed a preference for Robbie, citing physical resemblance and presence.

In an earlier interview, Debra Tate said Robbie looked more like Sharon and embodied her spirit. After the film’s release, she told Vanity Fair that Robbie’s performance deeply affected her.

“She made me cry. She sounded just like Sharon. The tone in her voice was completely Sharon. I felt like I saw my sister again, nearly 50 years later,” she said.

Other Tarantino Roles That Didn’t Happen

Quentin Tarantino has previously stated that he also considered Jennifer Lawrence for the role of Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, though that casting did not materialize.

Lawrence additionally revealed that she turned down a role in Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight in 2015—a decision she now jokingly refers to as a regret. The role eventually went to Jennifer Jason Leigh, who earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance.

While Lawrence’s career has remained critically and commercially successful, her comments offer a rare glimpse into how online perception and public discourse can intersect with high-profile casting decisions.