Saoirse Ronan Reflects on Missing Out on Harry Potter Role, Calls It a Regretful ‘Misstep’
Saoirse Ronan nearly landed the role of Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter, but it ultimately went to Evanna Lynch. Despite Ronan’s success in the industry and multiple Oscar nominations for her roles in films like Atonement, Brooklyn, Lady Bird, and Little Women, missing out on the Harry Potter role was a disappointment for her.
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Ronan reflected on roles she regretted not taking. She expressed her regret over not playing Luna Lovegood the most.
She tried out for the role several times but unfortunately didn’t get it. “I lost, again. It’s a running theme for me,” she revealed. Ronan remembered how half of Ireland auditioned for the role, which required an Irish actress. Despite feeling she might be too young for the part, she found the scene to be “the coolest thing ever.”
Luna Lovegood first appeared in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in 2007. Ronan’s fate took her in a different direction that year, with her role in Atonement earning her an Oscar nomination at just 13 years old.
Since then, Ronan has continued to impress with her performances and is now gaining Oscar buzz for her new film The Outrun.
During her interview with Kimmel, Ronan humorously referred to herself as “four times the loser” due to her multiple Oscar nominations without a win. She also mentioned her husband, Jack Lowden, who lost at the Emmys this year. Ronan joked that they are a “house of losers” and that they have low expectations for themselves when it comes to awards ceremonies.
Before each ceremony, they make a bet to go to the bar if they lose, which usually ends up happening. “We have very low expectations for ourselves,” Ronan joked.