The Audition That Almost Was
Margot Robbie, the Australian actress who has since become a Hollywood sensation, once auditioned for a role in the popular horror anthology, “American Horror Story: Asylum”. The second season, set in the eerie Briarcliff Manor of the 1960s, boasted a star-studded cast with names like Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, and Evan Peters. But imagine a world where Robbie was part of this ensemble!
Eric Dawson, the casting director, recalls Robbie’s audition vividly. Although she didn’t secure the role, she certainly left an indelible mark on the team. “She left a lasting impression, leaving the team hoping to use her in the near future,” Dawson remarked. However, as fate would have it, Robbie’s star was on the rise, making her a challenging catch for the show.
The Role Robbie Might Have Played
While many might speculate that Robbie auditioned for the role of Sister Mary Eunice, played by Lily Rabe, there’s another character that seems more fitting. Grace Bertrand, portrayed by Lizzie Brocheré, is the character in question. Grace’s tragic backstory of being institutionalized after murdering her abusive family, coupled with her intricate relationship with Kit Walker and her mysterious encounters with extraterrestrial beings, makes her one of the most riveting characters of the season.
Given Robbie’s age and career trajectory at the time, it’s plausible to believe she auditioned for Grace. Prior to 2012, Robbie was primarily known for her role in ABC’s “Pan Am” and several Australian TV shows. And while Sister Mary Eunice was a pivotal character, Lily Rabe, being a returning cast member, might not have had to face the traditional audition process, making Grace the more probable role for Robbie.
A Blessing in Disguise for Robbie
While fans might lament the missed opportunity to see Robbie in the haunting corridors of Briarcliff Manor, it might have been a blessing in disguise for the actress. Had she been cast in “American Horror Story: Asylum”, Robbie would have been filming during the summer of 2012. This would have clashed with her shooting schedule for Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street”, the film that catapulted her to global stardom.
Robbie’s portrayal of Naomi Lapaglia in Scorsese’s masterpiece was a game-changer. Had she been tied down with “American Horror Story”, she might not have ventured into films like “Suicide Squad”, “I, Tonya”, or “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”. Her trajectory could have been vastly different, possibly leaning more towards television than the silver screen.
In Retrospect
Margot Robbie’s journey in Hollywood is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. A single audition, a single role, can change the course of an actor’s career. While Robbie’s absence from “American Horror Story: Asylum” might be a ‘what if’ for fans, it’s clear that her path was destined for bigger and brighter horizons. Today, over a decade later, Robbie’s failed audition is but a footnote in her illustrious career, proving that sometimes, missed opportunities lead to even greater successes.
