“House of the Dragon” star Olivia Cooke auditioned for the role of Rey in the 2015 blockbuster “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” a part that ultimately went to Daisy Ridley. According to an interview on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Cooke auditioned in Los Angeles and directly for director J.J. Abrams, but she described her own performance as “bad” and noted the role was not a fit for her at the time.
How the “Star Wars” Casting Process Impacts Franchise Careers
Major franchise casting often functions as a high-stakes vetting process that shapes the trajectory of an actor’s career. According to Olivia Cooke’s appearance on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, she auditioned for the lead in the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy alongside a vast pool of talent. Cooke noted that “everyone and their dog” auditioned for the part of Rey, highlighting the competitive nature of tentpole film casting.
Actors often audition for multiple major franchises before landing a breakout role. Olivia Cooke’s path included roles in “Ready Player One” and “Sound of Metal” before she secured the part of Alicent Hightower in HBO’s “House of the Dragon.”
Why Auditioning for Major Franchises Remains a Standard Industry Practice
Casting directors for massive intellectual properties (IP) often conduct extensive searches to find the right chemistry for a character. Cooke admitted that during her “Force Awakens” audition, she felt she wasn’t “bringing it” and had let the room down. This reflection underscores a common industry reality: even established actors frequently experience auditions that do not align with their strengths or the creative vision of the production team, as reported by Variety.
The Evolution of Actor Selection in Modern Blockbusters
The industry has shifted toward more rigorous, chemistry-heavy audition processes for massive franchises. While Cooke missed out on the “Star Wars” role, she successfully pivoted to prestige television. Contrast this with the experience of Daisy Ridley, who was relatively unknown prior to being cast as Rey. This demonstrates that franchises often balance the need for high-profile talent with the search for fresh faces who can anchor multi-film arcs.
When preparing for high-pressure auditions, focus on character consistency rather than trying to replicate the performance of a previous actor or expectation. Cooke’s admission that she “wasn’t that kind of actor at that time” suggests that self-awareness is just as important as technical skill in a casting room.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did Olivia Cooke audition for “The Last Jedi”?
No. Cooke clarified on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast that reports of her auditioning for the 2017 film were inaccurate, labeling them a “weird rumor.” - Who played Rey in the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy?
Daisy Ridley was cast as Rey in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” released in 2015. - What is Olivia Cooke’s current major project?
Cooke stars as Alicent Hightower in the HBO series “House of the Dragon,” which is slated to conclude with its fourth season in 2028.
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