Natasha Lyonne’s audition tales: A journey through Hollywood’s casting rooms
A surprising revelation at a Q&A
During a recent screening and Q&A session for her latest film, His Three Daughters, Natasha Lyonne shared an intriguing anecdote from her early career. The actress, known for her distinctive voice and unique screen presence, revealed that she once auditioned for a lead role in the 1998 cult classic Wild Things. This erotic thriller, directed by John McNaughton, is remembered for its provocative scenes and unexpected plot twists.
The unexpected audition
Lyonne, who is currently starring in His Three Daughters—a film written and directed by Azazel Jacob—recalled the peculiar experience of auditioning for Neve Campbell’s role in Wild Things. The casting call had described the character as a “tough chick with black eyeliner” who had been in juvenile detention. Lyonne, ever the professional, showed up in character, complete with gelled-back hair and heavy makeup, only to find out that the role was intended to be more of an introverted outsider.
“I was nailing it,” she said, “but I was definitely not getting that part. It was not what they were looking for.”
Despite the mismatch, Lyonne praised Campbell’s performance, acknowledging that the film has stood the test of time.
Behind the scenes with ‘His Three Daughters’
His Three Daughters features a stellar cast, including Carrie Coon, Elisabeth Olsen, and Jovan Adepo. The film, which hits Netflix this Friday, tells the story of three sisters who come together to care for their terminally ill father. The roles were written specifically for the actors, a fact that left the cast both surprised and grateful.
The audition process: A love-hate relationship
Lyonne’s reflections on her audition experiences resonated with her co-stars. She spoke candidly about the emotional toll of repeated rejections and how stepping into roles behind the camera, such as her work on the Emmy-nominated Russian Doll, gave her a new perspective.
“I would be crushed again and again,” she admitted. “And I discovered on the other side as a producer, a director, a writer [that] it’s so not personal.”
Elisabeth Olsen, on the other hand, expressed a fondness for the audition process.
“I love auditioning,” she said. “You get to go act for a day. You have something to do for 20 minutes, something to focus on.”
Carrie Coon added that she views auditions as a mutual evaluation process, where both the actor and the director get to understand each other better.
“I like them knowing what they’re getting and I like knowing what I’m getting, too,” she noted.
Jovan Adepo’s competitive edge
Jovan Adepo, who comes from a football background, shared his intense approach to auditions. He would arrive 45 minutes early, lock himself in a bathroom stall, and listen to motivational speeches, particularly one from boxer Mike Tyson.
“By the time we get to that last step, I’m the best person in the room. I’m a god; no one can beat me,” he recalled Tyson saying.
This intense preparation helped Adepo channel his nerves into a focused performance.
A humorous recommendation
Lyonne’s anecdote about Tyson’s motivational speeches led her to humorously suggest “Mike Tyson’s Masterclass on Auditions” to the audience, eliciting appreciative laughter.
Final thoughts
The stories shared by Lyonne and her co-stars offer a fascinating glimpse into the often grueling world of auditions. They highlight the resilience and adaptability required to navigate Hollywood’s casting rooms. For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, these behind-the-scenes insights enrich the viewing experience, providing a deeper understanding of the actors’ journeys.
For more on His Three Daughters, check out the trailer and get ready to dive into a heartfelt story of family and resilience.